A clydesdale no more!

7 miles at marathon pace. Other than a little twinge in the left knee and right tibia (site of previous injury) I am starting to feel better.

Very easy run. Lower right leg sore (mostly calf). This would not be a good time for an injury. If the pain continues, I will probably skip tomorrow's speed workout (the last scheduled hard run before Des News).

Decided last night that doing the last scheduled speed session before Des News would probably do more harm than good. Woke up this morning and legs felt better so decided to do the workout as planned (3 X 1 mile @ 5K pace). First repeat felt good (6:15). Felt really in control. Slight tail wind on second repeat (6:10). Last was into a slight headwind and finished going up an overpass (6:23). Left knee still sore and right calf tightened up a few times. Will most likely take tomorrow off.

Had an easy 5 scheduled but decided that I my legs needed a break. First missed scheduled run in quite a long time.

I've been thinking about my training and what I need to do to become a better marathoner. In order to achieve the goals that I have set, I need to bump my mileage up 15-20 miles per week and add an additional quality run (tempo or speed) each week. The problem is that I feel as though I am at my physical limit now. I have to decide if I want to continue running mediocre marathons with my current training or start focusing on shorter races.

Wife had to work early this morning so I didn't get out to run until 1:30. Temp was 95 degrees and it was HOT. I'm not used to running in the heat. I figured that it would be good for me psychologically to get a couple of runs in hot weather in preparation for Des News. Actually ran really well. Ran the first 5 miles at maratahon pace then backed off the last 2 miles as to not over do it. Achilles and calves were a little sore to start but felt better once they warmed up.

Feeling a little better about things. Still some aches and pains in the lower legs. Lower mileage for the week has helped me snap out of the funk that I've been in.

Sasha asked that I do a 100 meter time trial on a track. Stopped at the Viewmont High track about 4 miles into my run. Did 2 100 meter all out sprints. Completed the first in 15.5 sec. and the second in 15.75. Not used to the explosive speed so I may be able to improve on that with a little practice.