With the forecast calling for a greater than 50% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow morning, I didn't want to risk getting stuck in the rain or having to cut short tomorrow's planned long run. It was slated to be my 20 miler -- the longest run of this training cycle and the start of the taper. So last night I made the decision that I would complete my long run today. The weather was perfect today with temperatures in the low 60's and low humidity.
As usual, I set off from the gym and made my way over to the Katy Trail. I ran up and down the trail almost 3 full loops today to get all the miles in -- but I did it! I felt good running and ran at what felt a comfortable pace. I made a couple quick stops near the end of the run to grab some ice water from the coolers that are set out by the Katy Trail Ice House. But I finished feeling pretty strong considering I didn't take any GU or other energy supplement like I usually do during my marathons.
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| Some info and a route map of the trail |
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| View down the trail |
The "trail" is paved the entire way, with asphalt sections in several areas for pedestrians only.
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| Finished with a good time |
I'm glad I did the run today and don't have to worry about the weather tomorrow. If it turns out to be nice then I'll get a regular easy run in. If it is raining, then I have the option to run on the treadmill -- but at least it won't be for 20 miles! Next weekend's long run is "only" 18 miles and then the weekend after is 12. Then the weekend after that we will be in Boston!!! Only 24 more days until the marathon!
I am definitely getting excited as things are really starting to come together for Boston. First, the B.A.A. released the wave/corral assignments and bib numbers for the marathon. I'm in wave 1, corral 6 and will be starting just after 10:02 AM. Mike and the other runners from his charity are all in wave 4, corral 2 and don't start until 11:15 AM. Next, we got an email with the training group's plans while in Boston. Plans include a couple shakeout runs and a pre-race dinner. We are undecided how much we will actually do with them, but we are definitely using them for the motorcoach to Hopkinton -- but we have to be on the bus to leave by 5:30 AM! The benefit (aside from being able to wait on a comfortable, dry bus with a bathroom) is that they offer a private gear check and will bring your stuff back to the hotel in Boston. So no need to deal with gear check lines after you finish.
Finally, Saucony released their Boston Marathon shoe yesterday. Just as last year's special shoe was Dunkin Donuts inspired, so too was this year's sneaker. The difference is that I knew how quickly they sold out last year and so I was ready this year to snatch up pairs for both Mike and me the minute they went on sale. Good thing, too, since they are already completely sold out again this year! We both love Dunkin and we definitely run on Dunkin so these are so perfect -- can't wait for them to arrive in a few days!
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| Soon we will be rocking these! |
