Massive Update

Sorry this is so tardy, has been a pretty ridiculous week so far, and doesn't look like it's slowing down! First, a few fun articles I found - this one is basically a "State of the Union Address" for marathon running in 2009. Marathon runners beat the recession! Next, a quick Runner's World interview with Ryan Hall - he hasn't had the most ideal 2010 yet, but he's working hard and hopefully he can pull something out in Boston. Finally, a preview of the elites for Boston. Very cool - not sure about the women, but thinking Merga and Hall have to be the favorites.

On to running - last Friday, went for a quick run after work. Sunny and warm outside, but felt decent for the most part. Did my customary out and back towards Troy, just went out there and felt amazing. Probably went a little fast, but really felt good. Total mileage: 6 miles - time out was 46-48 minutes.

Saturday, long run in the morning - last 20!!! Was supposed to rain, but we didn't get any of that - just a lot of sun later in the run. Started out pretty slow, felt decent and was moving ok. Had some stomach ailments, so made a quick rest stop and had to catch up with Crystal, much like our last 20. Picked it up considerably to catch up, and was kind of gassed when I caught her 5 minutes later. Started having some major cramps, and pretty much was hurting bad. To make a long story short, suffered through the next 6-7 miles with what could best be described as a knife pushing into my abdomen. Really had to dig deep, which is not ideal on what is usually an easy long run. Didn't want to stop for the fear that I wouldn't start again, so just tried to tough it out. Eventually got to the home stretch - felt better after GU and a ton of Gatorade, but was still considerably dehydrated. Picked it up the last couple miles, just wanted it done. Total mileage: 20 miles - splits were: 9:13, 9:05, 8:37, 8:42, 8:25, 8;28, 8:19, 8:22, 8:26, 8:04, 7:47, 8:17, 8:19, 8:19, 8:08, 8:02, 8:19, 8:04, 7:54, 7:41.

Easter Sunday, was supposed to do 10 easy, and started in the morning. Sunny, hot, and humid - quickly realized it wasn't going to be my day, and I just don't enjoy running in the humidity at all. Probably went out too fast - on the trails, was running directly into the sun so was kind of uncomfortable. Turned around early, decided to cut this run in half and maybe try to get the rest in when it cooled down. Starting to get to that point where I'm going to have to wake up pretty early if I want to get in a morning run. Last mile was way too fast, but I wanted to comforts of my air conditioning and WATER. Total mileage: 5 miles - total time out was 37:06 (last 2 miles were 7:20, 6:46). Had an amazing Easter dinner at Crystal's parents house, and was so stuffed I couldn't move. Thus, the run wasn't finished but I wasn't overly upset. 46 mile week - eh, I'll take it, but wish I could have pushed through 50. The week started off good, but kind of struggled towards the end. Marathon taper was officially underway!

Yesterday, ran with the Big River Running Monday Group - did the mid loop, roughly 4.5 miles. Ran with Pat and Crystal, didn't push too hard but legs were noticably tired. Ran for about 34-35 minutes. Tonight, hill work with Crystal - not going to push it too hard, and hopefully it cools down a bit!