Anticipation

On one hand, it seems just a short while ago that I was bundled into bed, trying to warm up after a disappointed race in Boston. After running 26+ miles and what felt like a freezing wind howling between the buildings, I honestly doubted whether I’d make it back to the hotel. Had that been my first marathon, I would’ve sworn it was also my last. Yet, I’ve done too many of these races. Or at least enough to know that the aching pain and the feeling of frustration quickly dissipates.

Frank Shorter summed it up more eloquently, stating, “You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming."

And so I find myself here today, sitting in front of this computer with a 12-week marathon program laid out in front of me. I love this period, the race is far enough away that dreams seem larger than life and the reality of the preparation has yet to be absorbed underfoot. The glass is definitely half-full.

This week was a transition period and I used the opportunity to take advantage of a second, unscheduled day off. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. After watching my sister graduate as a police officer, the family made a trip over to Galiano Island to stay with Ally’s father for the weekend. With naught to do but relax, enjoy fresh crab and squeeze in a run, the weekend couldn’t have been better.

On Sunday, we returned to Vancouver Island and after arriving in Swartz Bay, I watched the girls drive off home and then set out on my long run tracing an alternative route to meet them. Within minutes, I was in MacDonald Park under a towering canopy of trees (helpful given the 23C temperature and the warm wind). From there, I sauntered through the sleepy seaside town of Sidney and the out into the farm fields of the Central Saanich. Despite the heat, the journey was remarkably uneventful. I experimented with a new electrolyte drink (the jury’s still out) and some Gu… lessons were learned.

Here’s to the week ahead!

Training:

Thursday: undulating 41:40

Friday: day off (unscheduled)

Saturday: 43:01 with Moneghetti strides

Sunday: steady/warm 2:02:17

Weekly mileage: 5h09’56”, +/- 72k or 45 miles