11 Days and Counting

This has been a challenging marathon season to say the least. You've heard enough of my moaning and groaning about my disc injury and the unfairness of life as a result. To top it off my obsession with the election has made it all but impossible to embrace the awesomeness that is the New York City Marathon. I've spent the better part of the year absorbing everything MSNBC, The New York Times, Huffington Post, CNN, blogs by political-savvy friends, NPR has to offer. I've lost sleep, my acid reflux is back, and I'm sure I'm developing cancer of the esophagus, which has me worried because no one does a walk to raise money for cancer of the esophagus.

I am happy to report that, while my Election '08 obsession continues, I am finally, FINALLY, getting excited about the marathon. This morning Alison and I did our speed work in Central Park, which included sprints crossing the finish line at Tavern-On-The-Green. It was cold, it was early, so it took me a minute to notice that, hey, the men are out assembling the bleachers! Look! The flags designating the marathon route are waving! It's a beautiful day! My back doesn't hurt! I've had great runs the past few weeks! And I'm going to have a great race!

I am going to have a great race. It's not something I have to force myself to believe; it just is. After all my complaining and all the struggles and all the physical therapy, the voice inside my head that knows everything told me that I am going to enjoy November 2nd and I am going to run strong. I am going to have a great race.

Grete's Gallop

Wow, what perfect weather! It was a lovely day for a run last Saturday, and I took advantage by mentally and physically preparing all week in hopes of a strong race. I didn't disappoint myself; I finished feeling good and only one minute slower than last year, where I PR'd at 2:00:something. This year was 2:01: something. But, that's ok, I had a great race, especially compared to how I've been doing this year. The night before the race I ate linguine with white clam sauce. I think pasta is the way to go. I've experimented with a more balanced plate: a protein, a vegetable, and a starch. But, I'd been losing steam at the end. Having a more carb-heavy dinner proved effective, at least on Saturday. I'll continue down this road and see if it continues to make a difference.

Feeling good?

Alright, so I'm not as fast as I was last year. So what?
I came in 4 minutes slower at the 18 mile tune up this year than last.
I'd be ok with this "getting slower" crap if I understood why it's happening. My disc isn't the problem. I'm eating what I think I should be eating. I never get enough sleep, but who does and when has that ever been an issue?
I did a good 4 mile speed work out this morning. I'm going to time myself around the 6 mile loop tomorrow...actually, scratch that. Grete's Gallop is two loops around CP, so I'm staying out of the park for the rest of the week. Speaking of, my average pace per mile at Grete's was 9:12. My 18 mile pace last year was 9:35. Over the weekend it was 9:47! OK, so it was incredibly humid and horrible outside, that may have affected me.
If anyone has any theories about why I may be getting slower I am willing to listen.