I'm running another marathon in two weeks. My last one before mid-October, I swear. It will be my 7th in the last 12 months. I registered for this one only because I will be celebrating the three year anniversary of my first marathon, on the same course. After finally running Boston last month, it seemed like the thing to do. Coming full circle.

But now, I seem to have a little problem, which is... I think that, maybe... I am a little tired? I was injured for a few days last week, after I ran my HM. Hamstring and knee. I had to skip a few runs. I feel ok now, but I'm a little bit apprehensive because of it. It was my first time ever being injured this way and I didn't like the feeling. Also, I ran 20 miles last Sunday, slowly, and mentally, I really wasn't in the mood. I think I am marathon overdosing at this point.

Anyway... I have a race in two weeks and I intend to go through with it. Being me (i.e. OCD), I need a goal. I need a finish time to direct me. It can be a slow time or a fast one, but I need numbers. If you were me, what would you do?

- Should I run easy, say, 30 minutes slower than my PR? Smell the daisies and take pictures? (not sure I am capable of this, but it could be fun to try.)

- Should I be conservative and run somewhere in between PR and easy, like 3:40/3:45? (which is probably the best I can expect of myself at the moment)

- Or should I go kamikase and try to run another PR, but just give up and adjust the pace if needed? I'm very familiar with pitiful last miles and disastrous endings, so it wouldn't be a first for me. I can take it emotionally.

Part of me wants to experiment and try for another PR. Go crazy... The other part of me tells me I'm asking for trouble. What do you think? Which part should I listen to?

P.S. The course is sprinkled with gentle hills, nothing major. And the weather should be a high of 72F (later in the day) and full sun. But it could all change before race day, of course.

Heck, who I am I to give you advice lady?   But for this one I say relax and enjoy, you have earned it!

Especially since you have a a little issue, might be a sign you need to back off a bit.

Besides that  course is beautiful and the crowds are amazing so take it all in and have fun.

We had so much fun at that race last year and wish I was going because I could spend some time with

my boy and also finally meet you. We seem to go to all the same places but at different times. I'm trying

to talk hubby into going up for Canada Day instead.

And remember go to the market and find my boy and say Hi!LOL

Well I sure cant give any advice since I'v yet to do a full marathon yet, but I'd say run easy.

Run it for fun.  You'll be surprised at how nice that is.

Although knowing you, you will get a PR.  Good luck!

Damaris, if I had you to run with, it would be more fun. Running for fun alone doesn't sound that much fun to me. :-( But I'm willing to try it.

I say go for the PR.  That's what you'll end up doing anyway. 

I say go for the PR.  That's what you'll end up doing anyway. 

You just want me in a cast, on a hospital bed, so that we can compare our pictures.

I would say any of the options could be viable. Possibly train for the middle one, but wait and see how you feel. If things get better, you may decide to race it, if they get worse you could go daisy hunting. Don't be too hard on yourself to decide right now. Good luck.