Marathon Training

Went out to a dirt/clay/rocky road for a long run with a group.  The road goes on for many miles (furthest I've run on it is 10 out/10 back) and the only traffic is from a few hunters.  I ran the first couple with a friend who is much faster at an 8:30/mi pace, then I slowed down and he sped up after the first water stop.  Then I ran on my own for the rest and my stomach started hurting at mile 10.  I finished with an average pace of 9:20, which is what I should have been running anyway.  It just felt like a crapy run.

Ran with an old high school buddy who happened to be at a group run in my home town.  Hadn't seen him in 4 yrs.  The weather was perfect as well ( around 50).  I was holding an average of 7:28 for 6 mi and felt really good.  I was able to have a conversation just fine, the cold air hitting my face occasionally messed with my enunciation, but I wasn't out of breath.  Great run.

Ran 1.6mi to meet up with a running group and then ran with a few other people for the remainder.  Didn't go to fast, the average was around 8:20/mi.  Quads were a little sore from the run yesterday, but it was a good easy run.

Ran 3 miles at an 8:45/mi pace and did some 100yd strides at the end of my run.

Jog around the neighborhood.  Pretty windy, 22mph.  Averaged 8:30/mi.

First time running in the snow.  It was very icy and my feet got wet near the end of my run.  Couldn't do track work since my feet kept slipping when I ran around the track.  The average pace was a little bit slower than a 9min/mi.

Easy 3mi jog in the wind and cold.  The ice cleared off of the road, so it was easier to run.  The pace was around 8:30/mi. 

I didn't know how I was going to run the race.  I just went out easy and ended up feeling really good, so I picked up the pace.  The course was 2 loops, and the weather was perfect for a marathon.  27 deg @ start and 44 at finish.  I layered with throw away clothing and removed clothing as I went along.  Ended up at mile 21 in tights, a dry fit t-shirt , thin gloves, and a head band that covered my ears.  The first loop I took easy.  I felt so good the second loop that I though I might just pick up the pace.  I started passing a bunch of runners.  By mile 20 I was pretty sure I could qualify for Boston again and I kept on track to do so.  Since my training wasn't quite what it was last year and the only time difference is 45 sec slower, I'm pretty sure I will be hurting for days.  Good race though, I am very happy with my time.

Worked out at gym during lunch for 30min doing arms and abs.

Ran 6.2mi in evening

Beautiful course.  Pretty hilly, but not too bad.  The weather was great.  I ran the first half with my brother who did the half marathon, and then ran the last lap about 5 min faster than the first.