1/6 of a Marathon

With our office closed for Patriot's Day and the Boston Marathon today, I jumped at the chance for a nice run outside.  I knew it was an unseasonably warm day, but in the 8 or so months since I've run in 90 degree weather, I'd forgotten what an effect it can have and couldn't wait to get some sun.

To say I ran below my normal pace would be an understatement.  In fact, to say I ran at all is probably an overstatement.  Here's what I kept telling myself to get me through the stitch in my side (what causes that, by the way?  I can't remember the last time I got a stitch in my side while running) and the heat:

1) Everybody driving by you is trying to figure out whether you're running or walking.  Move it.
2) Thousands of people are running 26.2 miles today.  You're doing 1/6 of that.  Quit your whining.
3) Ooh, Ri-Ra!  I haven't been there in a while! (A woman with a stroller walked by me wearing a Ri-Ra t-shirt, and Ri-Ra just happens to be one of my favorite bars. I think I even smiled briefly at that point.)

With summer right around the corner and my run distances increasing, I want/need to stop running on a treadmill during my lunch break and start waking up early and running outside in the morning.  Problem is, mornings and I don't exactly get along.  Every cheesy coffee cup saying about mornings was written about me.  If any of you morning runners have any advice, I'd love to hear it!

Congratulations to all of the Boston Marathoners! 

-Nicole