Thanks for all the encouragement! Yes, I'm sure I looked quite a fright when I got back to my car. Did I neglect to mention that I wear a combo zinc oxide/titanium dioxide sunscreen as well? So, add to your mental picture a VERY pale face!

This will be my first marathon (early December). I'm encouraged to hear what all of you are doing for training as well. Last year I did a 1/2, but injured myself cycling about a month beforehand and never completed my running training plan . . . I completed the 1/2, but really HURT for days afterward. I'm hoping to avoid that this time!

Thanks for the fluid carrying ideas. I'll have to try some different ones out to see what works.

All of you with injuries -- TAKE CARE!

And keep your stories coming . . . it really is an encouragement to read what you all are doing.

P.S. KSH--I'm very lucky in that there is a local dance school that offers many adult classes (not just the basic beginner classes you're likely to find at parks & rec, but all the way from beginner to pointe for ballet and lyrical and jazz and tap and even hip-hop as well!). And, it's right around the corner from my office!