Here we Go

Today's run was awesome, but very challenging.  I ran a loop that went up through River Heights over to 1000E in Providence and up to the top of the hill that connects with Center Street in Logan.  I actually ran to the bottom of that hill and then back up it again.  It was a pretty brutal hill and to do it down both sides and up both sides back to back was quite tough.  Loved it though.  

Great run down in Salt Lake today.  I ran a bunch of two mile loops, and it felt great.  Marathon here I come.

The tapering continues.  Today I had a nice run from my home to campus.  I did the hilly version to build my wind a little bit more for race day.  It was quite humid and a little rainy, but overall a really nice day for a run.

Nice run up to campus and around it a bit.  

Today's run was really nice, but quite warm.  I have been traveling for Medical School interviews the past few days so I was exhausted and didn't get out of bed until past nine.  Because of other commitments I didn't start running until 11:15.  I ran from my house to the parking area for the Stokes Nature Center in Logan Canyon.  It was a really nice run, but was a little tough due my missed run on Thursday. 

Today's run was just a nice easy run.  I started off with a pretty quick pace, but ended up having to detour to Maverick for a bathroom break.  That killed my time pretty quickly.  Still looking good for the marathon.  Both my knee and ankle seem to be doing fine.

Today's run was nice and easy.  I ran up to campus and back.  Pace was comfortable since I didn't want to push too hard with the marathon so close.  I have decided that after the marathon, I am retiring my current shoes.  Although they are still very comfortable on my feet, my knees are really starting to hurt when I run, even on short runs.  I probably shouldn't run the marathon with them, but I'm out of options this late in the game.

Today was the final pre-marathon run.  I can't believe it is here already.  I'm pretty nervous, but really excited.  I have worked really hard for this.

Today's run was a simple loop up through River Heights and providence.  I tried not to take it too quickly, but I ended up running it 9:05/mile.  Since my marathon pace is projected at around 10:00/mile, that was significantly quicker.  I'm shooting to hit a nice 4:20:00 on the marathon, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.  

Oh yeah.  Today I accomplished my goal of running a marathon.  I ran the Top of Utah Marathon here in Logan, UT.  The race was a lot of fun, and the canyon portion of the course was beautiful.  

The weather decided to really hand it to us today.  It rained all night last night and then was pouring right before we started.  Throughout the canyon portion we had downpouring rain and hail off and on.  It was quite an adventure.  

My time wasn't quite where I wanted it, but I am still very proud of it. 

So today was a first for many things.  It was my first run since the marathon, my first run in my new shoes, and my first run in months without the ankle brace.  It was a really  nice run overall and it really helped to get the stiffness out of my legs.  

Since the marathon, my right quad has been much worse than my left one.  Today I figured out why.  Because I was wearing the ankle brace on my left leg, I was having to compensate how I landed with my right leg.  Although I can do it fine, I am going to work to strengthen my left ankle.  It was obviously weaker today.  It is going to take some time to get back to 100%.

Today I also tried my first bit of interval training.  I started off with a quarter mile warm up and then put the hammer down for the rest of the mile.  I ended up finishing the first mile with a time of 7:11.  That is the fastest mile that I have ever ran.  If I had gone all out for the entire time, it may have been even quicker. From there I rotated quarter miles at 6:30 pace and 10:00 pace.   

Short run on the treadmill.  I have forgotten how much I absolutely hate treadmills.  I am not going to touch one again until I absolutely have to.  I would much rather run outside in the early mornings.  Once the snow flies, I'll consider it again. :)

Nice run up the River Trail today.  I didn't go all the way because I had to get back for homework, but it was nice to get out.  The leaves are really starting to change up Logan Canyon, and that was a lot of fun to see.