The day has arrived!

Good news! I am healthy again and feel like I'm ready to take on the monster tomorrow.

I'm still nervous about never actually hitting the wall, but I think all of the things going on around me tomorrow will make it easy to pull through when it comes. I'M SO EXCITED!!! I can't wait to both experience the atmosphere as I go, and finally attain the goal I set for myself so many months ago. I also finally get the chance to hang out with my friend Mike during the run, whom I haven't really seen in 2 years aside from the casual hello's we would exchange at our annual fraternity alumni gatherings. He had started training for his first marathon during his senior year at school, and was a big proponent in my inspiration to run one of my own. I promised him on a note the day of his graduation that I would run a marathon with him one day, and here we are, just hours from the event!

The weather calls for a coool 48 degrees at the 8:00 start, but it will warm up to a beautiful and ideal-for-running 60-65 degree finish time temperature. My parents will be there at various stations cheering me on, as well as a few co-workers, and I will definitely appreciate their presence when things start to get difficult toward the end. I already am thankful for the time they are setting aside just to be there. It's truly a blessing that I have such a good family and friends around me for support, and I've been blessed by the presence of so many others who have provided inspiration to me along the way toward making this decision and several others in my life.

I can't promise an immediate posting following the 26.2 mile run. It may be a while actually. I'd like to post pictures from the event with my commentary, and I'm not sure how long it will take to get them. When I do though, expect the photo hiatus to come to an end :)

Until then,

Be Easy

Sadface :(

I came down with a cold today. Hopefully I can get over it soon. I skipped today's run in favor of boosting my immune system, and may try to work from home tomorrow if nothing changes. My aim is for at least a good 8 miler on Saturday, so I'm not too disappointed overall. I just need to make sure I sleep well, increase the OJ intake, and get healthy again before that happens.

Vitamin C-ya later...lamesauce, I know...

Be Easy

And the Tapering Continues...

The 20 mile run was a great success! I ran it over the very hilly Blacksburg Virginia Terrain, and still managed to finish with no unusual pains or nagging fatigue. In fact, I felt like if that were the day I had to run 26.2 I honestly believe I could have done it!

Now that it is a week later and another 12 miles have been run for the long weekend trek, I'm starting to get nervous. I've read its common for people to have pre-race anxiety with the tapering down to seemingly nothing before the big day, but I'm still nervous that I may not be eating right with the lowering of weekly mileage. The diet is pretty consistent, with pasta being the food of choice when available. However, it does feel different when you don't burn all of the carbs right away, and I guess what I'm concerned about is not what I eat, but how my bio-rhythm is affected. I'm terrified of possibly going out there on race day with a big cramp that makes me make a pitstop along the way...such an inconvenience. Again, normal for most people, but I just don't want it to be me.

Anyway, the tapering will keep getting lower this week. Will keep you posted on the midweek runs as they come. 2 Weeks to the day!

Be Easy.

1 step back, two steps forward

As feared, the test I had (that my job ultimately depends on) took too long on Tuesday, and I was not able to run. I think I did well enough to pass though, so life is good all the same. Anywho, today I was able to get back out and do my first mid-week run in about 4 weeks. I'm glad to be back on the horse :). It was 10 miles, and a bit painful, but nothing out of the ordinary as far as the usual wear and tear from longer runs goes. Tomorrow will bring a new 5 mile trek, and this weekend before meeting my fellow hokies I'll have my toughest challenge to date: a 20 mile run! Its also the longest run I am scheduled to do before the marathon, so I think how I perform then will be a good indication of my preparedness for the race that's now 25 days away.

Hoping for the best, drinking lots of water, and stretching like a madman (but not overstretching) until then,

Be Easy

Weekend update

Short because of a move I am in the middle of today, but yesterday's run was both successful and brutal. It felt very hot as the weather ran in and out of rain clouds, so the humidity and already present moisture got to me. I had to walk a few times and I don't think I would have made even 18 miles if I tried it again (did it last weekend). Next run is scheduled for Tuesday, but may be cancelled if the exam I am taking that afternoon takes too long. To be announced...

Be Easy

One Month!

30 days to the big dance.

Heading out for a 14 miler tomorrow morning. Shouldn't have any problems after a successful 18 last weekend.

Things have been going really well, but the runs in training have not been nearly as frequent as I would like for my comfort in being prepared. I will try to update frequently as the days come closer to race time.

Be Easy

I'm Happy, I'm Feelin' Glad

Days to Marathon: 73

Miles to date: 164

So far, so good. :)

B Easy