Running to stay sane

Tempo today...2x3 miles with a 1/2 mile recovery jog between. I didn't want to push it too hard since SG is next weekend (ahhh!). I warmed up 1 mile then did my first 3 miles in 18:59 (6:20 pace) and then the second 3 miles in 18:57 (6:19). I was pretty consistent which is good and the second one felt easier than the first. Cool down was 1.6 miles.

I might do a fartlek of some sort later this week. I'm going to stay away from the track until after the marathon. My right hamstring is starting to hurt again and I think it's from running too fast at the track. My left quad is also starting to burn a little after I run. I would be so upset if I couldn't race my best because of stupid little injuries.

Easy 6.1 miles at Wheeler Farm this morning. I didn't even wear my Garmin because I didn't want to know what my pace was. I went and saw Dr. Fletcher yesterday and he went to town on my hamstring (ART Therapy). It was really sore yesterday/last night/this morning. I hope he didn't over do it. Now I'm nervous it won't be 100% for SG! But I'm praying that it will be. I guess it's normal to be sore the next few days after a treatment. Here's to hoping!

7.3 miles through Holladay this morning. Beautiful weather! My legs felt a little better than yesterday but I could tell my hamstring is still pretty sore. I've decided to not do any leg weights (ie-squats, lunges, etc) until after the marathon. I think I need to really let my legs heal. Trying to stay optimistic!

Bryant went hunting at 4:00 am so I ran later this morning at 11:00. Wow, it felt nice to be warmed up for a while before running. I decided to run easy and easy was 7:00 pace. I went to Wheeler Farm and it felt great! 6 miles at 7:05 AP.

Easy 6.2 miles this morning through Murray. I thought about doing a fartlek but decided to give my legs another day of easy running.

I went to Dr. Fletcher's this morning and he did light work on my legs. They feel better. I also sat in his compression boots for 20 minutes. That was cool! I think I'll do it again next week.

Found out my bib number for SG is 5019! Yahoo! Last year I was 5102. Feels good to be moving up :)

Last "long" run with Emily this morning. It was really cold! I decided to conduct a session of "Running Therapy" with her and we discussed the top 3 things we are most worried about for this marathon and then we discussed the top 3 things we are most excited/confident about. It was nice to talk to someone about things like pooping, muscle aches, body glide, etc. These things are important people! :)

Running with Emily today really helped build my confidence. Even though the run felt harder than it should have, it was more about what was said. She reminded me about the good training I've had and that I should run faster than I think I can. Looking back on my training I've run (2) 22 milers, (4) 20 milers, (1) 17 miler, (5) 16 milers, I've dropped my mile splits on the track from 6:06 pace to 5:57 pace, my tempo's have gone from 6 miles to 9 miles and have gotten faster, I ran a strong 1/2 marathon that was a minute slower than my PR on a harder course and it felt comfortable.

She also talked about making it a positive experience and just taking control over the things you can control. So if the weather's bad (which the forecast looks great, btw) than just run the best you can in bad weather. Remember my training when I start to doubt. Thanks Emily...you're the best! I'm super excited for you to run an awesome marathon! If I was a gambling woman, my money would be on you to win this! :)