Merry Christmas!

I know, the title is cliche and I can only surmise that there are about a million blog, Facebook, and other posts with the same title which makes this stand out from no one.  But, since it is Christmas as I write this, it seems only appropriate that I send you the proper greetings.  Part of the shocking fact to you might be the realization that this is the second posting in a month -- nearly a record for me!

Today I am spending time with family and reminiscing on another year nearly complete, a marathon training plan nearly complete, and convincing myself that I still have miles to go before the race.  The temperature outside this morning peeking over zero, but the wind makes it feel like -13 (according to weather.com) and the rest of the week doesn't improve much from this point.  I have a treadmill and could very easily complete today's planned mileage (4-7) on that contraption except for my experience last week has soured me on the idea.

Last week we had our first snow in over 295 days, a record in these parts.  Wednesday night and Thursday the snow piled up to ever 10 inches.  Pretty to look at, not so good for the last 20 mile run of this training cycle.  I considered my options: 1. try to run in the snow; 2. skip the run; or 3. complete the miles of the treadmill.  I really love to run outdoors.  In fact, I cannot remember the last time I ran any miles on the treadmill.  However, most of my normal training routes would be socked with snow and with the roads still icy, I decided the treadmill was my best option.  No reason to get hurt this close to the race with all of the miles I have put in.  I mean, how bad can it be, right?

Bad.  By mile 2 I was ready to get off that contraption.  By mile 15 I began to loath my view of the outside.  By mile 18 I considered abandoning my last two miles to retain my sanity or run 22 laps around the gym track just to get away.  However, I managed, somehow, to slog through those last two miles and reach my 20 mile goal.  I was slow, slower that two weeks before on the trail, but I attribute that to all the mental energy I needed to expend just to stay on that treadmill.  Finally, the last long run in the books for the marathon.

So, you can see why I will probably bundle up today and enjoy a pleasant, albet cold, run around the neighborhood.  Snow is still piled up, but the roads are generally clear and I am counting on not much traffic the Chirstmas morning.  Between the taper and not running on the treadmill, I will enjoy the run that much more.

Keep running my friends.

Time Stops for No One

This blogging thing takes time, something I have had in short supply over the past several weeks.  So, once again a break of nearly a month with no updates.  During the last 3 weeks my mileage increased and then I took a mini hiatus of a week to finish a big work project.  Now with that project behind me and the marathon date closing in, time to finish out this training.

Good Thing to Do on a Snow Day

Which, of course, is easier said than done.  This week's schedule calls for the final 20 mile training run.  I did the first 20 mile two weeks ago, right before the week long work trip to San Antonio to finish the project.  The run was an out-and-back down the Wabash Trace and went very well.  I acheived my time goals and finished no worse-for-wear.  I even showered and worked half a day afterwards!

I am still planning to run the trail again tomorrow, but those plans might change due to the weather.  We received our first significant snowfall in 295 days yesterday which calls the question: run down the snow trail (if even possible) or pick an alternate arrangement?  The alternate arrangements would be treadmill (ugh) or plowed streets.  This fall has been so nice, I can't really complain.  The warm, dry weather has made for easy training which makes this snow storm more bearable.  I think I will take today to relax and not worry about the run--it will figure itself out tomorrow.

Once this run is complete I am on to taper time!  I really do want to get one more 20 miler for my fitness and confidence.  I have trained well this fall and feel comfortable saying I am as prepared as I am going to be going into this race.

Run on my friends. . .