Monday:  5.2 Miles (Pace 7:58)

I don’t want to jinx it but the nice fall weather is continuing here in Baltimore!  Most of the day was overcast and dreary; after getting some work done and coming to the conclusion the light rain wasn’t going to stop I went to the Promenade to run.  The rain picked up a little during my run but not to hard, honestly I barely noticed.  I had another strong run with negative splits and my last mile being my fastest.  I think my legs are a bit refreshed after a lower mileage week last week!

Tuesday:  7 Miles (Pace 8:38)

After two great days of running, my body was starting to get tired.  My plan was to run 10 miles downtown, but I wound up doing 7.  I ran with my friend Kristen, we started a bit faster than I wanted to but quickly fell into a steady pace.  During my longer runs and in general I have been trying to make a habit of starting slow and then picking up the pace.  That is the strategy I plan to use in the marathon.  We ran along the water and it was a bit humid but still a nice evening out.  When ended the run at Tin Roof and talked with our friend Theo for a bit.  Kristen left and Theo and I caught up a bit, I hadn’t seen him in a few weeks.  It was good run and I hope to make up some miles tomorrow.

Wednesday:  2.1 Miles (Pace 8:24)

So much for making up the miles.  Even though I had a relatively light day at work, I was still pretty fatigued.  It seems like it has taken my body longer to recover before I am ready to go 100% again.  After work the day got away from me and I had a night college fair to attend and only had time to get in a few miles.

Thursday:  1 Mile (Pace 8:16)

After a late night from the fair last night, an early morning, and another evening college fair I didn’t feel like running much.  For some reason this week has been a bit more difficult for me to motivate myself to get out and run.  I think I can see the end in sight and I’m getting excited for a break.  I need to keep my eye on the marathon and not slack off these last few weeks.

Friday:  1.5 Miles (Pace 8:16)

Knowing my long run is tomorrow, I decided to take it easy on the run today.  I wanted to make sure I stay hydrated and well fueled for my final long run tomorrow.  I saw my neighbor and friend on the run, he was walking his dogs, when I ran up behind him I actually scared him.  I guess I’m a really quite runner.  After a quick chat I was on my way and finished my run.

Saturday:  20 Miles (Pace 9:12)

Last night I slept close to 9 hours, the long days at work have really been taking it out of me.  I know you can’t catch up on sleep, but it was nice to get in a few more hours than I had been.  For breakfast I tried a new energy bar from Extend Nutrition, I actually won a gift card from Ashley’s blog.  It is suppose to keep your blood sugar balanced for up to 6 hours during the day.  The run today had course support from Falls Road Running Store, they host the run every year before the marathon.  The course starts at Patterson Park and follows the marathon course.  You run most of the hills which is good, it gives you an idea of what to expect.  During the run, I met some new people and chatted with them as we ran I also saw some people I know from running and ran with them for a while.  When I wasn’t running with anyone I reflected over the last few months of training and running the same course 3 years ago in preparation for the marathon.  Things have changed a lot since then, which I hope to write about in a separate blog.  As I thought about the last few months I have never trained with this much intensity or intent before.  I am hoping it will pay off come race day!  I wasn’t trying to run a certain pace and when I finished I was happy with it.  I felt comfortable, very tired but comfortable with how I ran.  I know how I want to refuel during the race and I have a plan, I just need to stick with it.  After the run, I had an event to go to for my best friend, and then I had some people over my house.  We had a bonfire and enjoyed sitting around telling funny stories.  Sarah and FKBT came over and brought some dessert, it was a great way to end the day and begin my taper!

Sunday:  1 Mile (Pace 8:43)

All through the night, I had a horrible headache and woke up with one as well.  No it wasn’t from to many beers, I think it was a combination of being dehydrated from running, not eating properly afterwards, and the smoke from the fire.  I woke up had some breakfast and started to feel better.  Today was the home opener for the Ravens; I went to the game with a friend.  I didn’t have time to run before the game so when I got home I did a quick loop around the neighborhood.  My body felt fatigued from yesterday, at one point I actually thought about stopping, but I didn’t.  I’m so close to finishing the streak.  Today was day 337 of the running streak.  The end is in sight.  I am looking forward to a day of rest and I’m looking forward to the marathon!  I am so glad that taper time has started!  I didn’t get in all the miles I should have this week, if I can I will make some up this upcoming week, but it is time for my body to regain strength through some easier runs!

Total Miles:  37.8

-Veggie Fueled Runner