One Week to Go

The week comes to an end rather dismally. I worked out only 3 of the 7 days resulting in a total weekly mileage of 23.53 miles. I think I've become rather burned out. Though I enjoy the runs while I am running... it is becoming harder to get them done.

Going from one training cycle (CIM Dec 07) to the next (Eugene May 08) has just been too hard for me. There are so many distractions - especially now that I am trying to take college courses to renew my teaching license (I need 9 credits by May 09) on top of everything else. I know I'll keep running. But I have to wonder if marathon training is just too much for me right now. I know I have pondered this previously, but it is still on my mind. I'm beginning to sound like a whinner, aren't I? I have to stop that!

Wed 23rd ~ 7 miles
3 miles at 25:39 (8:33 pace)
3 miles at 28:07 (9:22) - the return loop is very hilly
1 mile at 10:29 - cool-down

Sat 26th ~ 5 miles
2 miles at 19:00 (9:30) - warm-up
2 x 800m at 4:00 each
4 x 400m at 1:54, 1:53, 1:52 and 1:51
1 mile at 9:06 - cool-down
3 hours yardwork
evening walk with family

Sun 27th ~ 11.53 miles with the jogger
7.44 miles at 1:16 (10:13 pace) - talked w/Mom on cell for 3.5 miles, last mile all down hill
4.09 miles at 50:00 (12:13) - solid 14 minutes of climbing with the jogger, I was pooped!


Eugene is just 6 days away. I'm getting increasingly nervous. Due to my previous experience and Wes' recent post, I am going to try something a little different this time around... immodium. Hopefully, that will save a few minutes (I must have lost at least 10 in the porta-potties at CIM)! I have a pace strip that I picked up at CIM for a 3:50 marathon. I am going to aim for that. My dream is 3:45. My PR is 3:57:46. I really don't know what to expect. How do you develop your race strategy? I don't race very often so it is hard for me to gauge my fitness level prior to the 'big day'. Here is a little peak at my training for Eugene (both my original goal as prescribed by the plan and what I actually accomplished).
The longest run prior to the marathon will have been 16 miles - through which I pushed the jogger. I hope that counts for at least a few miles. I have actually contemplated switching to the half but I really don't want to do that. I have trained for the full and though I've had to modify my plan, I know I can finish the full 26.2. I doubt I'll qualify this time around but ya never know, I suppose. I am actually hoping that I can find another runner along the way that is running my pace (or slightly faster) that can help pull me along. If not, my hope is that perhaps I can find someone struggling to finish their first marathon and I can help them through to the finish.

We'll see what happens.