Marathon Dreamer

When I left my apartment this morning... I really had no idea how far I was going.  It was supposed to be a week where I cut back on my mileage but I decided I would see how I felt as the run progressed.  As I made my way along Baseline Rd. to Higley Rd., the sky was just starting to break its darkness.  I turned on Higley and decided that I would break the run into 6 mile segments and see if I could be consistent with my pace and I wanted to try to keep it close to marathon pace.  I wanted to minimize slowing as the miles wore on.  I was thinking originally maybe 14-16 miles today.  The first 6... I did at 9:10 min/mile average pace.  I stopped at circle K.... needed the rest room (GI issues) and picked up another Gatorade.  Before I knew it, I had completed another 6 miles at 9:20 min/mile pace.  Yet, had to purchase another gatorade at another convenience store.  I stopped twice to briefly stretch.  I was getting tired and it was hot.  The next 6 miles, I broke into two 3 mile segments as I was mentally loosing it and my calfs were tight.  The first 3 miles averaged at 8:55 min/mile pace.... I pushed 1 mile to an 8-8:10 pace.  The last 3 miles....ugh.... wasn't happy.... had 2 stops.... but mustered a 9:35 min/mile pace.  My right foot was screaming at me after the run along with both of my calfs.  I think I should have drank more fluids today.... I took in 60 fluid oz and 2 gels... but I don't think I drank enough enough to counter act what I was losing with the heat.  The whole run, I was wishing to find a sprinkler going off... but not one was going off!!  Just as I made my way to the front of my apartment complex, the watering system went off as I hit my Garmin at mile 18.  Finally.... a little frollicking for me in the cool water was just what I needed.....

AHH.... Rest....

When I went out the door this morning, I questioned if I was going to be able to run 3 miles because of how my legs have felt since Sunday.  8 miles later.... I'm home.  First 4 miles at 9:20/min/mile pace average.  The next 4 miles I did somewhat of an interval/fartlek .... average pace 8:33/min/mile, but the intervals were in the low 7's.  I ran through the sprinklers this morning on the way home... it was awesome!!!

Nice little scoot up the canal and back with Burt this morning... total of 3.25 miles.  Today was his day to talk my ear off.  It was nice just listening to talk about work and stuff.  It was just as well since I was huffing and puffing.  We had to cut the run short this morning due to the first day of school for Burt's kids.  Mine won't start until the 23rd in San Diego.  I continued on and finished up the mileage.  Very tired and a bit sore today.  Last night, I did arms, back, legs and abs.  That probably explains why I'm pooped today.  I am really trying to eat more healthy this week.  Since I've been back in AZ, I am having a hard time controlling my eating habits!!  The food is so sooo good here, especially since I am often not the one cooking it which is probably half the trouble right there.  Hoping for a 5 lbs. weight loss for marathon day.  I am sure it will happen... I just don't like not eating everything that I want!!  LOL!!!

Didn't know if I was gonna be able to do this mileage this morning....but it's done.  I had a few stops, but very brief ones to drink water and stretch... average pace 8:55 min/mile.  Little cramping in the left calf at mile 6.5, but after a little bit of rubbing it out....I was good to finish the run.  I am starting to feel the fatigue of the week.  I got some new running shoes yesterday.... my Asics are fabulous!!  It's funny.... but it feels like Christmas to me when I get new running shoes!!  Something about slipping my foot into clean and freshly padded shoes....there's nothing like it, except for the actual run of course!!  Did this run today in them and had no major issues other than a blister that formed later in the day on the tip of one of my toes on my left foot.  These will be my marathon shoes.  Time is going quickly!!  I can't believe that August is almost half over.  Soon I will be living in California and not long after that, running Top of Utah!!

Burt and I met outside my apartment gait.  It amazes me how Burt can workout at midnight and then run with me 5 1/2 hours later!  I only have about a week left here in AZ.  I am gonna miss running with Burt.  It has been so nice having a regular running partner!!  Burt is just a genuine nice guy and I hope all my fellow bloggers will try to meet up regularly to run with him!!  I told Burt that he could call the running group "The Sesame Street Runners" him being named Burt and all - it's a cute name and appropriate or it could be called "Burt's Groupies"- which is not quite as appropriate... but still cute.....what do you all think?  I think last Saturdays' run was awesome running with some of the bloggers on here.... keep it going everyone!!

Burt told me "stories" this morning as we made our way along the path through Freestone Park.  I really needed to hear him talk... my legs were not happy and when Burt and I weren't talking, all I could think about was my legs and that gross feeling of fatigue.  Right around mile 4.5 or so... I just had to stop.  Even though we were talking... it just got to be too much.   That breather helped me finish up the mileage for today and with a kick at the end!!  If I don't feel better tomorrow morning... then I will have to take an extra rest day.  I will see how I feel in the morning.  Was hoping to hit that 50 mile goal this week.  I am getting nervous about the marathon.  Not sure if this training plan is gonna make a huge difference in my performance.  I guess we will see soon enough.

Slow and easy....