I had a great week of running, getting in my two 5-milers, plus an 8-miler outside on Thursday, and am prepping for my ‘step-back’ weekend of only 12 miles tomorrow and then 8 on Sunday (if i can get 8 in, its supposed to snow/rain all day). Regardless, we’ll get something in this weekend!

I managed to kick up the intensity a bit on the treadmill, running faster and with some incline added. I also ran the 8 miler much faster than normal, I did my old route going down Demunds road here for 4 miles than turning back. its quite a hilly course, you’re actually going uphill the entire way out, and then downhill back. I performed well. I feel that i’ve fully recovered now from my back injury that screwed up my training so bad, so i’ve decided to try to work as hard as I can these last 3 weeks before my 2 week taper. I intend to do a 20+ next Saturday, followed by at least 20 the following saturday, then taper down on the 18th and then the marathon is the 25th.

I realized after that 20 miler last weekend that I need to do whatever I can to survive this race. I remember back in early January when i said my goal is to finish, well, I’m sure i’ll finish, but it will be a struggle. I was really beaten up after 20-miles, and to only imagine having to go another 6.2, ack! I am not in the same shape I was in back when I was at this point with Steamtown, and i’m a little sad for that. Regardless, we’ll do better as the spring approaches and turns to summer.

Its almost March! That means more outside runs and no more crappy treadmill!

Off to run ………. 🙂