Nike(ing)

As I hit the road today I realized my recent mentality has been "just do it". I'm just kind of on auto pilot? I think my strategy this week has been pretty smart....the long run Monday, rest Tues, decreasing miles from Wed to today; 7.44, 6.24, 5.4 respectively, with the weeks culmination tomorrow on the track. I have 14 miles planned with 12@ MP. That's the goal, anyway.
I find myself mentally preparing for this next marathon. I've been reviewing my blog posts from the last two and I'm really encouraged that I've been doing what I think was needed to break the four hour barrier. More long runs, and more runs at MP. I've logged 8 runs since July of 17 or more miles. (They have all been hilly). I've increased sustained MP miles from 4 to 10. This week is 12, next week is the last one, I hope for 14. I've trained carrying a water bottle and drinking a specific sports drink, taking gels on the fly, I'm practiced up!! I've set a personal record for a months mileage, and tomorrow will set a new weekly PR. My weight is as low as it goes! I'm holding around 175. Not bad for a 6'1" guy. The heel is slowly getting better! It's just the daunting reality that I need to average 9:09's that keeps buggin' me, I'm not getting any younger!! How will I respond on the flats? All I've been running except for Saturday is hills, hills, and more hills. That's my story!
Best of luck to all who are racing this weekend, go Aron!! Just do it!! Peace!!
Totals-5.4 miles/ 59:28/ 11:01's.

Reality Check

The first task of a leader is: To identify the current reality. My current reality is there seems to be an over tiredness. The right heel discomfort is beginning to extend into the arch and forefoot areas. What do I do? I will continue to train but I will not increase miles beyond 50 this week. My ultimate goal is to make it to the start line with a chance to break four hours in the marathon. So a nice and easy recovery run today of 3.11 miles. Felt pretty good...the body as a whole is remarkably well considering the long run yesterday.
I've seen something in the last couple of days on the roads. Woolly Worms with light coats, means a mild Winter, and these rather large spiders on the roads. They jump! Very cool!
Hope things are well with you. Peace!

"One of those people!"

Yes, I am one of THOSE people! I went to the license bureau today, last day of the month...had to renew plates. Ugh...what a hassle! So I go to the Ozark town square, this is really a picturesque town, and entered the 1920ish facility. Take a number, sit and wait. I love to people watch and make friends and so I enjoyed myself immensely!!
I noted how most people like their bubbles...we sit with space between us! As I finally got my turn I began about a 10 minute interval of conversation with the teller. Finding out all about her, her family, her faith, her church, her life story, I'm one of those people! I get that statement from Andrea, the teller, she said I was one of those people that wait "till the last minute. Yep! That's me! One thing I observed today. There is a great difference between living and existing. Think about it!
I finally made it out the door today, seemed like everything was against my running.
Totals-7.03 miles/ 1:16:38/ 10:54's.
Current reality:
I am tired. Is fatigue a natural component of marathon training?
I'm running slower times? Is this normal with the additional mileage added?
My goal is 54-55 miles this week! I will try to run as far as possible tomorrow. My goal is to get up at 5:30 and get the run done early! Hope all is well with you! Peace!!