12.5-13 miles

I did a long run this morning. I set out not knowing exactly how far I would run (8-16 rough idea). It would depend on how I was feeling, traffic patterns and just where I felt like running once I started. It ended up depending a bit on water. (1.2 liters of water and 100 calories via 1 gel)

The GPS started having major problems around mile 9.5. The spikes in the map above reflects that as I did not run those spikes (that wasn't a 16.5 mile run). It was very cloudy and so I'm guessing that was the problem. I know it was good till about mile 9 and I know it is about 3-3.5 miles home from where the problems started. I'll run my path backwards later in the week and correct the mileage.

The other issues during this run was water. It looks like the town turned off some of the water fountains for winter. I ran out of water after thinking I could resupply at two different stops. I don't think I would have run much more (maybe just 2-3 miles more). I'll just need to carry more water for longer runs.

I felt fine and in shape during the run. My annoying right foot hurt a bit. I'm not sure what is going on. I don't think it's 100% running related. I've had foot problems ever since I tried to hike the AT trail. It's more like the pain I was having then. The pain plan now is to see how I feel tomorrow morning. If the pain is the same or less than this morning than I'll run 5. If the pain is worse I might take off till Wednesday. If this develops into a longer term problem, I might take off for a longer period of time off (2-3 weeks) and swim instead. I really don't want to do that as I like running so hopefully is this is something that will just heal or otherwise go away.

5 miles

A simple 5 mile run today to downtown and back. Lack of sleep has delayed the monthly update for now. The plan is to do the longer run tomorrow.

5.9 miles: Time stops for no man and not this one.

I ran 5.9 miles today. There was no real goal other than to run downtown and mail a Netflix movie out in today's mail. It's about 5 there and back and I just added a little bit extra.

It was a good fun run. I felt good and in shape. Unlike the 4 miles I ran a few days ago that felt like 20 afterward, this 5 mile run feels like it should at this point: no problem.

Quick word on timing: I figured out a slight problem with my timing system. It was stopping the clock if I was not moving. So if I stopped at a light or to get a drink the system just was not counting that time. I turned this feature off as clearly stopped time counts in any event.

Up next: Thursday: zero miles but monthly review. Friday: a long run of a to be determined distance (10-14?).

Foot update: very very slight pain in right foot still. I was thinking of taking off until it went anyway but was not sure how long that might take and didn't want to take that much time off. IF it's worse on Friday than it is today I might take the day off.

4 Miles (Saturday)

I ran 4 miles outside yesterday around the complex. I took it rather easy and didn't time the run or push the pace. I felt fine and relaxed during the run. However, afterwards my legs felt like I had run closer to 20 and I developed a slight pain in the right foot (the left one is the one that hurt during the marathon, the right hurt a bit the week before). Given the heavy legs after and sore foot I am thinking of taking off till Wednesday. I don't really want to do that but it might be the best way to run more in the long run (pun intended).

Up next: Maybe a short run today or tomorrow, off Tuesday either way and a hope to do the about 7.5 to the park and back loop on Wednesday.

Post marathon (0 miles today)

I've taken off Monday-Friday. My leg muscles stopped being sore on Wednesday and my ankle stopped hurting at all Thursday. I feel 100% today but will take the day off. I don't want to plan the next two-three weeks to much because I am not sure how I will feel. I plan to run Saturday and Sunday, about 3-5 miles each day. I figure I will work on a plan after running whatever distance I feel like for two weeks.

26.2 miles (Sunday)

I ran the Philly Marathon on Sunday. I ended up with a time of 4:44. One way to state it is this was my second fastest marathon ever, but it could also be said it was my second slowest marathon.

I'm happy overall as I had fun running it. I got cramps in my left foot starting around mile 18 and had to walk for a bit until it went anyway. This happened just about every mile remaining and so I lost some time there walking away the cramp. It's odd because it's not something that has happened to me before. However, even without the cramps I doubt I would have been more than 5-10 minutes faster overall (about the same time as my last marathon).

I forgot how hard it can be to run at a steady pace for the first few miles of a crowded marathon. I would come up on a row of other runners and have to move left or right or just slow down. The course cleared out after the half-marathon people split off to their finish (around mile 12 or so). After that is was easier just to run at a steady pace.

It was a well organized marathon and the volunteers did a great job with the aid stations. There could have been more porta potties but I guess that's always the case with big events. I lost about five minutes during the run waiting for one.

I think the major reason I was not able to run faster was my fitness level at the start of this training cycle. It would be a stretch to say I was in good running shape when I started the program. I think my training was really good as I improved with each 20 miler run. If I am able to keep running over the next year, I'm sure my next marathon will be faster.

The current plan is to aim for the 40 mile run in the late spring. I don't feel like I could have run yesterday's marathon much faster but I do feel like I could have run another few miles at the pace I was going. If the 40 miler does not work for scheduling reasons, I'll aim to do the Nashville Marathon in April (my first marathon done with my great wife of 10 years!)

4 miles Wednesday and 3 Thursday

I took Monday and Tuesday off after getting a slight pain in one foot. I think it's from running less (I know that doesn't make sense). Anyway, I ran 4 miles on Wednesday and 3 today and both runs were around the complex. Sometimes my hardest runs are the short runs. I am just not good at running short distances. I think it takes 5 or 6 miles for my body to get in the groove and remember how to run.

The foot still hurts a bit when walking but it didn't hurt at all while running. So today was my last run before the marathon. I will take the next two days off from running to rest and travel.

It will be odd not to run with my iphone telling me my pace every mile. The marathon website says it will have 3 digital clocks over the 26.2 miles. I'll have to just try to guess my pace and hope I don't go to fast during the first 12 or too slow in the last half. I hope to run a 10:30 pace for the first twenty miles and then go from there based on how I am doing. However, finishing and having fun are the top goals unless everyone in front of me gets cramps and I find myself in the lead (ha. ha.).