rain,runs and races

I've still got that last long run on my mind today, and I thought jotting down some things I learned from it would be a good way to start my week of training. 1. Running long is probably best done in the morning when my stomach is empty. 2. Too much liquid intake during any kind of run can cause stomach discomfort. 3. Eat a smaller amount of power bar gel cap thingys, or possibly try a different form of energy replacement. 4. Try as often as possible to have a rest day or gentle cross train day the day before the long run. 5. Look into adding some more stretches to my routine, especially for my calves, and 6.eat more bananas.
I've got less than two weeks until my half marathon, so I'm scaling back the amount of miles per week to taper before my race. I'll be using the last two weeks of the Hal Hidgon Novice Half Marathon training that I completed over the summer. I'll switch back over to my full marathon training after the race (provided I don't come to my senses and decide that half distance is as far as I want to race.). I'm looking forward to taking it a little easier, and seeing the results on September 27. Who knows, maybe I'll even miss running for 3 plus hours.
I've got another issue with the big toe, and started some antibiotics yesterday to help clear up an infection. After the half I'm going to go back to the podiatrist and have her take another look at the toenail, and hope she won't have to take any more off. The problem is the same I had last year, on the same toe, but now on the left side of the toe instead of the right. I'm getting new shoes tomorrow, and am going to make sure I get fitted with a shoe that has the biggest toe box I can find. Maybe something similar to a clown shoe. Somehow that toe has got to be hitting my shoe pretty hard to cause so much damage. I'm already wearing one size bigger running shoe than street shoes, so I wonder if I need to go up another half size ? I'll let the experts at Run On help on on this one. I had planned to visit the Rockwall Running Center, but I really think I need Run On's expertise and wide shoe selection at this point.
I'm counting my triathlon spectating as the cross training for the weekend. I enjoyed watching the Captain race ( despite the pouring rain) and look forward to reading his race report. Walking around the UNT campus with both kids to watch different pieces of the competition I think counts as some pretty good gentle exercise.
Today I'm feeling very lucky and greatful to have such great friends and family. They have all given me so much inspiration and encouragement during my training and it helps keep me going. I appreciate you all so much !