Every Run is a Great Run!

I'm not sure what you think of my coach, but he doesn't make me do my long runs on Saturday fast. I do one fast in the week and then many easy and a long, fast but not too fast on Saturday. It seems to me that you feel like you have to have too many fast miles in. Of course I'm not a professional at this, I just know that following my coach's suggestions has really helped me improve and continue on without much injury. I know that a lot of people have told me that they would like to have my coach! He really is a great guy with a lot of great running advice for me.

I think this is a lot simpler than you think Tom, you are going to have more bad days running than good:-) Running takes a horrible toll on the body, at this point in your training you are feeling the affects of good hard training. This nervous system stuff is a little over the top and over rated, I think your body is just saying I'm tired.

You have to stop worrying about it and just run, everything else will fall into place:-)

Again, you have been running a lot longer than I have and I could be wrong, but sometimes we as runners just need to relax and not think so much and just let it happen... I have the same problem in golf, I usually find a way to get in the way of a good round, instead of just letting things take care of themselves, especially when I have put in the practice, and you have definitely put in the practice as far as your running is concerned.

But again, I could be wrong.

I think you should listen to Kim's coach.

I might also recommend some additional time in the Zen zone. I'm no coach, but I think you've already done the work for SG. Between now and then I would suggest you get in the miles you think you need to, but enjoy them.

Throw in some fast miles when you feel like it, but at this point I think you might be taking an injury risk by forcing yourself to do hard miles that you (or your body) don't really feel like doing. It seems to me the injury risk significantly outweighs any potential benefit.

I would say just relax and stop worrying. You're already ready!

Listen to Kim!! My guess is that nobody knows you like she does. :)

And don't forget: you had an amazing half less than 5 days ago.

Watch your rest and hydration, especially if it's muggy out. Those two can really sucker you into feeling good one minute and pretty spent the next. If anything, really back off for a few days with a couple of low mileage/easy days. It sounds like you're flirting with over-training to me. I think we're all at about that point this close to our goal races and deep into a long, heavy training cycle. 2-4 easy days aren't going to kill you and will probably make you stronger at this point. Maybe throw in a few short (8-12 sec) hill sprints up a really steep hill to keep the muscles primed one day but take it easy otherwise. Then after a few days, give it another try and see how things go.

Tom, throw the Garmin and watch out the window for a few days and run just for fun. The zip will come back in your legs. I am always concerned at this time before a marathon, how to peak and not over train, not get injured? A couple days just off from running may do a body good.

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

Tom, I agree with what everyone else is saying that a few easy days will probably due your body good. What I really wanted to add is that you have had an awesome year of training/racing and that is going to carry you through the SGM. As Paul said you have done the work and with only 3 weeks left there is not a whole you can do at this point to add to your fitness but getting to the line healthy and strong will make a huge difference. Once you start to taper I think your body will respond and you will reap the benefits of all of your training this year.