6 weeks to go!

6 weeks until marathon #2.

With all the ups and downs I had early in training for this marathon, all I can hope for is to have 6 more weeks of training like this past week.

Monday, I went out for a slow recovery run.  My legs were feeling tired from Saturday's long run, my first real long run in over a month.  Tired legs, but no pain.  I made it through a 5 mile run feeling pretty good.

Wednesday, I met up with the group for the first time since early February for a killer uphill run.  It wasn't easy, but definitely boosted my confidence. 

Friday, my original schedule called for a tempo run, but I chose to play it safe and stuck with my slow and steady pace for an hour long run.

Saturday was my make it or break it run.  I figured my injury would either catch up with me and I would have to put an end to this marathon dream, or I'd make it through my run feeling better than last week.  I'm happy to say that I made it without breaking it!  Woot! 

All I wanted was to go farther than last week and run for longer than last week, with hopefully fewer walking breaks.  At just over 27K (~17 miles), in 2 hours, 50 minutes, mission accomplished!  The best part is yet to come...While last week's run left me with legs so sore I could hardly walk up and down the stairs, and was completely exhausted the next day, today my legs feel fine and my energy level is normal.  All good signs, I think!

The down side of this run was that I never really felt in a "groove" while running.  I didn't wear my Garmin so that I wouldn't worry about my pace, but on the run, I couldn't find or stay at a comfortable pace.  AND  I locked my keys in my car!  I'd looped back to my car to grab one last Gu before my final 5 miles, and put the key on the seat while I refilled my water bottle.  I got out of the car, saw the BF drive by, locked the door, closed it, then saw my key sitting on my seat!  Of course, the BF was long gone, and my cell phone and wallet were also locked inside the car.  I finished my final loop and then stopped in at a store where I know the owner.  She was kind enough to let my stinky, sweaty self in to use the phone to call BCAA.

Now all I need is six more weeks like this one and I'll be ready for Vancouver!