I decided to follow the same course for my 22 mile run today as I did last week, the course seemed to work for me. I ran it 3 minutes faster than last week, which was good, but did work a little harder for it. Basically last week I wrote about how the temperatures were much cooler and it was foggy at the start of the run, it really made a difference. This week though it was just outright warm (around 60ish) at the start with direct sunlight at 7am when I went out. I should have stopped for a 20oz water along the way, but I decided to run through it instead and just counting on the water in my fuel belt. I did good with it, but was quite dehydrated in the last 3 miles when the water ran out. I used a GU Gel in mile 16, that tends to help at that point, but ended up real sore when I was done. I think my legs are just getting smoked, its time to step back, i’ve really been running hard the past few weeks. I question whether I should be shooting for a 3:40 at LHVM, or keep my original goal of 3:35 .. we’ll have to decide as we get closer to the date, but regardless I think we’ll be okay, I expect to beat the 3:45 of Delaware, hopefully ..

I did make the trip up to the running store yesterday to get new running shoes, and settled on New Balance 1223’s instead of my favorite New Balance 1061’s which are discontinued. They did the 1061 in size 12, but I didn’t think I could fit my clown sized feet into such a small size, it wouldn’t be worth it. So I used the 1223’s on the run today, and they felt great. I was concerned changing shoes so close to the first marathon, but I didn’t really have a choice. I bought two pair last time of the 1061’s since I knew they aren’t making them, but time has run out on them I guess… The 1223 is a good shoe though, felt comfortable and provided me the ‘slight’ overpronate support that I need, along with the heel support. I have no complaints at this point…

So tomorrow finishes off the last real mileage week before the taper, I expect to get 12-14 miles in tomorrow, depending on how I feel. From there, we’ll still kick up some decent miles up until Wednesday or Thursday, and then start taking it easy next weekend and into the following week. I have a unique taper because after the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon, I have Steamtown just 5 weeks later, so that gives me a week of rest after LHVM, then 3 22 milers again, then another taper week before Steamtown.

Anyway, thats getting too far ahead … I got another email from the Steamtown race directors, noting that the registered count is up to just over 1150 runners, it should be another great year, as long as its not 90+ degrees like it was last year, that was brutal!