It begins....

I noticed that their is not a lot of information to help out a runner that is training for a marathon. This BLOG will keep a log on my bumps in the road. I hope these experiences help others finish a marathon or run one faster.

A little background: I've run two marathons. The 2001 and 2005 Chicago Marathons. The difference between the first and second events is that I'm still excited about running after the 2005 event. I'm excited enough that I've targeted my next marathon which starts in 18 weeks -- the Tampa Marathon on February 26. Training starts today - right after work!

I ran a leasure pace and finished with the time of 4:36. I had to run slower than I would have liked because I was helping a friend finish his first race. Four of us ran together and we all finished. But, I know I could have run under a four hour time! I KNOW IT!

Last Thursday I threw down the gauntlet to my fast friend. He is in much better shape - a Physical Education teacher. He has already planned to run the Phoenix Marathon on January 15th. I told him, what ever time he finishes, I'm going to beat it. BTW, He is hopeing for a time around 3:30. My Personal Best is 4:14:26 in 2001.

Here I go!!

My achilles are still tight after the Chicago Marathon 15 days earlier, but I think the achilles will be fine after some streatching. I can get up to speed quickly -- well I have too. I am used to running at a 9 minute per mile pace. I need to decrease that to 8 minutes per mile - and sustain it over 26 miles.

posted by jim @ 10:41 AM Permanent Link |