Day 18

     I ran 10 miles today averaging 9:41's. I feel like I am peaking and my training has been going well. I just need to hold this level of fitness as I taper. I plan on finishing this week with 40 miles. That is the highest weekly total during this training cycle.
   I will begin the taper next Monday as I trim about 25-30% of my mileage off of each run, yet keeping the LSD, mid-distance pace, and speed work efforts intact. This ought to maintain my fitness level.
   I'm working on a race plan. I am thinking about breaking the HM into three segments designed to get as close to the 2 hr mark as possible. Hope you are well! Peace!

Day 20-TET

    It is important in training for a race to know when to taper. We have to know our bodies and our personal TET-training effect threshold.
   We can over train and wind up coming to the starting line worn out-or the opposite! We can taper too early and come to the starting line dulled rather than sharp.
  Trial and error will reveal your personal TET. Mine is a 14 day taper with the last long run 12 days before the HM or FM. This is only a 16 miler but qualifies as a long run.
  Then I decrease by at least 25% on every run the next three runs, then I take assessment of how my body feels and what I need to do to maintain sharpness. TET has already been surpassed runs ago so running needs to be fun and playful.
   Today I achieved a quality long run-16 miles at 11:01's. Very pleased! three runs until taper starts!
  Hope all is well with you! Peace!

day 22-yet stronger

     I did 4x1/2 mile repeats then 1.9 miles at 8:20 pace and all the while I felt strong. If I can manage the next three weeks properly I ought to have a good race.
  I plan on logging 40 miles next week then start the taper. Hope you are well! Peace!

Day 23

   Man its hard to believe that the race is three weeks from tomorrow! I have been diligently training but I've also been eating like a pig! So I guess I have a form of strong will power and a form of weak will power! A paradox I guess. I'm still thinner that I was for my last race and I do have three weeks to shed a pound or two more.
   Today I managed a 7 mile med-distance run @ 10:29's. Not too bad. Very cold and breezy today.
 So I'm up to 32 miles this week with speed work scheduled for tomorrow. Hope you are well! Peace!

Day 25

      One thing you can't stop....time! That's one reason I love running. The time spent running always has rewards. Instead of sitting, soaking, and souring the Runner is growing, transforming, and competing. The time we spend training will prove itself!
    Today was one of those proof days. I ran a 10 miler (medium distance run) averaging 9:42's!
  I feel great...pumped actually. Now a day of rest and another med-dist. run Friday with speed work on Saturday. This 4 run per week schedule is working for this old man! Hope you are well! Oh,  btw- I forgot to celebrate my 32nd year of running. Running is truly a way of life! Peace!

Day 27

    I was too pressed for time Saturday to blog but I did get my speed session in and complete the cut-down week with a total of 27 miles.
   Now I have two weeks until taper starts. The race approaches! Today I needed a 15 miler and I got it! Plus I averaged 10:57's! I'm glad about that! Perfect LSD pace!
  Now rest tomorrow and a medium distance effort on Wednesday. Looks like winter is coming! We are looking at below freezing temps and frozen precip! Hope all is well with you! Peace!

Day 30-

     So I am cutting down by about 25% this week. My old body is creaky and sore but still in one piece! I managed a 4.2 miler on the wonderful country roads of Ozark...actually two roads is all I have and they were busy today!
   Sadly it seems more and more folks are preoccupied as they drive and they don't see or care about pedestrians. I am becoming quite familiar with the ditch!
  As a runner you cannot assume the driver sees you! I am now looking over my shoulder as I hear a vehicle approaching.....as they search FB they veer!
   So tomorrow I will have at least 3.5 miles to get in as speed work. I also have to officiate a funeral ....hope and pray I can encourage, Hope all is well with you! Peace!