Colby, I think it's far better not to do the half-marathon if it means you get better more quickly. It's one race and there is always next year.

Jes, I have been kind of busy and out of it but I didn't realize you were injured. Get better soon!!!

Ama, be sure to use Body Glide with the HRM strap. At least with me, I get a lot of rubbing where the electrode thing is

I ran 8 miles today. I had been a bit nervous and discouraged. I have a huge sore on my thigh where my tights lost a seam on my last run. With the hole in my tights (had planned to do the marathon in them), a forecast for cooler weather so my normal sleeveless run shirts wouldn't work, and run bras that were becoming stretched out and uncomfortable, I was thinking that I was in no way ready to do this. DH took me to the run store where I got the comfiest running shirt, we got new tights and a new bra, and I put the whole ensemble together as a test today. It was fantastic. I still have spots that are rubbed raw but with the new tights I couldn't feel the one on my leg. The shirt was so fantastic and the shoes I plan to wear are feeling good. I had my best time yet on 8 miles and I wore what I plan to wear next sunday, including my race belt/gel holder.

Running is NOT a cheap hobby

And now to get that thing on my leg to heal. At work I wear a bandaid because it gets rubbed by my pants and then sticks to them. OUCH!!! Of course I'm allergic to bandaids so it makes the area around it break out...lovely. I bet if people were to see me in shorts (or a swimsuit due to the HRM/workout bra/tights chafing), they'd think I was contagious.

Jen, I've been carrying my water bottle with me wherever I go. It looks geeky but then again after the above description, would one expect anything else?!