Today marked my last long run prior to the Ocean Drive marathon in just 2 short weeks.. meaning that its time for, yes, we all know … the taper. I know I never really taper the way that I should (because of doing multiple marathons), but it does mark the point when I need to reduce my miles somewhat so I can rest up …

I found that I got in just over 22 miles today, actually logging 22.15 miles based on what the course layout told me (but who’s really measuring, right?) I figured it would be a challenge to get any mileage in at all today with the warm, but rainy conditions, but I seriously underestimated the wind .. it wasn’t until I checked the forecast just prior to heading out that I noticed the forecast of 25-35 mph winds from the E-NE, which is the direction I was heading. I figured it wouldn’t be too bad, its warm out, right?

Well, I found that once I got wet from the rain after 2 miles or so, it was quite cold when the sustained wind was blowing, and even colder when they decided to gust to 40-45mph at some points. I actually had to dodge a piece of lawn furniture that was slowly making its way down a road I was running on .. I saw the green plastic chair down the road from me, but it was right at a point when a gust came up, and did it fly… WOW, I’m glad i was paying attention. You never know what you see when you’re out for a run.

Maybe this is somehow a reality check for how ready I am for the Ocean Drive marathon .. I know there is always a head-wind, so you really have to get used of running into the wind. And I think I definitely passed the test. There were points when I actually felt myself getting blown over from it .. I did manage to finish the run in 3 hours and 21 minutes, which is about on target for my pace time for the race .. so I do think i’m ready.

Tomorrow officially wraps it up though .. my last killer hill workout (probably in the rain again). The worst part is we lose an hour of sleep tonight (which I really do need) due to the start of Daylight Saving Time, so that won’t help anything.

Could be worse, it could be cold and snowy, right?