Second Wind

Rest.

Final run of August and it went pretty well. Things felt a little clunky but the injuries felt much improved. Will continue to be a little cautious the rest of this week but time is running out so need to find a good balance. My philosophy has always been that it is better to get to the starting line a little undertrained and healthy than perfectly trained and injured. Did 20 minutes of yoga after the run.

Time: 51:09 8:31/mile

Solo run today as Meg had a cortisone shot in her heal yesterday and needed to take the day off.  Decided to pick it up a bit today and see where I am.  Nothing too out of control with only one mile at marathon pace.  Felt pretty good but I can tell that fatigue is going to be a factor in the marathon due to my lack of long runs and time off.  Hopefully I still have it in me to get at least a couple of good long runs in before the big day.

Time:  56:49  8:07/mile

Basically the same run as yesterday without the faster marathon pace mile. Felt pretty good and less clunky today. It seems to always take a few days to get back into a good rhythm after an extended time off. Still find myself having a hard time getting up at the usual time so I have been running behind the last few days.

Time: 56:39 8:06/mile

One of the few longer runs I am going to be able to squeak in before the marathon.  Took it really easy today, backed off the pace a bit and decided to go a little bit longer today.  For the most part everything felt pretty good.  Haven't decided whether to take tomorrow off or do a short easy run or maybe even a walk.  Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Time:  1:24:46  8:29/mile

Couldn't resist going for a run in my new shoes that came in the mail yesterday.  Something about new shoes that makes a run extra enjoyable.  Took it really easy again today and just kept it low and slow.  Hoping to put in some big miles tomorrow, we'll see what happens.

Time:  25:26  8:29/mile

Well, I made it the full 20.....more details later.

It's now the Tuesday after this run so I don't remember too many details.  I ran the first 15-16 miles with Meg at a fairly easy pace in 8:40 range and then picked it up the last 4-5 miles into the 8:10 range and began to really feel the fatigue kick in around mile 18-19.  I know I am going to need at least one and hopefully two more quality long runs in order to build up my endurance as much as possible before the marathon.  Hopefully the bailing wire and duct tape hold up.

Time:  2:51:11  8:33/mile