Burst Into Summer: Aug 24 Check-In

Here we are, another week into the Burst Into Summer challenge over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  Can you believe this challenge (and summer) are almost over?

Since I was never in this challenge as a team member or someone trying to lose weight, I haven't really given it my "all" like I have with past challenges.  This past week's mini challenge was to work on breathing before we even got out of bed.  I'd have to say I pretty much failed at that, but I have been trying to stop and take a few deep breaths when I start feeling stressed.  Considering I go back to work next week and my kids are at freshman orientation as I type (hold me) I'm needing those deep breaths.

I have my longest marathon training run coming up this weekend (18 miles) and I'm beginning to freak out.  I've changed my route about 852 times in the past couple days and keep rethinking what I'm going to bring for fuel and hydration.  I'm seriously considering making asking my husband to bike along side as I run in case I get into trouble and also to sherpa (yes, it's a verb) more water and nuun for me.  Asking someone to bike for nearly 4 hours at a whopping 5.2 mph is downright cruel, but unless I want to just do a bazillion loops near home, it might be my only option.  Plus, the north-south out and back is the flattest route.  If I do loops, I'll get mega hills, which I don't really want for my first 18.  Decisions, decisions.

Speaking of the marathon, I would LOVE your help in getting across the Grand Rapids Marathon finish line.  I have set up a sponsorship page in which you can help me reach my goal of crossing the finish line (sponsorship will help pay for race fees, nutrition/hydration, shoes, etc).  You can click HERE, or click on the tab above.  I would love and appreciate any support you can give me.  Bloggy and linky love will follow, as well as the ability to sponsor individual miles and run "with" me on October 16th.  I cherish all the love and support my readers have given me this year.  I wouldn't be attempting this race without you.


What do you endurance athletes do for hydration on these uber long runs?  My fuel belt only holds about 20 oz if I fill the bottles all the way to the top and I generally run on trails that are not open to vehicles, so driving out to drop extra bottles isn't really an option.  Help a girl out, m'kay?