No run today. I was going to do an easy 3 on the treadmill, but decided the extra sleep would every bit as beneficial. I had run 10 days in a row anyway, so my guilt level is low. Tomorrow's run: Where? Myrtle Beach, SC When? 6:30 a.m. (great sunrise when running if it's not cloudy) Distance: 26.2 miles Temperature: Predicted for 47 at start and 54 at finish. I can't ask for anything more than that! Goal time: 3:15 (BQ) Stretch goal time: 3:12 I have never been more ready for a race, which is causing as much anxiety as anything else. I'm more anxious just to get running to be honest. When I'm at the starting line, I'm usually very calm and ready to enjoy a good hard run, and let my preparation take over. I'll report back on Sunday with hopefully good news!

Ran the Greenbelt Washington's birthday marathon today. I just decided to run this three days ago when it became apparent that it wouldn't be 20 degree with 20-30 mph winds for the first time. It was 43 out and no higher than 10 mph winds, the best this race will ever have. Yet, I was still 2 minutes slower than last year. Clearly I wasn't motivated to hold a painful pace because my avg HR was 166, 6 beats lower than my peak marathon HR of 172. Just like in the Baltimore marathon, my GPS crapped out late in the race, today around mile 18, then permanently at 20. Both times when this has happened, without seeing my pace, I lost my motivation to endure the pain. I think my fitness was actually a bit better this year than last, but there were a couple of factors. First, I did run a 20 miler (MAF - 9 avg) yesterday, just to make sure I was up for a long run, being 2 weeks off of my 84 mile stint at Rocky Raccoon. Didn't feel fatigued, but probably was a factor, although I have done well in marathons the day after 20 several times before. Second, without as much painful cold and wind today, I was actually quite comfortable and I didn't have quite the motivation as I did last year to get the race done with. Finished in 3:25 today, my worst marathon in over a year (not including one where I paced a friend). Last year, my 3:23 was good enough for 9th place overall, which gave an indication for how much this race broke everyone down. There were definitely better times today, but I don't know what the breakdown was. Still, this is usually my tune-up race for the year being the first hard effort (and only after about 7 weeks of training since a good off-period). Let's see how the March races go.

Ran the Greenbelt Washington's birthday marathon today. I just decided to run this three days ago when it became apparent that it wouldn't be 20 degree with 20-30 mph winds for the first time. It was 43 out and no higher than 10 mph winds, the best this race will ever have. Yet, I was still 2 minutes slower than last year. Clearly I wasn't motivated to hold a painful pace because my avg HR was 166, 6 beats lower than my peak marathon HR of 172. Just like in the Baltimore marathon, my GPS crapped out late in the race, today around mile 18, then permanently at 20. Both times when this has happened, without seeing my pace, I lost my motivation to endure the pain. I think my fitness was actually a bit better this year than last, but there were a couple of factors. First, I did run a 20 miler (MAF - 9 avg) yesterday, just to make sure I was up for a long run, being 2 weeks off of my 84 mile stint at Rocky Raccoon. Didn't feel fatigued, but probably was a factor, although I have done well in marathons the day after 20 several times before. Second, without as much painful cold and wind today, I was actually quite comfortable and I didn't have quite the motivation as I did last year to get the race done with. Finished in 3:25 today, my worst marathon in over a year (not including one where I paced a friend). Last year, my 3:23 was good enough for 9th place overall, which gave an indication for how much this race broke everyone down. There were definitely better times today, but I don't know what the breakdown was. Still, this is usually my tune-up race for the year being the first hard effort (and only after about 7 weeks of training since a good off-period). Let's see how the March races go.

Good job Jesse, impressive as always. Yesterday i ran the Cowtown Marathon in hopes of easing the painful memory from my 4:42 in my first marathon (San Antonio). I didn't choose the easiest course but I accomplished everything I set out to. Good nutrition plan, sub 4, and feel better afterwards. End result: 3:59:18/3:57:42 Intervals, splits, and heart rate info are in my log. I was warned about the hills but still, miles 24 - 26 are a terrible place to but the biggest hills. At one point I thought to myself: "people do this for fun?" I didn't walk but only because I knew it would just make the climb take longer. You can check out the elevation chart at the link below. http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/tx/fort-worth/183946212