Ten count ’em 10 more weeks until the Boston Marathon. Still enough time to not be in an all out panic about it, but close enough to give it some serious thought. Is my training on schedule? Have I dropped enough weight? Done enough cross training? Is one tuneup race enough? There are plenty of arenas for doubt. But honestly, knock on wood, I’m feeling pretty good about the whole undertaking.
My long runs have been good, speedwork solid, tempos enjoyable even. I’ve dropped a couple of pounds, hopefully a couple more will follow soon. I attribute this rare yet welcome weightloss to proclaiming Saturdays “cheat days”. The day of the week I allow myself to eat whatever I want. Hypothetically slamming the door on any possibility of less than optimum nutrition slipping into my day and down my gullet. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days I caught myself pawing through the pantry desperate for a chocolate chip or an errant M&M. But all in all, I’ve managed to really cut back on the sugar-laden contraband. And this for the most part has gotten me out of my mid-afternoon snack habit.
Yesterday was the second of five 20-milers on my plan, however it was the first I’ve actually done. It was a balmy 32 degrees with overcast skies filled with birdsong and heavy with the fragrance of thawing earth and pine. I got out at dawn to avoid traffic and deviated from my route within the first 2 minutes, since the roadside was so clear. I planned to GU at miles 6 and 12, then select from my arsenal of beans/moons/gels/you name it to get me thru the late miles. This turned out to be a run for the ages. I’m not sure what to attribute this to but I managed to stay strong and on pace. No struggling, gasping, boredom or discontent. I was bulletproof; unstoppable thru wind and hills. I felt so good thru the entire run, I managed to pick up the pace and do strides, making mile 20 my fastest. Days like these are the reason I run. This is the game I need to bring to March Madness and to Boston.
Make the most of every day
