think think think and of course dress well

this was my best run in a long time. i ran alone and just wanted to open up my legs a little bit. the good news is that i didn't hurt anywhere and my legs never got tired. it is a determination factor. if i ran this pace for the marathon i would qualify for boston with over a minute and a half to spare (8.43). of course i don't think i am fit enough to maintain that pace for the full marathon so i will run my best without torturing myself. a 9.09 min mile and i will clear the four hour marker. i think that is reasonable and respectable. it will shave off 32 min from my last marathon. easing off the mileage this past week certainly has helped my preformance. i shouldn't be surprised as rest and recovery are the flip side of working hard. i have been thinking about color schemes for the race. today i tried a new sports bra but i think i need the smaller size. it was comfortable and didn't bother me once i stopped thinking about it. am i a girl or what!!!

Mia, Mommy and Mileage

I took mia out for the local loop. i have been incorporating this short run into the core of my training because it keeps me moving without putting too much strain on my right leg. pushing the stroller helps to increase the intensity. i had no ipod no watch just me and the kid with the setting sun. pretty soon all the Christmas lights will be down so i tried to appreciate them. the marathon is coming up and i'm so glad that my legs are feeling stronger and by that i mean less strained. i know now that if i take it easy on my legs then i'll be healthy enough to complete the marathon respectfully. i am no longer chasing times as it's not my style. time is a kind of benchmark for sure but its not the final determination of success or failure. for all the worry and preoccupation many competitors have, i don't think they fair any better then i do and i judge the run based on how i felt. it's true if i feel horrible and the time is good then i know how hard i was working but secretly i would prefer to enjoy the run and have more breathing room with the minutes.

Sunday at Starkey with Carin

this was a unique run for several reasons. first and least of all i don't know how far we really went and i cut the run from 12 to about 8 to allow my body to heal. lastly and more importantly it was the first time that Carin and i ran together and by together i mean alone. for several months we had begun the long runs together and then she would turn back with Cherise while Kathryn and Jenny and i continued. because the early part of the long runs were always in a group i never really got to know carin. i would just listen and jump in every now and then but usually i would listen or zone out. I am the late comer to the group and very often do not know the people or activities they reference. well talk about a diamond in the ruff. i learned more about her life and what drives her for the first time i got to know some of the person. so the lesson here is simple take the time to get to know the individuals around you. they will surprise you with their knowledge and perspective. carin is helping me embark on my new adventure of tri's!!! i hope i can return the favor.

Christmas lull

this was the slowest run of the training. i felt sluggish and lacked coordination. i will need to get at least another run in before Sunday. merry Christmas to everyone. may the blessings of the Christ Child our Lord and Savior be with you all.