50 days to go

Thanks to a daily countdown started by a Marathon 101 classmate, I can report that 50 days stand between now and race day.

This weekend was the first of three 20-mile runs on the training schedule. A low-key halfmarathon was held on Saturday and it was the best 13.1 miles I've run yet. I kept a consistent pace and didn't stop or walk at all -- that's a first! I was slow as molasses (2:36 was my time) but pretty thrilled.

The plan was to run an additional 7 miles right after the race, but I took an ill-fated break at the finish line. It was 35 degrees out and I went inside to stretch and clean up a bit. But when I walked out the door, my sweaty clothes turned freezing and I couldn't stand the idea of being outside any longer.

A super accommodating friend drove me back to my car at the start line and I went to the gym to run the last 7 miles on a treadmill. This was a plan that high in purpose and determination, but lame in execution. Literally lame. My knees had long since decided they were not interested in bending any more today and I hobbled through the last 7 miles in a funky run-walk gait.

Lesson learned: do not stop moving, you may not start up again.

Marathon prognosis
I feel certain I will finish the marathon. It may not be pretty, but I know I can do it. I don't have any injuries emerging (knock, knock) and I have the endurance. My legs aren't as strong as they should be and that's the biggest hindrance. But, I have 50 days to shape up and get a little faster. I think I can finish under 5 hrs 30 min but I'd really like to be closer to 5 hours.