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Thoughts by Astro. Powered by Blogger.

2 weeks away

The Illinois marathon is under 2 weeks away and I can't wait. It has been a long time coming.

Miles
intervals
tempos
400's
long runs
and The Wind.

Wind has been a constant companion these last three months of training. Lots of wind, fast wind and cold wind. But hopefully, that will make me a little stronger and a little better.

It is going to be 26.2 miles of champaign-Urbana, a place I have been around since the 5th grade. I haven't always lived here but I have been around. Knowing the route so well has me a little worried i might get bored. I mean, isn't that some of the allure of running a marathon. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the different locale?

Training has been great the last few weeks. 2 weeks ago I went 16.5 miles at 10:17 pace on average. I went out fast and it felt good. I just coldn't hang and the last 3 miles showed it on my quarter-mile pacing. But I ran a half faster than I ever had. Last Saturday was 10 miles - 5 out and 5 back - first half was into the wind but splits were amazing on the way back. Finished right a 10 minute pace.

So, I am ready. Let the days and hours count down to the start of the first Illinois marathon. Look next Friday or morning of for my goal time. I will post two of them. My goal time and my awesome, I am Craig Virgin time.

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8 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel your pain in dealing with the wind....been brutal over the last 3 weeks.

Unknown said...

Taper time!! Enjoy!!

Lindsay said...

home stretch - you will survive! you are exactly right to reflect back on all the workouts you have put in. you are prepared!

Marlene said...

2 weeks already!

I tend to think that running a marathon in familiar territory could be beneficial... you can recognize landmarks along the way to break up the distance. They always recommend checking out the course beforehand, so there must be some logic in that.

Happy Taper!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Goal times, I love them. Shoot for the stars and if you don't make it you're still up there.

Katie said...

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great, and will enjoy it because running with others I think is much more fun than by yourself!

Sonia said...

So excited for you! It's coming really fast, hope taper madness has not overcome you.

I actually found it pretty awesome to run the Detroit marathon (which course goes to Windsor where I lived for 5 years). There is road closure and people cheering, its a lot different from the usual stroll through town! I'm sure you won't be bored!

Ally said...

Only 4 days, 22 hours and minutes away from this great event! You'll do great honey!! Only one more light run before race day to go and you'll steam ahead towards your Boston goal.