Fuel SMART,Train HARD, Run FAST.

6am- I woke up so tired this morning. Off to the gym. I have a niggle in my tush for the past week. The same one that I had last year that kept me out all season. This time not so bad, but there. I decided since it's taper time, not to push it. Opted for the elliptical for the workout of 10X1 hard/easy.

6am- 4 easy on the TM. Niggle still niggling a bit, but totally not holding me back. Just aware. I feel antsy to run fast today. 10 days left of tapering. Uh oh. Some light speed work tomorrow, according to Greg/Bonnie's taper plan:)

1.5 wu

2X2000 @ 6:31

1mi cd

In the weeks leading up to a marathon, I think it's natural to let the taper mess with your mind. For most of my training I have mentally compared TOU  from Ogden's training. I've had this fixed belief that I was running better almost 2 years ago for some reason. It started to make me doubt my capacity for this training cycle. So the only thing I could do was do a contrast in the same 8 weeks leading to TOU and Ogden and see where I am at. The results were promising.

Eight weeks leading up to marathon

 TOU     Ogden

Avg mileage 30.62 47.5

Highest weekly mileage 39.2 50.5

Total mileage 245.5  380

Avg weekly runs  3 5

Marathon Pace miles  7:15 6:49

Aside from the numbers, my speed and tempo workouts have been more challenging and consistent. This is just what I needed to get me mentally ready to race next Saturday.

6:00am- Ran down Main for 12 miles, 7:35ap

7 miles easy just under 8:00ap

5 miles at mp @ 6:51, 6:58,6:52, 6:48, 6:48

I felt fresh for this run. I made sure not to push too hard. The hills were challenging to keep pace, but looking at course tool, I ran them pretty close to the recommendation. I considered running on Legacy but figured the challenge would be a good mental boost if I could feel good and keep it steady. Jumped in an ice bath afterwards for 15 mins then rolled out my legs. Right bun is still a little ornery.