Countdown to GRM

Only 5-1/2 days to the Grands Rapids Marathon. Excitement is mounting. Not often in life do we get a re-do. This is my re-do.

On Saturday I was able to get in my 12-mile long run. I was shooting for an easy 10:30 pace. However, it seems that when I get going, I seem to settle in at a pace and stay there. I ran the 12 in exactly 2 hours or a 10:00 pace. That was encouraging as I have decided to start the GRM with the 4 Hr 15 Min pace group which is a 9:44 pace. I figure that the excitement and adrenaline of race day will help get me to that pace.

Another indication that that's the pace for me is today's run. My hips were aching as I trudged out for my 5-miler. It was supposed to be my tempo run for the week, but with the soreness I decided just to have fun, not look at my watch and not run for time. At the first mile split I peeked and it was exactly 10:00. Not bad for a first mile that is usually slower as my muscles warm up. At mile 2 I peeked again and was shocked to be at 19:30 (9:30). At mile 3 I was at 28:30 (9:00). Mile 4: 37:40 (9:10). I finished at 47:25 (9:45). Running a 9:29 average on a run that started with soreness was very encouraging.

Also encouraging were diary-writer Allison and PR Training runner Laurie. Both ran Chicago, and both did marathons this past weekend. Laurie ran the Indianapolis Marathon in just over 4 hours and Allison smoked the Columbus Marathon running a Boston-qualifying 3:33. 2 marathons in less than a month can work.

The forecasted weather for Sunday is partly sunny, starting out around 39 and getting only to 46. Fortunately no rain is in the forecast. Burrr cold. Far cry from the heat of the Windy City.

Only 8 more training miles to go ... I'll be ready.

One last thing. Saturday I received a call from Sheryle who is helping to coordinate the annual banquet for the Fort Wayne Track Club in February. They are looking to have a panel of speakers: a coach, a veteran and a beginning runner. I was asked if I would be willing to share my experiences as a first-year runner. What an honor! In 2 years (almost to the day) I will have gone from being an overweight couch-potato to a speaker at the local track club's banquet. Who would have thunk it?

Later