Ran with Catherine and discussed the Grand Slam, not getting into Ogden, but running Utah Valley Marathon, Park City, and St. George. I'm really feeling put out by the Boston Marathon. It's kind of wrecking my winter running enjoyment. I did all that work to qualify for Boston last year so I could run it with Catherine. This is really bumming me out. I've already missed 2 weeks of my regular marathon training schedule and I need to get a couple of 9 milers so I can start building the higher miles/speed again. After regular Saturday a.m running, I spent the rest of the day on the mountain with Michelle. It was a gorgeous day, clear air, pretty good snow quality, warm temps. Michelle has an awesome lime green one piece snow suit, that I say is totally fly and but she doesn't believe me. Beteween runs, I asked if she would run Boston and she said she's saving herself for Olympic Trials in 2012. If she goes to Boston, she wants to go as an elite. What would that be like? My lofty goals for Boston include not hurling or passing out before a 5 hour finish. Anyway, we skiied till our legs were trashed. It was a good day. I used to consider skiing 'cross-training' in the 'off months'. You know how tired you get the month before the marathon with all those miles wearing you down? With Boston on April 19th, those exhausting weeks will come late February/March--prime skiing season. It's cramping my style. But I chose this, and I do need to get a move on the miles and get my head into the game. I did set up this week who I'm staying with and who will drive me around. I have found two more long-time buddies living in Boston. I'm more excited to see all my friends, and have Smooth show me what to eat in Chinatown than actually run. I know it's a 'whole experience' kind of a thing. But I still want to be able to do it with some amount of grace. I've decided to take my long runs by ending on the long uphill inclines up Provo Canyon so I can get those up hill miles toward the end of my 20-24 milers. Hopefully it will help me triumph over 'heartbreak hill' . I | 