I spent the full holiday weekend down at my favorite vacation getaway, Wildwood, NJ. Although it felt like I was at Spring Break more than I was on vacation (because of the number of young people around), I still got a good weekend of training in.

I managed to get my last 22 miler in on Friday morning before we left, because I really didn’t want to do that long of a run while I was away. For whatever reason, my Garmin watch didn’t seem to be charged when I wanted to head out and had to settle for my old watch instead. Apparently I left it on and didn’t know it .. I would’ve thought that it had a time-out feature or something, but I found out the hard way… Regardless, the run was a warm one though, although the sun was not out the whole time, the humidity was terrible.

That terrible humidity continued into the weekend, I did get out to do 10 miles along the ocean and boardwalk (not actually on the beach). I found a real nice course that is north of the boardwalk that takes you right up against the water, it was amazing. I was totally soaked though with sweat, it was just real hot even though the sun wasn’t out the whole time. The GPS helped me make sure I hit my miles … I love it.

So then on Sunday, I decided that since I took Thursday off instead of doing my speed workout, I could make it up by running a speed workout along the boardwalk. Thankfully there were not that many people out so early in the morning, but it was still a challenge dodging other runners, bikers and people walking but my watch made sure that I got in the workout that I needed to. Once again though, it was warm, I mean really warm .. I got back after the run and didn’t stop sweating for like 20 minutes (even in the air conditioning)..

I wrapped up this morning by doing a short recovery run … I really needed it. After swimming, walking and playing with my daughter in the pool and on the beach all day on Sunday, along with that killer speed workout, I was wiped out ..

The rest of this week is supposed to be warm, so i’ve stocked up on Gatorade for when I get done with my runs. I always run mornings, but its still humid. I realized that I miscalculated my training a bit in thinking I had 6 weeks between marathons when I only have 5. There are only 13 days until the 1/2 saur and 1/2 kraut marathon in Wyomissing. I checked out the website and found that its totally sold out ..

I also read that “You will be supported by 13 aid stations ( 5 for the half), including the Strudelhaus aid station (german pastries, full marathon only) & the Oktoberfest Aid station (alternative energy drinks). Zenzi, the Bavarian waitress will hand out gels at the 12 & 20 mile mark, and you will be fed by 2 professional chefs at the post race festivities, while “Hans” will entertain you with his accordion.”

It really sounds like a fun event, i’m looking forward to it and the post race … it will be nice to take a break from those big city races and hoopla that goes along with them … I like the big races, but you really appreciate the marathon more when you can just lay back and enjoy a little, which I think this will be..

Well, back to the grind tomorrow …