And So It Begins.

After snoozing 30 minutes past my 6:00 a.m. wake-up call, I set out for a couple of easy laps around the Reservoir.

I returned home to coffee, His Lordship icing his knee, and a crazed cat (typical).

As I logged in my Daily Mile entry, a familiar bittersweet feeling washed over me, as I realized that was my last training run of the season.

Tomorrow, my friends and I embark on our journey overseas to Ireland to conquer 26.2 (or 13.1, or, if you’re a looney toon, 39.3) green miles. I’ve sort of packed—half of my suitcase contains most of my running wardrobe, as I still have no idea what to wear. Will it be cold? Is it going to rain? Will I contract the plague? All of this, combined with my inability to stay clear of cupcakes and sugared things, have muddled into a nice hot cup of taper hell.

In an effort to keep me somewhat sane, my comrade and running partner has calmly told me to “keep my composure.”

Keep. My. Composure.

Also, remember to wear clothes on the run.

And stay away from chocolate and Rice Krispies treats. And lay off booze. And do not catch germs. And be weary of jet lag.

See y’all in Ireland.

It’s Race Week.

I’m not sure if you know this, but it’s Race Week. Well, you probably did know that because that’s the title of this post. Brilliant.

In any event, Race Week (in my mind) is a week where every single happening has some deep and meaningful explanation behind it. Erego, If I were to start my week on a sour note, it could lead to a very stressful weekend race.

I spilled coffee in my lap first thing Monday morning. At work. In my cubicle. I immediately thought it would turn my entire week into a nightmare.

“CURSE YOU, COFFEE. YOU AND YOUR POWERFUL CAFFEINE ARE SETTING A BAD IMPRESSION ON MY RACE WEEK.”

Other fun things on Monday? I awoke to the following weather forecast:

Please note the forecast for Saturday.

What the $h*t is that? Thunderstorms?! REALLY?! I expressed my concerns to Claire who quickly backfired with, “Maybe you’ll be struck by lightning and get super powers like Alex Mack or something.”

Well played, friend.

Then I saw the lovely Monday Mantra that ES posts every week. And my mood shifted.

I realized it was time to take a step back and collect myself for a minute. Chill out, Abbe Lew, this week is what you make of it. So there’s coffee in your lap? Clean it up. Also, do you remember that you spilled coffee on yourself last Friday because you didn’t screw the lid on tight enough? Perhaps it’s time to learn from your mistakes, hm?

Our bib numbers have also been distributed. This is the first time my bib has contained 4 numbers (instead of 5) in any half or full marathon. ALL THINGS POSITIVE IN THAT SENTENCE.

Also exciting, I get to spend time with one of my best friends this weekend and that puts the biggest (and probably goofiest) smile on my face. AND OUR FAMILIES WILL BE THERE. CHEER SQUAD. BOOM.

Methinks it’s time to take all of my nerves and shove them in the back of my closet this week. It’s time to get excited. Excited for all of those things listed above. Let’s do this, legs. Let’s go to Kentucky and run a GD marathon.

Greetings From Sunny Taper Town.

Sunny? Incorrect. It’s filled with gloom, rain clouds, and emoticons with frowny-face expressions.

My first visit to Taper Town included longings for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Maker’s Mark. Although some things haven’t changed (ahem, I haven’t had any Maker’s since January 1), this go-round is slightly different than the last.

And here’s why:

1. I’ve done this before. Well, duh, Abbe Lew. Before you stop reading, let me explain. My first visit included the unknown as it was my first Marathon. This time, I’ve started analyzing my game plan and how NOT to screw my hip into an injury at mile 13. I’ve also thought about racing against my time, as I only ran it last time (well, barely). This time I want to race it. Or do I? I don’t know. Thus brings me to..

2. I’m wish-washy. Hm? What? You want to know what my plans are after work? I’m going for an easy 6 mile jaunt through Central Park. Or maybe the East River Path. Or maybe the West Side Highway. Whatever works. You want to meet me? No, you probably don’t. I won’t decide where I’m going until I leave my apartment and that will probably include me turning around twice and grunting about not making up my mind. You still want to go with me? Are you sure? Cause it’s not just with running, it’s with all facets of life. You want to hang with me afterward for dinner? Well I don’t know what I’m making. GASP, I know. I normally have mapped out cooking and meals and weekend plans for weeks. Not so as of late. Sorry friend, can you make decisions for me for the next eight days? K, thanks.

3. I’m loving rest days. Well this one’s new, as I normally get restless (look at the pun!) without some kind of activity. I don’t have to run or spin? Or do core (did I really do that much core to begin with?)? Stellar. Astor, let’s play.

SO EXCITED TO PLAY.

4. I can’t stop eating chocolate. This one’s also new. I know a lot of you love eating chocolate and 16 Handles and cupcakes. I overdosed on that when I was a kid—SERIOUSLY. I even got a nickname out of it from my parents who so delightfully call me “Judy Junky” because I divulged in sweets of all kinds. Hang on a second readers—my parents are wonderful parents and did not force feed me sweets when I was a child. I simply snuck them into the grocery cart. It’s not stealing, I swear. It’s…MAGIC. (Also my friends who are becoming parents, watch out for that trick around the age of 4-5. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.) But back to my necessity for candy. I need it everyday. So much so, in fact, that I have to have Oreos before bed. Also, Oreos before a seven course dinner. ALL THINGS OREOS. OREOS ALL THE TIME. I’m going to take best friend Danielle’s advice in taking a glass, filling it with Oreos, and covering it with milk. Aka, the “Poor Man’s Milkshake.” It sounds delightful. I’d like three right now.

I love you Mama. No, I'm not secretly hiding candy under my pretty dress.

So as I have nine eight days until the Kentucky Derby Marathon, I’m sure I’ll find some other fun things to do in Taper Town. For now, you can find me at home or in the office being indecisive with a mouth full of Rolos.