T-4 Days and counting

   Whew! It feels like summer out here! Quite the change from the weather we've had the past few months. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. But I am noticing that it is quite different running in 80- 85 degree dry heat than it was when it was 65-75 degrees and windy. I do love it though. I'm a guy who will take heat over cold any day of the week.
   A few changes do have to be made, however, to help me not passout mid-run. Like it or not, if you haven't trained properly for it, different conditions can cripple you. If you are planning a race somewhere warmer or more humid than the climate you're used to, they recommend you layer clothing to simulate the extra heat. There is a guy who runs my street almost every day in sweats, even in the summer. I can't even imagine. I'm not going that far by any means, but I am adjusting my running times. The marathon starts early, so it should be cool at the start, but I want to be used to the heat for when that comes. So this week, I am running as close to noon as I can. I'm waiting until it gets good and warm and then tackling my six miles. The main thing for me is to hydrate even more. It's so interesting to me to see how people do things differently during a run. My Uncle hardly drinks or eats anything before a race. I, on the other hand, could drink a whole bottle of water every mile and still want more. So when it's warm, I might as well drag a garden hose with me.
   Today's run went amazing. I went down to Mission Bay. It is a truly beautiful place to run. Plus, there are water fountains all along the way. My music was especially wonderful today as well. I was rockin' the whole hour to a great 80's mix provided by a couple of friends, Ryan and Gina, who responded to my need for a marathon soundtrack. It was just enough run time to provide a sampling of what they prepared, but it was enough to get me even more excited about the run. People must've thought I was truly nuts when I would blurt out random shouts of joy as great tune after great tune came on. Thanks a lot for that guys!
   Tomorrow I will do a nice long Bike ride, and then Friday I will post again after my nine miler. My final run before the big day. It feels weird that this is coming to a close. As ready as I am for the race, I'm not sure I'm prepared for the closure that will come with it.  Be sure to watch for my post on Saturday, and especially on Sunday. It will be a special one.