Trust The Process

Training for the Chicago Marathon officially started today for me. This was my first "long run" of the year for me (15> miles). 16 easy miles and I wasn't too concerned about pace. I ran the first 5 very easy with Lauren and Russ in the stroller (10:00 pace). The next 10 I averaged right around 8:00 avg pace with miles ranginlg from 8:15 to 7:43. There wasn't too much structure during these miles so the pace varied a bit. I finished with a very easy cool down mile (9:45 pace). Total time was around 2:20.

Although my base mileage hasn't been as high as planned so far this year, my races have gone well (PR each race). If I can stay injury free during my training, going sub-3hr at Chicago is well within reach.

Training starting weight: 177

Training starting VDOT: 53

8 miles on the TM (1%) including 4 LT miles.

2 mile warm up

4 miles @ 6:27 pace

2 mile cool down

This felt better than last week but still too hard given my current fitness.

5 miles on the TM(1%). 7:30 avg pace.

I went to see spirit of the marathon 2 this evening. I enjoyed it, but liked the first one better.

I need to get in some good mileage tomorrow.

I got slammed at work again today so could only run 4 miles during my break (8:00) pace.  By the time i had dinner and put my son down, it was past 8pm and i was feeling lazy so i skipped the evening run.

Squeezed in 8 miles during my lunch break. Total time was just under 58 minutes including 5 MP miles (6:52)).

I skipped my run today because I scored last minute tickets to the US Open. Best part was that the ticket got me in to the NBC hospitality tent along the par 3 13th hole. The tent was air conditioned, fully catered and had the latest Samsung HD tv's. I got to see each player come through. It was a really cool experience and totally free!

Got home just in time to take my wife out to dinner for her birthday.