Thursday

Today's run was a little more mentally and physically challenging than yesterday. I ran a different course that has several elevation changes and is more challenging than the bike path. It is basically 3 miles downhill and then 3 back up with some smaller hills thrown in along the way, just for fun. I finished the 6.03 mile course in 50:35 / 8:24 pace. Weather is still damp, overcast and 51 degrees. (Good running weather) My pace was little slower than yesterday, but that's ok because I am merely logging miles today.
My cough and congestion is much better today, not 100% but definitely better.

Time to shower, finish packing and head to Wisconsin.

End of April results = 65.2 miles / 9hours 18 minutes

Wednesday Run

We finally had a break in the rain today. 53 degrees, 6 mile run on the bike path, 49:12 / 8:12 pace. It is nice running on the bike path because it is premeasured in half mile incriments and you don't have to worry about traffic. You can just zone out and run.

Started on antibiotics yesterday to help kick this respritory thing I have going. It seems to be helping because I did not hack and cough nearly as much as I had been after my run.

Tuesday Run

Scheduled 5 mile run today. Pretty happy with my pace. Finished in 40:57 (8:12 pace). Still have a nagging, hacking cough / cold. I am seriously considering breaking down and going to the doctor today to get some antibiotics. I feel good running but hack up a storm when I am finished.

This week will be a good test of my diligence when I go to Wisconsin. I will need to get in a 4 mile run on Saturday and 9 miles on Sunday. I am looking forward to somewhere new.

Feeling good in general, I noticed that my weight has gone back up from 188 to 191 yesterday. I have not been watching my diet very closely, but I don't think I have been eating too badly either. It will be difficult not to eat a lot of junk over vacation. Good thing I am putting in the miles!

In the beginning...

I will attempt to record my adventures as I prepare for my first marathon. I will be running the Twin Cities Marathon on October 5th. I have just begun my second week of seven of my pre-marathon training. I ran 28 miles last week and have 30 on the schedule for this week.



My training will consist of the before mentioned 7 weeks of pre-training, then I will begin my training plan of 17 weeks. My long runs will range from 6 to 23 miles and my weekly miles will range from 18 - 46 miles. I selected a training plan that gives me two to three days off per week and seems very manageable for my work schedule.



Today was my long run for the week, 9 miles. I try to run a very relaxed easy pace on my long runs and have so far been successful. It was a beautiful spring morning, the bike trail is bursting with green. 45 degree damp morning. I completed the 9 miles in 1:19:09 / 8:48 pace. This is very similar to my current goal pace for the marathon. I may adjust that as my training goes on, but for now I just want to complete the marathon in under 4 hours and I would love for my family to be there to see me and celebrate with me at the finish.