Getting back to Boston

Mid-day, work day run (you figure it out). After first mile in 9:07, last six miles in 47:50. That would equal six miles at MP. Actually felt pretty good, one of those runs where I felt stronger after I finished than before I started. Fortunately, V didn't call (and if he had, my phone was dead) and no one paged until I was in the shower afterward. So that catapults me into the last week before TAPER MADNESS (Vinny Price laugh). Thinking a couple of good interval runs, an MLR maybe Tuesday, a long run next weekend with a nice chunk of MP, then cruise into taper for Utah. As if I'm not insane already.

Easy afternoon run on the track at MAFC, followed by whirlpool and a trip to stock up on gels. This evening, I may run to SHS and back. An easy double, but that will be 11 miles plus. Tomorrow, probably 15.

Yep, did that double. Really, really sweaty going to SHS. The new turf looks nice, but it's got ads painted all over it. I understand the economic necessities, but sheesh. High school football shouldn't be on sale to the highest bidder like that.

Progression run at MAFC. Felt really tight and slow for the first four miles, and the split confirmed it: 37:09. Then 35:18, 34:40, and the last split was 33:33. Total 2:20:42, average 8:47. Now to get horizontal for a while.

Morning workout consisting of some XT followed by easy 5.25 on the mill. Going back tonight for 6 or so with some hard progression.

I'm finally starting to feel like I'm going to be ready for TOU. My body feels like a marathon body again. About time, I'd say.

Body felt a little older when I went back this evening to finish the double. Really, really stiff. In spite of that, started to push the pace at about 4 miles and I'm pretty sure it was down around MP, although wasn't wearing a watch to confirm it. Did 81 laps, 6.11 miles, then got in the whirlpool. Again.

Good tempo intervals on the mill at MAFC. Warmed up for 1.5, stretched a bit, then did 3 at MP, recovered for a mile, 2 at HMP, another mile recovery, 1 at 10KP, then 1.5 cooldown. Total of 11 in less than 94 minutes. It really went better than I expected, especially when my legs were really tight during the warmup. That one-minute stretch break did the trick, and I had no further problems for the rest of the run.

That's also 84 miles in the last 8 days. If I'm not ready to run a good race at Logan, it won't be because I didn't put in some miles.

Got out this morning for a hill route: 66th, FF, behind Trinity, back home on Rogers. Back and legs were both very tight at the start. Back loosened, legs didn't. Hills ate me up. Might need to go to the gym this afternoon for 3 or 4 plus whirlpool. Right now, I'm at 55 miles. I should absolutely get 80+ this week.

I hate typing mileage in the "Easy Miles" box after a day like today. There was absolutely nothing easy about it. Struggle from start to finish. Humid, sunny, not much breeze, and I didn't feel good to start with. Just a miserable/sucktastic morning. But it's done, it's in the books, and it's TAPER TIME!!! In three weeks I'll be in Logan, and hopefully I'll be off the course and scrambling to find a computer to get registered for Boston by now.

But I'm also aware that I could have a bad day on the 17th, just like I had one today. Part of what goes with this obsessive pursuit, especially for us silverbacks who don't recover like we once did. Hopefully 20 days of taper is enough and the legs will be fresh on the 17th (cross fingers, knock on wood, etc.). Yeah, it's silly, but I'm just grateful to have a diversion in my life. And as of next Saturday, I'll have two: Razorback football season begins.

T's driving down from Fedvul some time today, don't know when. I'm willing to bet (it's 12:10 p.m. now) he's not even awake yet.