I don’t expect to be able to post again prior to running the Baltimore Marathon on Saturday. We’re heading out first thing in the morning to drive to Baltimore (its about a 2:30 hour ride), so that I can hit the expo early and do some sight seeing before heading to the hotel. I’m thankful to the concierge at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel for getting us early check-in. At least that’ll give us a chance to get in and get comfortable so I can get a good nights sleep for the race…

I’m falling victim to the aches and pains that come with the reduction in miles during tapering … i’m getting a weird shooting pain down my left leg, i’m thinking its from my hip that always bothers me. I’m hoping its nothing to worry about… other than that, i’m just tired, real tired. I hope to get a good nights sleep tonight since I don’t have to get up early tomorrow or anything, if we’re on the road by 9am, i’ll be thrilled. I usually get a 2 or 3 mile run in the day before the race, just to get the lead out and get the blood moving. Hopefully the ibuprofen should help keep the aches and pains down before Saturday..

So I’ve again done the training, set a realistic plan and feel that i’m ready for a good day in Baltimore. I’m not heading in looking to complete it in any specific time, just finishing is good. The fact that there will be so many runners doing so many different races (marathon, half, relay), it will make it hard for me to stay on pace, but I think I can do it. It wasn’t too long ago that I was suffering real bad in the last marathon, definitely not too long ago to forget that feeling. I intend to stay focused.

Anyway, the homepage for the race is featuring this cool ‘interactive’ way of seeing the race, using something called Race my Race. I was able to see the course and what to expect scenery wise, and its flat, just flat … with gentle inclines. I’m not sure if the virtual experience really let me feel the actual hills in the race, but I guess its better than nothing…

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend .. I know there’s Baltimore, Chicago, Steamtown, Hartford and Long Beach going on this weekend (among others). It should be a nice weekend all around for everyone, stay safe and have a great race!

Post race report should be up for Saturday night, with pictures and all … stay tuned! I’ll hopefully be updating my twitter page, so be sure to follow me there to get the latest from Baltimore this weekend!