Long runs and marathons are my jam, but we have a complicated relationship past mile 18. Mile 18 is where things always ALWAYS get dicey and tough. My mind starts trying to protect my body coming up with excuses at mile 18. Mile 18 is where the work happens, at mile 18 of a race I dig in when it gets hard and I know I am going to have to give myself a mental hug. A mental hug that thanks my mind for trying to protect me. A mental hug that tells me I am strong. A mental hug that includes Missy Elliot... Because when things get tough, I ask myself "Is it worth it? Let me work it. I put my thing down, flip it, and reverse it. ti esrever dna ti pilf nwod gnihtym tup i" I turn to music to push through and this song always ALWAYS gets me out of my head and onto the road to blow past mile 18 to finish!