Day # 120: Final Thoughts....

I never had the chance to get in my final taper run of 2 miles today due to work and the cold temps tonight, but I'm as ready as I can be. After reading Scott's blog I am feel compelled to say a few words about the race on Sunday.

To give a little history, my brothers and I have always been competitive in any undertaking. When Scott and I were talking on IM back in July, I brought up a subject that I had personally been thinking about for a few weeks. Running a marathon. I mentioned it because he was making a comment about he felt out of shape and felt old after turning 30. So, on the spot I made the challenge to him. I told him it would great if we could choose a marathon for the fall and decide to fly and meet up and run--achieving a tremendous goal together. I was 90% sure he wouldn't be up for it. He was understandably reluctant at first, but within a few minutes had agreed to do it.

So here were are 17 weeks later - facing the reality of running the marathon.... this weekend. As I commented on Scott's blog, I am incredibly proud that he has made it this far. After being diagnosed with Chrone's disease and being hospitalized for a week a few years back, it is hard to imagine he'd be running 26.2 miles this weekend. So with a little luck, and a lot of preparation and a lot of will---we'll be able to look at each other Sunday afternoon thinking "What's next"...

Actions speak louder than words..Let's do it bro...

Day # 119: 4 Miles in the Boston Darkness

Due to some heavy traffic, I didn't get home until 6pm, so I had to run 4 miles tonight in complete darkness in downtown Boston. It was pretty windy, so I opted to run down Comm Ave. as opposed to running down near the river that is less protected from the elements. The run worked out well besides having to stop periodically to let traffic go by. I ran all the way down to Fenway Park, back to the Public Garden, around the perimeter of Boston Common and then back down Charles St. and up Beacon Hill. It was a pretty good slow run, as I finished the 4 miles in 37:09.

Route is here. Almost exactly 4 miles.

Day # 118: 3 Slow Treadmill Miles at the Ritz-Carlton

Ah, the final days are upon us! Tonight I took advantage of a guest pass to the Ritz Carlton's Sports Club and jogged 3 miles on the treadmill in 28:30. I think the setting was around 6.3 for the duration of the run. I stretched a little before and after running, then hit the steam room to eradicate the excess sweat from my pores. It was a nice little workout tonight as I prepare for what awaits on Sunday.

Day # 116: Last Long Run - 7 Miles in 61:30

This afternoon I completed my last "long run" prior to next weekend's marathon. To be completely honest, I felt quite a bit of pain in my right hip/groin, something that has been persistent for a few months. I felt most of the pain in the first 20 minutes of the run as my muscles needed a bit of time to warm up. Besides the injury, the run went pretty well, and I am definitely excited for next weekend after finishing the 7 mile run in 61:30.

Also, tonight began the first real day of "Carbo Loading". For dinner I grilled 2 thin chicken breasts marinated in teriyaki, and then mixed them in with asian style noodles.