Bret

Another 100 bites the dust. Great week. Great stuff. How long did the 20 take?

Thanks - I did not wear a watch this morning - just glanced at the clock as I went out - and when I came in. Roughly around 2:40-ish - give or take.

Running through a rain shower sounds awesome! We have had less than an inch of rain since May. Everything hot, dead, dusty, and dry.

Does Lydiard ever advise taking a reduced volume week during a marathon build-up? You know, to allow you to begin to feel the positive effects of your increased fitness?

Rob - I have heard about all of the dry drought conditions throughout the country - but here I would have to say it has been much wetter than in quite some time. Too much of anything seems to get old. Just as you would enjoy a rainy run - I would love a non-humid dry day where my clothing doesn't appear that I have just jumped in a pool when I finish a run.

Lydiard doesn't have a plan of a "down" week much like some coaches advocate (every third or fourth week - slight reduction in mileage or effort) - but instead has a "freshening up" period about 10 days before the main race. If the training is for a season or series of races, he has some suggestions for lighter training during those weeks too leading up to the main competition or race.

Personally, I seem to get positive feedback from workouts from time to time - measuring HR and pace from similar workouts weeks earlier. So, I know I am improving - plus I keep dropping weight (another measure).