tetsujin, yes, this is pretty much how I plan to train. If I were more confident in my knees, I might do some shorter, faster runs, including some 5K races leading up to my December 13 goal race. However, my knees are always day to day. So I am focusing on longer, slower mileage to build endurance, and if my knees feel up to it, I may try to do my long runs a little faster than what you have seen so far. I am trusting that I will find enough speed when I need it. I am no hermosaboy or tallrunner or DaveinAA, but hopefully I won't have to be. To be honest, I am relying partly on superior mental preparation. If I can show up healthy on Dec. 13 and mentally prepared to run fast, perhaps I can defeat other runners who are more physically talented but not mentally prepared to go all out. There are a lot of "ifs" in this scenario. Dark Horse

Thank you, huskydon. I am not sure all of you are pulling for me, but I thank those who are. This is definitely an important goal race for me, and I will try to do my best. Dark Horse