sub-3 or blow-up trying

1 hour of weight training.  My left shin was a little sore from running on the treadmill.  It never hurt while running...only sore the next morning.

Ran from my Georgia hotel.  First 2 miles were wandering to find any kind of path (treadmill did not work in the fitness center).  Found a neighborhood housing track built around a lake.  it was a 3 1/2 mile loop...perfect!  Ran it 2x- went total of 10 miles in 1:26.  This was 10x easier than the Florida humidity.  Looking forward to a returned routine in CT.

Stopped at my brother's home in Charlotte last night.  Got out for a run in the morning.  5 miles slow, 4 miles at a 6:55 pace, and one final slow mile.  10 miles total in 1:20.  

Ten miles on the treadmill- 9:30, 9, 8:30, 8, 7:30, 9, 9, 8, 7, 9.

It's been a tremendous vacation time with family.  We will arrive home this evening- relaxed and refreshed!

Did 20 minutes of weights- still bench 225lbs x 5...very surprised I haven't lost much strength...will taper out most of my strength training a week or two before the marathon.  Personally, I feel as though it is beneficial to my running.  As long as I have been lifting weights, I have never had a major injury of any sort (other than being struck by 90 mph fastballs). 

Ran 6.25 in 52:10.  Will run in a 5k tonight...plan to jog to the course (3 miles), so will have gotten 9 miles in today before the race.  May not help me to achieve best time, but am trying to keep my overall workout regiment in focus.  After this Fall marathon I want to focus more on the shorter distances and races to achieve best possible times.  However, for marathon training, I want to achieve the best possible workout.  The 5k will be treated as a tempo run. 

I am not sure if the last two weeks of training in Florida have resulted in any improvement...I'm hoping to have at least maintained.  This next month will be very key in helping me determine if I'm ready to pursue a BQ pace for the Bay State Marathon.  There is a 20k race in New Haven September 1 which will also be helpful in determining my progress.

Jogged 2.8 to race course...ran a 19:09.  This was the same course I ran earlier in the summer...off road course.  Ran the first mile in 6:05...maintained until about 3/4 of mile two...steep uphill...closer to 6:30 on second mile...finished strong.  Felt good.  12 miles for the day.

Started my morning with the intention of a slow "recovery" run.  Did 30 minutes of weight training, followed by a run towards Morris.  Ran first five miles in 43:52...felt really good.  Decided to pick up the pace and run the next four miles in 27:55 and the final mile in 8 minutes flat as a "cool down".  Feel great! 

Hope I haven't overextended myself for the 20-mile run tomorrow. 

Solid 20 mile run today.  A few strong hills within the route.  Ran the first 12 in 1:37 and the next 8 in just over an hour for a total time of 2:37:42 (overall pace of 7:53).  Definitely had enough in the tank to feel confident about a strong marathon finish.  Feel good about progress.