Today was the last LONG LONG run (20+) before the Ocean Drive marathon on March 25th. I was able to get in 21.75 miles down in Kingston, in the nicer weather. I can’t say that it was easy, because I struggled at the end, but I feel confident about the marathon later this month. I was concerned about hitting the wall, but I didn’t ever hit it, although I was tired. I think physically beaten more than anything. My legs were real tired, but the important thing, like I did before Steamtown, was that I asked myself before I stopped running at the end …. ‘Can you make it 4 more miles?’ .. thankfully, my answer was yes. It will be a struggle at the end of the marathon, no doubt, but I know I will finish.

I would normally start a taper at this point for the marathon, but I expect to work hard this coming week and give myself two weeks of taper instead. I didn’t do a full training cycle, so I am afraid if I cut back too early, it will affect me overall. The difference between this taper and with Steamtown, is that I don’t intend to ‘take it easy’ when I run during the taper. I really think that I laid back a little too much, not pushing myself just because I wasn’t doing high mileage. Its unfortunate that after the fact I read that you need to keep the intensity up … oh well, live and learn …

I have to say though that even a few hours after the last big run, I feel pretty good. My legs and lower back are sore, but thats expected. I didn’t need an ice bath this time.

I’m looking forward to a recovery run tomorrow and then off on Monday and then finishing up the last week before the taper … I don’t expect to do a super-long run on Saturday this week, probably 14 miles or so, nothing crazy. I think the weather is turning …

The excitement is on, i’m thinking more and more about the marathon … the time has come!