I know, I know....

Again, being lazy with the posts. I have been right on schedule with my training, though, so my fitness is solid.

I put in my longest run to date last weekend, running close to 14 miles in through Springfield, into Longmeadow, over to Eastlongmeadow, and back. It was a long go, and complete with unexpected hills, one HUGE one in particular. My legs felt OK, although not until I hit the 6 mile mark or so. I am not sure what it is, this seems to be a reoccurring theme on my long runs. Once I hit the 5 or 6 mile mark, my legs seem to settle in and ache less and less. I did run into a bit of a wall around the 12 mile mark, my hamstrings were just about done. I decided to stop for a bit, try and get some energy back. Whatever the case was, this seem to work and I made it home with minimal pain.

I am now into the third week of my 18-week marathon training plan. I found it on the NYC Marathon web-page and decided to go with it. I have no idea if it is a solid layout, if it is short on mileage, too heavy on the long runs, etc. I do know that it has me running four 20+ mile runs, which I find to be a bit much, but I know just as much as the next guy when it comes to marathon training. I figure if it is on the NYC Marathon home site, it has to be somewhat legit, right?

Over the last week, I have been increasing my daily mileage a bit. I no longer run anything shorter than 5, and my days off are starting to dwindle. My body seems to notice, as my hips are now getting upset more often, and these hips don't lie. I don't know what it is, and I am sure I should get it checked out, but I will wait until it is catastrophic like usual. I know I need to get into the podiatrist for a new pair of orthotics. I have a feeling they will clear up many of my little annoying aches.

I am set for a 10-mile hoof today, dorrping the mileage downa little bit in anticipation for the next two weeks, which will be my longest jaunts yet. Next week is a 15 miler and the following week goes 3 miles longer, at 18.

That's far.

Hopefully my legs will start to get the picture and cooperate more often. If not, well, I just keep going :)

Here's to 26.2!