18 Miler

Yesterday was my second attempt at any mileage over 15. I had only attempted tackling 3 loops 1 other time. And although I made it, there was plenty of walking and leg pain involved in that run. Not the case on yesterdays run.

Due to having to be at my daughter's cross country meet by 9 am, Shawna and I decided to start running at 4 am. It was early, but not too bad. The first loop went great. Once we made it back to the Y and realized that we were the only ones running, we decided to not continue looping. We headed out on a route that I had mapped out a couple of years ago while training for the Mini Marathon. It was roughly 12 miles. We had to head into my neighborhood to pick up the last 3/4 of a mile to make it to 18.

I will have to say that I think I was more prepared for this one that last time. The run went awesome. It really helps to have a good friend along the way as well. I don't think that I could have pulled that one off alone. This run gave me a little more confidence that I will be able to pull of a full marathon. It was a nice way to end the 6th week of training.

Next weeks long run calls for 16, but I don't think that I want to look back from 18 unless I just can't keep going.

That's all I have for now.

Later

Marathon Training: Week 5

For what ever reason week 5 has been the hardest to get all of my runs in. Part of that is that my partner in crime for the training is dealing with having to try and juggle his sleep schedule and coaching duties for his kids volleyball. This has caused him to not be able to run yet this week. I completely understand, kids always come first. Luckily for me, we run with an amazing group of friends who are always willing to get out for a run. So I have only missed one run this week, and that was due to attending my sons freshman orientation. Damn, I can't believe both of my kids are in high school.

Last night was hill night. I met Tom, Shawna, and Jen at our favorite running store. We then headed out for Moser. Of the two hills that I have ran with them, I will say that this is probably my favorite. It kills you at the beginning and then just gradually heads up. The other hill we run is just one long climb, which I think sucks. We ended up doing 8 miles. Everyone kicked ass! It is a rare occasion for all of us to be available during the middle of the week to get together, so that was nice.

On another note, I signed up for the Walt Disney World Marathon! This will be the second marathon that I run, but it is the first one that I have signed up for. Shawna tells me nothing but good things about this run, so I am very excited. I think it will be an awesome time.

So that is where things are now. I know that over the next couple of weeks the miles are really going to start adding up. This is where I think the challenges will happen. So wish me luck.

Later

With Week 4 Come New Challenges

Week 4 of marathon training is now upon us. It is hard for me to believe that in 12 short weeks I will be lacing up and toeing the starting line in my first marathon. Time is seeming to speed up!

Now that week 4 is here we have encountered some new challenges. The biggest and maybe the hardest to work around will be rearranging our schedules to get the runs in. So far we have been able to get most of our runs in after work in the mornings. This has been good, since it means cooler temps and good sleep throughout the day. But now with the kids going back to school and all of the activities that go with it things are gonna get interesting.

Chris will be coaching both of his daughters volleyball teams again this year. What this means is that his afternoons and possible weekends will be occupied elsewhere. I on the other hand have a daughter running cross country and a son in the marching band. This means being a chauffeur for my son and not missing an event for my daughter. The only negative thing is that the majority of her cross country meets are on Saturday mornings, which is long run day. We have already adjusted hill day. I just hope that everyone else we run with can adjust too. If not it won't be a deal breaker. It is just fun to get everyone together for a run.

So that is how things are shaping up for now. I am sure we will figure it all out and get the training in. It may just take an algebraic formula to do it.

We did run 4 miles this morning in just over 37 minutes. It was a bit faster than prescribed, but it just felt right.

Later

Marathon Training: Week 3

Today started week 3 of marathon training. So far, so good. But we haven't really gotten into anything that we haven't done before. I will be week 7 before the long runs get into new territory for us.

This morning Chris and I headed out for an easy run. Training called for 3 miles, but that is so below us! We ended up doing just over 4 miles while covering some different scenery. That is one of the great things I have found about having my Garmin. We can just head out and kind of adjust as we go to meet the mileage we are wanting to hit. Totals on this run were 4.03 miles is 38:40. A little faster than what was on the plan, but again we are already past that level at this point in our running.

I did get to take my new shoes out for their inaugural run this morning. I was lucky enough to pick up what I think is the last pair of Asics Cumulus 11's on the planet. I was even able to get a pair in black. That should help out with keeping them looking descent after a few months of running. As opposed to the white ones I had that now look gray.

So that's how things are shaping up at this point. I am sure things will get harder and I will whine about it at some point. But for now all is good.

Later