Final Week (Marathon Countdown)

Day 6

Got good sleep last night. Normal eating routine in effect. On lunch break-- ran 3 miles at 10 mt. pace and felt great. It was good for stretching out the muscles from tennis on Saturday. The Janzen's are great tennis players (it was basically a workout of numerous sprints-- I saw it as a great way to accomplish glycogen depletion).

I'll be back, tomorrow.

Jason

A Run and a Root Beer

Did a 6.5-er at 12:30, today, and melted like a snowman. I'm running in the warmer weather to get somewhat acclimated for the warmer parts of the marathon on May 6. Obviously, you have to run slower in heat and your body needs to make some adjustments to run efficiently in the heat (not to mention electrolyte and carb replacement).

Lately, when I get back from my run, I get a hankering for a root beer. I can't explain it, but it goes down and tastes like nothing else after an hour of running in the sun (must be the sugar and sodium, good stuff).

Anyone else have a post-run/exercise drink that hits the spot? (Besides water, that is.)

Jason

22-miler

Left at 6:45 this morning. I had the wind in my face for about 11 of the 22 miles. I sure did enjoy when the wind was at my back. The positive side to the wind coming against me was that it helped me keep a slower pace (which I needed to do), so that was a benefit.

I ran the 22 in 4:04:57 at a very comfortable, slow pace. It's very encouraging to have things come together like I have planned them. I'll go out on a limb and predict that I run this marathon on May 6 in: 4:22:00.

It's time to taper and have a 15-miler for next Saturday. I'm looking forward to the 2-3 days of carbo-loading and rest. I'm getting excited for the marathon!

Insight of the day: I don't have one, today. It was a nice, pleasant run. Void of much thought and full of prayer. I love praying when I run.

18-miler

I almost felt guilty after I read DenDen's story of his crew's 22-mile weather drama. I ran on the same day as well, but I started out at 6:45 and it was in Fernley. The weather was at a comfortable 49/50, no wind, sunshine, and no sleet. It was pretty close to ideal running conditions. I really enjoyed it at an 11 minute/mile pace-- it felt great. I had numerous thoughts of how the run was going for the Hillside Runners.

Anyway, my 18-miler was uneventful and went down without a hitch. Took a potty break at mile 9, then finished up the last nine. My 22-miler is this Saturday, and I'll be starting at 6:45 again. Please say a prayer for me, as running that long can be challenging, but also a bit boring at times. My taper is 2 weeks long for this marathon. I'm experimenting with this, as my other 3 marathons were done with a 3 week taper. I'll let you know how it goes.

Insight of the day: The very same day can have different climates in it. I liken it to our daily lives. Sometimes, we're truckin' along and everything is a bowl of cherries. When out of nowhere comes a nasty surprise and staggers us. Friendships change, people change, jobs change, houses change, lots of things change, and sometimes it feels like a total blind-siding. God never changes!!!

It's hailing, it's pouring

Headed out at about 11:40, today, and it was lightly raining. I had to watch my step, because the roads were wet. It feels so good to run while it's lightly raining-- it's like a built-in swamp cooler for your run (very nice). Turned around at 3.4 miles and headed back. At about mile 5, it started hailing. It was a hurts-so-good kind of moment. The little balls of hail were cool and icy, but they stung a little bit (weird combo to say the least).

Insight of the day: Some of the best runs I've ever had-- have been in weather that "appeared" to be to yucky to run in. If I apply to this to my life, I could say that some things look yucky/unappealing/difficult, but I'm thinking that there's often hidden/not-yet-seen blessings and enjoyment in them. They're pleasant surprises. :>)