The Next Step

Cool (44) with some wind.  Today wanted to run a few faster miles. So after warmup picked it up as I went along.  Ran the tempo miles around 7:30.  Probably a little slow for tempo but felt good.  Last faster run before the marathon.

46:52 (7:48 avg)

Cool (45).  Just an easy run as I continue to taper.

32:39 (8:09 avg)

Lexington, KY:  Nice morning (58).  Just another easy run on taper week.  Feeling kind of sluggish which is normal.

33:48 (8:28 avg)

Warm (66).  Took yesterday off to rest/taper.  Just a short easy run this morning to loosen up and stretch afterward.  

Not sure what to expect for the marathon tomorrow.  I don't have a very good base built up so this is probably the least prepared I have been for a marathon.  Really nervious about what pace to try to run.  I'm thinking I will be conservative and try to make it without too much struggling.  So my goals for the race are

Main Goal: Finish and run under 3:40

Stretch Goal: Break 3:30 and BQ

Beautiful day for the race.  Low 40's at the start but warmed up and was sunny most of the way.  This went pretty much the way that I thought it would.  I started off easy and the running felt good but started having pain in my legs around 15 miles and it just went downhill from there.  I just didn't have enough base built up.  After cutting back the last few years on running this was a little too quick of a build up for me to run a decent marathon.  It was weird.  I felt good otherwise. Plenty of energy and no cardio problems just my legs were trashed.  The last 6 or 7 miles was just cramps and pain in various parts of the legs.  Just slowed down and was able to keep it somewhat manageable.  Glad to finish but disappointed that I was not really ready for it.  Need to get a more of a base built up before I try to tackle another marathon.  Went out in 1:46 and came back in 1:56.  For now I want to drop back and work on building a solid base and run some shorter faster races.  Then I will see if I want to tackle another marathon.  On a positive note, I ran for World Vision and raised money to provide clean water to people in Africa so that makes the day a success!