It seems I missed the 1 year anniversary of my blog here, which started on April 16, 2006. Its amazing i’ve kept it going this long. I find it interesting to go back in the archives and see my thoughts and experiences as I got ready for Steamtown last year, and its interesting to see how i’ve grown both in my training and emotionally with doing marathons.

I’ve got the feeling of needing more miles since i’ve had my first runs that are slightly shorter as I taper for the half this weekend (and ultimately for the marathon the following). It was beautiful out this morning, around 60 degress, clear. What a great morning, it felt like summertime, can’t wait for it! Anyway, I woke up and my lower left back had a little twing to to, I feel that I slept on it wrong since I had no problem yesterday and didn’t run or anything since Sunday. It didn’t bother me much when I did my 4.13 miles this morning, although I did feel it once in awhile. My hope is that its just a temporary thing and it will pass like all the other aches and pains I have right now.

I’m trying to remember/overcome my key concepts during tapering, the main one being, DON’T OBSESS OVER LITTLE ACHES AND PAINS, they are natural during this process. I have to remember that in the last 3-4 weeks, i have overly abused my body (especially in running a first marathon only 4 or so weeks ago. I have to remember this and use the time to heal up so I can be at my best.

I enjoyed sleeping a little later this morning, and will again tomorrow since I only have to do 8 miles before work, means I don’t have to get outside until 4:45am or 4:50 (compared to 4:30 like last week), that’ll be cool.

The weather is gearing up to be decent so far for Sundays half, temps starting in the upper 40’s, ending in the upper 50’s… not too hot, not too cold, should be great conditions if they hold up (yeah, remember ocean drive?). Its too far out to tell the weather for the marathon yet on the 6th, but I can sense the trend that the temperature will be okay. You can never control the rain, but I don’t mind rain as long as its not a downpour … but we’ll see.