5.02 easy miles. Back half was in the pouring rain - man I love that!!

Hey all. I suk. Need to basically start from scratch and shake my laziness bug. So the 11 week training program starts today. And, really thats about where I was last year even though I was training for Columbus in October--I decided to run in the Air Force marathon--which I am doing this year. The AFM was my best marathon last year and 2nd best of my 6. So, I think I will be able to do well. In the past Ive been able to get back up to speed and feeling good after 2-3 weeks of good running. Hopefully my old body will be able to respond. I also am motivated to beat my old college roommate who I was consistantly faster than until the Flying Pig Half about 2 months ago. Dayton will be his first marathon...so I cant bail on him. REALLY I am focussed on Vegas in December--a decent run in Dayton will be good mentally for Vegas. My dad is flying out to see me compete in this one..That will be the first marathon of mine he's attended--so I have real special motivation to kick ass in that one. Also may have talked my wife's cousin into running that one with me. He's recently taken up running and is doing a tri this month. He's much more athletic than me and will proabably kick my ass if he does the full. But, again, that is great motivation for me to do well there.

Bugs, when is your next marathon? (just curious since you went so long this weekend)

Oct 5. I've only been letting myself run to 17, and have ran that distance so many times it was getting a little boring. I know I wouldn't need to run more than I am to make my marathon goal, but I'm handly my current miles so nicely, seem very healthy, and still got 90 days till M-day. Murphy, Think you are brave going after that many marathons. I am toying with the idea of Fargo in May and Grandmas in June. Shsh, don't tell DH think he'll roll his eyes at the idea. Shan, So why are you struggling to get your running in? Cash, Trust me, I'm plenty 'thick' enough to loose 5 pounds. I don't seem to try very hard. Infact I'm pist to be at Grandma's house and there's no flippin cookies made. What the hell? Today would normally be XTing, but since I am at inlaws there is not much for XTing to do. The morning was perfect running weather, but my stomach was not into it. Now it is 20 mph wind, and running looks like it would suck, but had head out yet. When I grew up in ND use to make me mad when the MN people would say we had no trees. Now that I live in MN and visit ND, I agree. I could never go back to living here. My back was missing my foam roller. I bought a paint roller (semi-smooth) to get me through the week.

Bugs-glad to hear you are getting in some miles--guess the health issues are behind you? Shan-saw you ran a half--awesome!!!! belated Congrats!!! My 2 planned marathons this year is a significant decrease from the 4 last year. And, I like the 2-1/2 months between the two. I had less than 2 months between my first two ever in 2006 (Columbus and Vegas) and Vegas is still my PR and it was probably the toughest conditions of my 5 marathons so far. Gonna skip Columbus this year--or may do the half marathon as a training run.

. Murphy, Think you are brave going after that many marathons. I am toying with the idea of Fargo in May and Grandmas in June. Shsh, don't tell DH think he'll roll his eyes at the idea. quote> Methinks Bugs is aiming for a Marathon Maniacs singlet, just like Erika.

Murphy - Thanks!!! Dave - thank you! I do think I tend to forget that! I hope you have a nice trip and your father has a nice surprise!

Went 4 miles today...damn was it hot!! Brought some water. But the combination of getting over a cold, the heat, and not having run in a month made it tough--but I made it with just a bit of walking to take in some water. and bugs, you were wrong--im the next poster, but Im too tired to be creative..so I'll leave it to Shan for #2.

Murphy - yeah for your 4 miles! hmm #3 Don't eat the paste - it leads to injury!