Tim, keep an eye on that HR and if it doesn't go down, get checked out, ok? And ditto what folks are saying about resting a bit. Robert, will look forward to your RR on Spokane--hope you include some info on Jack. PBJ-nice going! I'm a fan of negative splits. Sounds as if y'all had fun, too, the most important thing! Tramps, you'll be greta in Richmond! I'll have to go find your RR. (and it snowed here, too but I haven't had to shovel yet!) HI Holly! Haven't decided what to do today, just must get it done before 2:37. Work but it's slow today. Peter, getting up in the dark--I need a running buddy like you! grins, A

good morning! Holly, he's not, but I used to wonder about that too! until they were both at the same race a while ago. Enke, thanks. we talked about it when I saw him.... I really was torn about whether to mention it in my post. it was nice of you to let me know about it. Gordon... how great for your coach & his DW!! please tell them congratulations. Stevie Ray, I'm so sorry about your friend. DickyG (thanks!) how are you tackling those hills? how steep/long are they? 45 min. mix, prehab, pilates, etc.

SR, I am so glad you had a great run in Spokane, specially knowing that you were running in honor of your friend. PBJ, are we going to get an RR from Hartford from you? Congrats on that 3:32. Well done. Will run later, the pager went off just as I was getting ready to go out for a run. Still can't believe that I got not one, but three hugs from Gordon in my own backyard.

Thanks dg for sending me a hug with lynden. I sure needed it. Tim, YOU need to rest and relax my friend. You have worked soooo hard in the last months, we don't want you sick or injured a few weeks before your marathon. Take a day or two easy and then get back at it. Are you sleeping well? Eating well? Ate there any stressors in your life, besides training?. Marathon training is not easy, otherwise the whole world would do it . Keep up the great work.

SR - so sorry to hear about your friend. I am truly in awe of what you are doing -- it was really inspiring to talk with you after Portland.

Teresa, congrats to your son on his XC meet. Twocat, I'm sorry to hear of your friend's diagnosis. My thoughts are with him, his family, and friends. evan, you had a rough time of it with planes and foot problems. I hope things improve. lynden, a big congrats to your wife on her 1st marathon (and a speedy one it was). DH, it's neat that you and DC got BB out in the fresh air to toss the football around. srlopez, thanks for posting the picture of the shirt you wore in memory of your friend. Nice long runs for Teresa, breger, maine, Holly, dtoce (2 with wife), dg (you're really doing well lately, good job Deb), bike (I wonder if the carpy run was because you've been hitting it pretty hard lately. I'm glad to hear the next run was ok), and Peter. This morning it was about 50 and calm. I got in 8 miles in just under 1:18 for a 9:44 pace. A good day and good runs for all. TomS

Robert - I look forward to your RR on Spokane, and more info on your amazing friend that passed away. Tim - You were smart for taking the miles easy. Crappy runs happen. Sometimes the miles just start to accumulate. Sometimes it takes a whole week to recover from speedwork. Sometimes you can be running a low grade fever and not be aware of it, and have your resting HR 10 beats higher. We are all fully confident in your ability to smoke this marathon. The taper really is magic. 54F - Almost balmy!!, overcast, a bit windy. Ok, since I didn't run all weekend, I thought I would be ready for some speedwork today. And I was, but I kind of botched it too. Plan was for 4 x 1 mile reps with 2 min walk breaks. Target pace was supposed to be 8:30, but I probably should have made that a little slower even. 2 mile w/u @ 11:26 8:27 8:17 8:38 3 mile c/d (11:10, 10:37, 8:44) So I went too fast on that second rep, and paid for it later..... I was dying to be done on the third rep. But after jogging a two mile cool down, I felt like going for it again. That last mile was fun. So I did get my 4 miles of speedwork in after all.

. Bob (btb) sent me a few photos he had taken at Boston.

How is Bob, btw?