Three weeks until Carlsbad Marathon here in San Diego.

Life as a “single” mom is never done. My sweet daughter has had a rough three weeks, making my last three weeks rough. Except for my long runs, running and training has taken a back seat to a sick little girl.

Here’s a rundown:

1. One urgent care visit (on New Years)

2. Three Dr. appointments

3. Three pharmacy visits/two anti-biotics

3. Spontaneous, unexplained vomiting

4. Severe double ear infections

5. Pink eye in both eyes

6. I was down for 3 days over Christmas with stomach bug

7. One week of missed school

8. Lastly, I was running a 100.4 temp on Saturday, keeping me down all day.

When it rains?  We are hopefully both on the mend.

I had my last long run today, a 20 miler. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I even had the energy to start this run, much less finish it. But my good friend and training partner helped push me through despite this nasty head cold and weak body. It’s amazing what the body will do.

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt sheer exhaustion (ok, maybe after giving birth) but I’m fairly certain I was close to it this weekend.

I refueled during this run by eating Chot Blocks and Craisins (best thing ever while running). I went through almost 40oz of liquid, water and gatorade combined. That seemed to work pretty good. I tried to eat every 5 miles and drink often. This will be my race day strategy.

Final thought…“What’s harder than steel? The last six miles.“