MarathonDay-126 -- Sun. May 17

Here it is, the first day of official training. 18 weeks to go, and I'm beginning to feel like it really might happen. I still have to send in my registration, but for the record here's the site:

http://www.adirondackmarathon.org/

I've got a basic 5 runs a week, plus stretch/strength and x-training, regime in mind, with a peak mileage that's quite low--55 or so. I might revise that after talking with coach J; he offered some free professional advice, and I think I'll take him up on it.

At this point I'm in reasonable shape, with just the achilles tendon thing and the numb leg to worry about. I hope I can figure them both out a bit, and compensate one way or another. I need much mroe upper body and core strength training, as well as some speed, to get any level of confidence, but that's what these 18 dedicated weeks are for. Classes are over, and I've got flexibility enough and time, more or less, to get something like a training regime going.

Today was an SRRC day, so, we met up at Dunkin as usual -- Jay (long time no see), Andy, Ken, Eddie, Nick, Bill, and me; pas de filles. We set out together on the rail trail, then at the underpass Jay, Nick and Eddie continued, aiming for a 6 miler, while the other four of us headed down the road. New route, my suggestion: down NoWash to Barret, across to Bardwell, back to NoLiberty and return to NoWash. All together, quicker after a slow first 3 miles, peaking with a 6:55 on NoLiberty, then at the end a quick bit as Andy pulls away and I sort of follow.

Time: 1:22:01
Distance: 10.56 miles
Pace/Speed: 7:46s/ 7.72 mph

Comments: target was 10 miles on the flat (cos of tendon). Mission accomplished.