Seems we’re heading into the most difficult part of the summer as far as marathon training goes. Its not bad enough that I sweat like crazy when its not steaming hot and humid, but now that the morning temperatures seem to be starting out at close to 70 degrees with 90-100% humidity, its getting out of hand. I do realize that this is the time when my body will best adjust to the heat and dehydration, so I know I just have to keep going and doing the right things so that I can succeed.

Yesterdays long run of 20.3 miles was actually pretty good, of course except for the dehydration, which didn’t stop me this week like it did last week because I adequately prepared for it by drinking plenty of fluids before the run and keeping my pace. I also changed the course back to something more realistic, and not so hilly .. my times seem to be slipping somewhat, but that’s okay, we’re pretty far into training so the legs are getting tired. I do think also that the reduction in miles during the week helped out, which I may keep in mind as I move into the marathon season .. the question I ask myself is whether the ‘added miles’ during the week are any good if it hurts my ‘long runs’ on the weekends .. i’ll struggle with that question as we move ahead with training I guess.

Todays semi-mid-long run of 12 miles was a little more difficult because I was still recovering from the dehydration of yesterday, I actually woke up last night with a real dry mouth, even though I kept myself pretty well hydrated all day yesterday. The course I chose included some of the pieces from the long run yesterday, although backward, and I found that there is a slight incline over about a 2 mile stretch of it, which is why it felt so good yesterday and so bad today. It caused my time to be off a bit (finishing it in around 1:41:00, or an 8:40/mile) .. but I finished it.

Probably the worst part about this time of year are the effects that the sweat has on my shoes .. they stink, just absolutely stink. Regardless of what kind of socks I use, they get soaked with sweat. My wife won’t even let them in the house anymore, i have to keep them in the garage. It won’t be long though before I get a new pair, its been about 4 weeks (and around 250 miles) already on these, they’re starting to wear out ..

Another odd observation is the smell of corn in the air .. I write all the time about running through farmers fields and down farm roads where you get surrounded by corn stalks on both sides, well with the corn coming into season locally, it really smells like it.

So with 7 weeks left to train for the Lehigh Valley Health Network marathon, I think i’m getting there as far as mental and physical prep is concerned. I’ve noticed that I still ncan’t seem to get the weight off, despite the number of miles i’m running. Its not even that i’m eating bad or anything, because i’m not, probably 93% of what i eat is healthy and in moderation (except for last week when i was on vacation). I still can’t explain it, but I hope the extra weight comes off soon so it helps my times … i’m even afraid to step on the scale, not a good thing!