Boston Strong

Exactly 7 days from now, I will be enjoying Mile 6, wondering whether I should speed up or slow down!  Last week was a pretty good week, 2nd consecutive week of logging over 30 miles ... something that has not happened in 12 weeks.  After 4 consecutive days of running, I had no pain, but was feeling some lingering soreness around my knee, so I am taking a few more days off.  I can't really taper as I never built up my mileage, I guess my goal for the week will be to run an hour a day, and focus mainly on mental preparation, as that is what will carry me.  I guess dropping a couple pounds might help too ... since I have gained 8 pounds over my period of rest!

Even though I have no idea what next Monday will bring, I am excited to test my limits ... it is easier to surprise oneself when there is not much in the way of expectations!  Also need to decide this week if I am going to try to tackle NYC in November ... although I am leaning in that direction.

PM - 4 'faster' miles, then backed off ...

7:26, 7:16, 7:15, 7:01

8:12, 7:53, 7:38, 7:51

Today was a great confidence booster!  Did not really have a plan, other than run an hour, but I did put on my Boston race gear & took a GU ... I guess the adrenalin is starting, cuz I ran much faster than I imagined I would.  This is the first time I have been able to hold a sub 7 pace & not feel like I was taxing myself aerobically.  I never felt like I was pushing it, just tried to stay relaxed & find my stride.  Quite honestly, I was wishing I was in Boston, cuz I felt like I was ready to keep running all the way to downtown Boston!

10k - 41:47 - 6:44 AP .... then 3.8 miles cooldown with (6) 0.1 mile downhill strides - 8:10 AP

6:59, 6:47, 6:48, 6:43, 6:46, 6:30, 6:17 pace for last 0.2

Pushed a little harder last mile to come in under 42, but never pushed too hard, & felt like I could have kept going holding 6:45 pace for a while at least!   I am happy, not jumping to any crazy race expectations with one good training run ... but it certainly helps to get this one under my belt at what felt like a moderate effort level!

Planning to run an easy mile or two tonight after I get all my ducks in a row ... heading for airport at 6:00 tomorrow morning.

I honestly thought I had convinced myself that I was just going to just enjoy Boston, and not worry about my time.  However, as the days tick down, it just does not seem like a race without a goal!  Hence, I have settled on a goal of 3:10, a 7:15 pace ... this equates to a 45 minute 10k, which should be sustainable, at least for the first 16 miles! I do reserve the right to change my goal during the race, as many times as I want, as long as I finish somewhere between 2:59 & 3:30!  :)

The latest forecast I have seen calls for a 1% chance of snow, so that is what I am praying for ... although not sure how that could happen with a low of 50 & high of 71.  I think it is pretty safe to say that chances are the temps will be in the 60's during the race, maybe 50's at the start with a little luck.  10mph winds out of NNW, which is not a bad thing!  I am dropping a quick note to BAA, to see if they might consider moving the race start up 7 AM.

My bib number is 4608, if you care to be bothered with text updates, just text 'runner' to 345678, you will get a reply asking to enter bib number.  Text updates are at 10k, 1/2, 30k, and finish.  Since my goal is a 45 min 10k pace, please do not cheer when you get the first text saying 43:xx ... start praying instead please!  :)

Best of luck to everyone who is running!

Easy jog up & down Heartbreak hill while driving course ... enjoying Boston!  Met Amy, Becca, Mary, & Cheryl from blog at Expo ... and we had a fun dinner at Bertucci's!