It was rough today getting out and going … I was really tired this morning and it showed in my pace. I got my 12 miles in, however instead of keeping the 8:00/mile pace, I ended with an overall 8:30/mile pace. The good part is that I was on a 8:00/mile pace in the last 3 miles, I just couldn’t make up for the crappy start. I know for the first 2-3 miles, I was at 8:45-9:00/mile .. not too good. My legs felt like LEAD when I started, probably from the hardcore workouts of the last 4 weeks and the 22 mile yesterday, it’ll feel good to start cutting things back slightly ..

The first marathon is less than 2 weeks away, so its time to get mentally ready as we start to heal the body. I have to focus on stretching and eating better the next two weeks since I won’t be running quite as many miles. If there is one thing I haven’t been doing well, its eating. I’ve allowed myself to get out of control since i’m running so many miles, which is okay, but only to a point.

I do think i’ll have trouble cutting the miles back for the taper, I generally do, but I understand the importance of it. I really wouldn’t do well if I went out next weekend to run the race, i’m just too beatup at this point. I really am sore just all over, without stretching every hour on the hour, I just can’t get comfortable, its terrible. One thing i’ve learned as I cut the miles back is to keep the intensity up (but not to overdo it). I learned that last year when I tapered and took it TOO easy, I ended up bonking during Steamtown (well, the fact it was 85+ degrees didn’t help either)..

I’m not sure if I’ll do 3 or 4 miles tomorrow, it’ll depend. Its supposed to be cool again this week, so thats not a bad thing, i’ve been thankful it hasn’t been brutally hot, so i’m hoping the marathon weather isn’t brutally hot, because i’m really not used to it ..

Thats about it, 14 hard weeks down and on to the first race … we’ll be back to training shortly to get ready for Steamtown and beyond!