I was considerably satisfied with my performance over the weekend, even with having to teach. I managed to get my 18 miler in very early on Saturday, and then come back and punch out 12 more miles on Sunday morning .. compared to where I was last year at this time, i’m feeling confident for a decent showing at Steamtown, I just have to stay healthy.

As I head into this taper, I need to remember this time to keep the intensity up, while limiting the miles. I don’t want to push the intensity so much that I can possibly injure myself, but I need to stay at the fitness level i’m at while resting my body. I’ve had two good weeks of running, and really feel that i’m peaking at the right time, I’m about a week or so away from truely peaking (again, after resting up I think). I really felt the difference after the last stepback, so I know stepping back next week in prep for the Oct 7th race will be of benefit.

I don’t have any specific injuries per se that I need to be concerned about. I have to remember that as I cut back the miles a bit, to remember to cut back my eating as well. Thats always the struggle since i’m basically used to eating whatever and whenever I want, that can’t continue. Thankfully though (in comparison to last year), my times are faster already and i’ve lost considerable weight. I believe its possible that as long as the weather holds out properly that I can achieve a 3:45, down 9 minutes from my May time. The big issue with my May time was that I didn’t have the endurance because I wasn’t doing enough long runs … I feel that with the summer i’ve had, and the countless ‘longer’ runs (up to 12 miles mid-week), will help me not die as bad after mile 20. Generally I can keep a decent pace for the first 18 miles, but then I die. I hope this makes the difference, but we’ll have to see.

So only two weeks to go until the Steamtown Marathon, i’m starting to get excited, and its time to start watching the weather … the silly emails have continued to pour in, as well as I’ve gotten my confirmation packet and all as well. I’m planning arrangements for my family … and unfortunately since i’m at a new job, i can’t take the day after off, but we’ll survive. Before we know it, we’ll be back into training for the Harrisburg marathon .. I finally made my reservation on Friday after putting it off forever, so we’re absolutely set for 11/11 in Harrisburg.

I intend on resting the remainder of today …