Well as expected I haven’t written all week, just another crazy week in paradise I guess. I did complete my taper except for the 3 miler i’m going to head out on in about an hour or so just to keep the legs fresh. I’ve been working on carb-loading and hydrating and will continue that through the day today as I head to Harrisburg this afternoon.

Its unfortunate that the marathon training season is coming to a close … however its not all bad in that it gives my body time to heal and be prepared for yet another crazy year of racing. Its increasingly more difficult to get these morning runs in with the temperatures dropping like they are in November, so being able to scale back and cross-train and run on the treadmill is a welcome thought. I still hope to get outside as I can to run when the weather is favorable (maybe on weekends)…

So as I get my stuff ready for my trip to Harrisburg, then to San Francisco, I’m preparing to do my reflections, which if you’ve read through my blog at all, you’ll know that I spend the time during this run dealing with the struggles I’ve felt in the last training cycle. Much has changed in life since I started this madness back in June, mostly via my job. I thankfully got out of the place I was working from January into a better place thats more local … that was a big change for me, but I dealt with it well, and it didn’t effect my training.

I’ll recall all the HOT runs in the summer, the rainy runs, the cold runs and the aches and pains i’ve struggled through. Thankfully through this cycle I looked back and only scrapped ONE run in the past 23 weeks. I did reschedule a few due to aches and pains, and schedule issues, but got 6 days a week in since June, thats impressive. I always say that I was extremely thankful that I didn’t have a major injury during this timeframe, I hope it means that my body is adjusting to this type of thing.

I might write again tonight from the hotel, since i’ll be alone with nothing to do. But thought I would update the blog and advise that we are ready willing and able to the marathon tomorrow. I printed out my pace band, hoping to complete in 3:45 if all goes well. I don’t feel this is a very difficult course compared to the last 2 marathons this year … its mostly flat with a few rolling hills, so I expect to be able to keep the pace. The only thing working against me is the weather, however its not supposed to be too bad, probably like Steamtown was last year. They anticipate around 35 degrees for the start and high in the low to mid 50’s, and no RAIN, so thats good. My boss let me borrow his number belt so I can strip layers off, and I intend to go with my new under-armour base layer, my Hind long-sleeve half-zip top .. I also have a throw-away cotton sweatshirt that I paid $5 for at Walmart to keep me warm at the start and through the first few miles until I ditch it. I’ll be wearing shorts although it will be cold .. but I think i’ll get through ok ..

So thats about it for now, i’m just getting things together to get out for a run and get on my way later … I hope to write later, otherwise I’ll update the blog when I have time after the race (remember i’ll be in San Francisco immediately following the race, so i don’t know when i’ll update).