March 15 Week MAYBE a Runner, Finally...

I would have to say before this week, I thought I could complete the Marathon but not sure if it would be one of those ugly, halting, gasping affairs or something better. After this past week, I feel more certain it will be something better. The week prior was quite ugly as I outlined in my March 8 post, so I was determined to have a good week this week. I was able to get 3 very good outdoor runs in and the last, on Thursday, I chose a hilly golf course where I ran the cartpaths in succession running up from my hotel via the access road. This one was a gasser, about 6.5 miles, for me and it was good and for the first time, I felt better the next day from a run, more energized and healthier. As the weekend was approaching, I wanted to have a good performance at the DFMC run on the Lexington bike path, of course the rainy weather was rolling in, so it was hard to know about conditions. We had a good team meeting, Jan (the director) passed out pairs of running gloves to all that have raised $5K for DFMC so far (quite a few!), and got some more data on Marathon day logistics (wow!). Finally at 8:30, we started our run, I had made sure to get a good carb dinner and drank a liter plus of water before, I felt good, and I went the first 6 miles at a good 10:30 pace which was good for me. I actually enjoy running with a light rain, even with the temps in the 40s. The next 3-4 miles were still pretty good, but I needed a better effort and I was dragging up the hills. I could feel the wind picking up and as I hit the water stop at 10, I was no longer celebrating the weather but I wasnt complaining either. The wind really picked up the last 4 and as I hit the last stop and talked to Jack and the unbelieveable volunteers (it's one thing to run in the rain and wind, usually blocked by trees; it's another to stand behind a table usually exposed more and try to fill water and gatorade cups and others with a 25 mph wind in the rain -- bravo and thanks Volunteers!!) I could see how the weather was changing. The last couple miles were challenging and I tightened a bit, but I still felt good coming back in to Lexington center with my longest run to date - 14 miles, and feel even better that the next 4 weeks will take to the right level to have a more credible and real marathon experience.

Now to my GENEROUS DONORS of the week: Jane Daun-Tremblay, Larry Golob, Zita Scippa, John Burke, and Dave Ahern. Muchos Gracias to you all, and the good work continues thanks to your efforts and generosity!!