Responses, thoughts...

Hi there, running ladies!
I wanted to respond to the chatter but also post something since I haven't in a while so I am combining them.
First off, Hax, definitely don't be so hard on yourself. This past weekend was brutally hot, so be proud you did what you did. It may help you to try and deduce what contributed to your run going downhill (sorry, that's a poor choice of words) but I know the past two weeks my long runs have been killer because of both the heat and the water situation. Each time I've thought I'd have enough to get me through, but I am probably guilty of not hydrating enough in the days before AND not leaving with enough water from the start. I talked with Margaret yesterday, and she mentioned that she hides water along her route so that it's there when she needs it... since most of my longer runs are out-and-backs along the Mount Vernon trail, I think I'll hide a bottle (water mixed with accelerade or something) somewhere along mile 2 so that it's there when I return, dying of thirst. This past weekend, things were going relatively well until mile 10ish (I was only doing 12) when the clouds broke, it started to get really toasty and the water in my bottle was both minimal and warm. AND I had downed a Cliff gel during mile 9 which makes you ridiculously thirsty. At any rate, I finished the run but not in my best state, and determined to make the 15-miler a better day.
As far as mental tips, one thing I have been thinking about a lot lately, since I, too, have been questioning my ability to complete this training and perform well at the marathon, is that the training is the hard part! It's supposed to be tough, but we're putting in the work so that we can get the payoff at the marathon. So anytime I am struggling during a run or dreading an upcoming long run, I just remind myself that this is the work part- it's all just to make the marathon possible. I literally say in my head "this is the hard stuff, the marathon is the fun stuff"... and it will be! Your body will not only be more conditioned, but it will be the end of October- so the air will be crisp and we'll be able to enjoy being outside running for hours. This being my 3rd marathon, and having had a not-so-great 2nd marathon experience, I am really trying to focus on the training part of it, so that when Marathon day comes I can just enjoy it because I'll know I have put forth everything I can to get ready.
I also think the Nike ipod thing helps me mentally- that little voice telling me that I only have 5 miles to go, or that I am halfway, or I have 400 meters left... it really helps me to break up the run and be proud of what I've done and know exactly how much further I have to tough it out for.
The other thing I wanted to tell you about was an awesome gel I had a few weeks ago- it is made by accelerade, their Accel Gel in chocolate with caffeine. It was delicious! Tasted just like chocolate icing from a container, so yes, very sweet, but one of the best of the gels I've had. I tried the Cliff version the next week- the mocha flavor- and compared to the Accel, it was terrible. I got the Accel Gel at a race in the spring, so I am not sure where I can purchase it (I looked at Pacers, a running store near me- no dice) but be on the lookout.

I am up for a get-together the night before the race... as of now I don't have any plans other than drinking lots of water and getting to sleep early :)

Good job on all your training so far ladies- we are getting to those middle weeks of training that are the most challenging, so I appreciate your sticking with it AND the blog. It's certainly helped me to know that you all are out there toughing it out also.