I made a pretty good comeback this week.  Even though it was sometimes difficult to get out of bed, I hit all of my planned workouts this week.  I’m 4 weeks away from the Gasparilla marathon.  I’m officially registered and I’ve only got one more week before the taper.  Here’s how it went:

Monday AM: 21 miles (60 mins) stationary bike

Monday PM: 6.1 miles with Alice at 10:20 pace

Tuesday AM: 8×1200 m in 4:45-4:51 with 30-60s rests.  10 miles total

Wednesday AM: 6 miles at 8:15 pace

Thursday: Off

Friday AM: 6 miles at 8:40 pace

Saturday AM: 2×1.5 miles at 6:45 pace + 17 miles = 20 miles in 2:42

Sunday AM: 6.2 miles with Alice at 10:35 pace.

Total: 54.3 miles

The speedwork on Tuesday went quite well.  I was surprised to get all 8 1200’s in at under 6:30 pace.  I’ve gotta believe I’m capable of a sub 40 min 10K now.  Saturday’s long run was tough.  I did 2×1.5 miles at 6:45 pace before meeting up with Steve and Justin (they were running 13).  I ran about 11 with them and Steve drove the pace over their final 6 miles at 7:30-7:40 pace. That wore me out for my last 4 miles which were straight into a 22 MPH headwind.  I held onto my run despite an extreme desire to walk and finished my 20 miles in 2:42 - which is actually a 20 mile PR for me.

I’m starting to feel pretty confident about the marathon even though the distance is still intimidating.  I’m definitely ready to tackle it and then spend a few weeks without a training plan to follow.