I feel i’ve recovered sufficiently from the high miles last week as I prepare to stretch it one level further this week. I had a nice recovery run on Monday of 4 miles and really punched out a good 8 miler this morning down on the Dyke. I realized that I actually shorted last Tuesdays run by a bit because I missed a turn, it dawned on me as I was running it this morning. Either way, I cranked out 8 miles in just 1 hour and 6 minutes, so thats just over an 8:15/mile. Awesome.

I haven’t been so faithful on jump roping like I said I was going to last week, but intend to get out today. I think I beat the daylights out of my calves and got frustrated with it, but we’ll be back today. Its great that i’m at a point that I feel good, am running good, and even look good (yep, i’m pompous I guess, lol)

Yesterdays weigh-in went well where I came in at 187, down 4 pounds from last week (and i’m not dehydrated). I can only imagine if I keep with the almost 70 mile weeks for another 2 weeks, i’ll burn off the last of the fat around my stomach and my times will get even better. I’m not sure i’ll hit a 3:35 in the first marathon, but we have many opportunities to make it up. I intend to register for Philly later in the week, as I had mentioned, I already have the room reserved (which was an issue last year), so i just have to formally register. It’ll be here before I know it!

My aches and pains are healing well, it always seems that i’m tore up going into Sunday and the Monday rest day seems to do a world of good for me. Things are healing nicely, although I didn’t get new shoes yet like I mentioned I was going to. I currently use two different pairs and alternate them since they tend to ‘stink’ and be ‘sweaty’ in the summer heat. Both pairs are approaching 300-350 miles, .. so since its too expensive to drive to the running store, i’ll probably order them online later in the week since it is almost marathon time, gotta break in the new shoes and rotate a pair out (my wife hates the fact I have so many shoes laying around)!

So I got another Steamtown email the other day, seems it has hit the 1000 mark for participants, I wonder if we’ll have more than last year… the people who register for it are great, and remember that the additional donations benefits St. Joseph Center in Scranton. I always give a little more because its a great cause. As they stated in the email, you really get the return on that donation when you pass mile 24 of the marathon and the staff and residents of the center are there to greet you.

Thats about it, just trying to stay away from bad foods and train hard. I’m feeling good right now as we head into the toughest week, hope it keeps up!