I can’t believe the half marathon is almost here… Sunday October 3rd is the big day that I have spent 12 weeks training for… I started packing today because I want to make sure I have everything I need for race day…

This will be my fourth half marathon and I have learned the importance of being well prepared with things like my favorite socks and shorts.. the energy gel or gummies that I have used in training.. I also like to make sure I have flip flops to change into after the race and comfortable clothes… there is nothing worse than walking around in sweaty clothes on a cool day…

I checked the forecast for New York City on Sunday and it looks like partly cloudy skies with a high of 63 degrees… The race starts at 8:00am so if the forecast stays the same we will have perfect running weather for the race…

I am going with my friends Laura, Alison and Lindsey… we leave bright and early Saturday morning… get to Long Island.. pick up our race packets and then head to Laura’s aunt’s house… she has been kind enough to let us stay with her for the weekend..

I have to say I am a little nervous about this one… I know I am never going to win one of these things… but the thought of competing against myself is a little daunting… my third half marathon was a major “P.R.” for me… my “personal record” best is 1:49… for 13.1 miles.. I must have had a good stride going that day because my math shows that is a pretty fast pace for me to beat…

I am definitely in better shape now than I was for the 2009 Shamrock in VAB but not sure if I’ll be able to beat my time… it will depend on the crowd and the route… when Alison and I ran the Cherry Blossom in Washington D.C. I was so disappointed with my time because I could never get a good pace going… the crowd was so thick and the course kept doubling back on itself creating a bottle-neck…

Whether I beat my time or not I am planning to enjoy myself… the Divas Half Marathon has a medal with a lot of “bling”... tiara and boa stops along the route… and a glass of champagne at the end for finishers…followed by a dance party… good running time… or bad… good times will be had.