I know I’ve been slacking on the blog lately, but there hasn’t been too much activity. The longest distance I’ve run since Christmas has been 8 miles, and I’ve mostly been resting. The hills in St. Louis (or rather my not being used to running on hills) resulted in the development of pain on my kneecap that really flared up last Sunday while running 8 miles. I decided to skip the small runs this week to rest it and I’ve been applying ice for 20 minutes 2-3 times per day.
I’ve got no pain while walking now and hopefully it will hold up for the entire 26.2 miles this Sunday. I’m headed out to Disney tomorrow for the marathon expo and some time with the family at the theme parks. I’ve got my priority seatings at the restaurants all planned out for my pre-marathon meals. I’ve been eating high carb meals all week and will continue to do so, with my last big meal on Saturday morning. I’ll snack when I feel the need the rest of the day Saturday. I’ll have some toast or bread on Sunday morning before the race and grab some Clif gels during the race.
I’ve worked things out so that my splits should be automatically posted to the blog shortly after I pass over the timing chip mats during the race. There should be splits for 10K, 21K, 30K, 40K, and finish.
I’m both excited and nervous. I think I’ll be calmed somewhat when I finally arrive and have the chance to mingle with the other 20,000 or so others who will be running with me. It’s been a long road to get here and I feel like I’ve slacked off a little bit in recent weeks, but other than the knee pain, I feel totally ready to finish this thing and I certainly think I have a shot at 4 hours.
well Brain, Your story is almost a carbon copy of mine= minus the injury. The expo seemed to lack something..where was magic elixor that would make me sail through the marathon in 4 hours with out any pain or panic?