darkwave - Yep that's the only thing that is left that is different in training.  I agree that starting at easy pace is probably the next option.  Also, 25 x 400!  Wow.

Mick - I ran in the Saucony Tempus.  I used them in training for long runs and med long workouts for 6 weeks pre-race.

James - Yep, those are all options worth considering.  I think 3:25-30 pace to start with might be the next option.  Yes, in theory I should be able to run a faster marathon than that but theory isn't working.

watson - Yeah, you're probably right that my training is fine as it is.  I don't mind a bit of extra time on a "hobby" especially one I put this much effort into, but it has to be effective extra time.  So you may be right that it isn't worth it.  My warm ups are really just token but if I do adopt the strategy of starting at easy pace then I don't need one, except maybe a minute to check the shoes are laced properly and there are no other equipment issues.

Yep, that training run had a 7km warm up.  Like you say, there's no harm in trying it in terms of time lost early in the race given that if I don't cramp I'll set a huge PR even with a slow start.

The NY Road Runners issued advice to area runners not to run outside tomorrow on Global Running Day due to the poor air quality resulting from all the smoke that's just been blown south from the Canadian wildfires.

Visibility is less than 2 miles now, and I'm on the 36th floor.  And it's supposed to get worse before it gets better.  It kind of blows my mind that this is coming from 500 miles (800km) away.

Steve, that is rough. About the only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned is this worth a trip to the doctor? That said, since it is such a specific circumstance, that may just add more frustration.

I did that too...saw a Sports Doctor who looks after the elites (or used to until he retired a month after I saw him).  He did a technique analysis and a blood test and found all was fine.  I was thinking maybe I should get tested straight after a workout but a blood test then would probably show some false positives.

That smoke sounds awful.  It really puts in perspective just how huge the fires are.

HK - I am flying out of JFK today and it looks miserable, even surprised that flights haven't been cancelled. I hope I will make it out and home safely!

Fred - I agree, everything has gotten more expensive, but I always had the impression that the US are relatively cheap. This is definetly not the case anymore. You just need to look at the cheap shoe alert thread. It used to be dominated by the $35 Nike's at Ross. Now if you want a real bargain you have to hurry to get a pair for $150. Inflation really does hurt the low & middle class more than anyone else. As always.

Mark - congrats to your daughter & wife in the first place, and then of course to you and big sis. Glad everything went well and hope you adjust to the new life well. Have you purchased a new car yet? I am sure you need a mini-van now or similar?

Steve - really interesting. Doesn't really sound like this could be stress related. Hope you find your peace with this enigma and just carry on training, you are in fantastic shape. Next possibility for a better outcome at Melbourne?

My week was light.  Tue & Thu were off due to other commitments, and Fri was off as I was racing the next day.  X-Country race went OK, I faded a little in the second lap, pace was the same as last years on a fairly muddy course (as was last year).  I saw Hash there, but didn't talk to him.  Also had two strength session.

Weekly for period: From: 05/06/2023 To 11/06/2023

Total distance: 34.76km & Bike 7.76km

Mick - No, I won't be doing another marathon this year.  I'm going to Melbourne to do a new race which is a fast half.  I'm feeling good about doing some short races and hopefully getting a reward for this training at some stage!

My week - Uneventful recovery week.  Unlike last time I decided to utilise the bike and recover a bit better.  Tried a run yesterday when I thought my legs felt pretty good but soon discovered there's a bit more time needed.  I want to do the 5km in 3 weeks so that's a good incentive to do it properly.  I've had a bit of the post race blues which is obviously worse after a shocker but thankfully I have some races planned over the next few months.

Weekly for period: From: 05/06/2023 To 11/06/2023

Total distance: 8.11km

55 miles running and 3 hours pool-running.
M: 90 minutes pool-running.
T: 10.5 miles, including a track workout of 400, 800, 2x1200, 800, 400, 2x200, with splits of 96, 3:17, 4:59, 4:58, 3:15, 93, 47, 46. Recoveries were 77 seconds after the first 400, and 2:3x-3:0x after the 800s and 1200s. Full recovery for the 200s. Followed with leg strengthwork.
W: 10 miles very easy (9:31) on the treadmill and streaming yoga.
Th: 90 minutes pool-running and upper body weights/core.
F: 10 miles, including a 6400m tempo on the track in 27:39 (7:01/6:53/6:53/6:52), followed with leg strengthwork.
Sa: 10 miles (9:33), plus drills and hill sprints, and upper body weights/core.
Su: 14.5 miles progressive, split as the first 5 miles averaging 9:39 pace, the next 5 miles averaging 8:27 pace, and the next 4.5 miles averaging 7:44 pace. Followed by injury prevention work and foam rolling.

I spent the middle of this week indoors due to the poor air quality in DC from the Canadian forest fires. Fortunately, things were much improved by Friday, and I could return to normal training. Nothing spectacular this week - I'm just maintaining fitness at this point until my half-marathon next Saturday. After that race, I'll take a season-ending break with a few days in the pool.

I did test out a new shoe on Friday - the Hoka Rocket X2.  It's a very stable supershoe, which is unusual.  Based on all of 12 miles in it, I think I like the shoe.  I'm most likely going to wear it for my half next weekend.