The Boston Marathon! I'm back home in Missouri today, and still smiling from day 668! Boston was my 6th Marathon (Chicago, Memphis, Blue Springs, St. Louis, New York, Boston) and I'm learning so much about what works and what doesn't. I know this isn't news to anyone, but hopefully someone can use it! First, and foremost, is consistency. For me that means every day. All my life I wanted to be a better runner than I was, and now, in my 40s, I'm becoming a better runner than I thought I could be. Second, is mileage. The more miles I log, the easier the running becomes. I will admit that my 5K times have suffered some, but it's simply a different focus. I can't be doing a lot of mileage and speedwork at the same time. Now that I've reached my 1st of two goals this year (sub 3 hour marathon), I am going to focus on my 5K times, and I'm sure my massive base mileage will help me retain endurance as I switch to speed. I went into Monday's race with 668 consecutive days and 3,798 miles logged during this streak. I had that written on my pace band to remind me that I've paid my dues, and done everything I knew to do in preparation. The last thing I want mention that contributed to my best day, is connecting with other runners. I have a group I run with here in Columbia, (Missouri) and 18 of us went to Boston. We motivate each other and the accountability of having someone meeting you to run, is important. The local newspaper takes interest in us on occasion and here are two recent articles: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/02/11/long-run-lunatics-push-themselves-and-each-other/ http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/04/17/eighteen-columbia-mondays-boston-marathon/ I have two friends who have embraced the "streaking" philosophy, and I wish them, and all of you, days like my 668! Darrin "Once you've reached your goal...Celebrate! Then set your sights a bit higher" Mia Hamm

Excellent job in Boston! Also...nice work on getting up at 6 AM the next day to keep the streak alive. I'm planning to run my first marathon in January 2009 in Houston. I have run the half marathon there twice before. I'd like to maintain my long runs between 10-13 miles over the summer to stay in shape for training season here in the fall. It gets so hot and humid down here in the summer...makes it tough (on me). I may have to start some AM runs.

Welcome to the group. I will get you added to the chart and... Streak On (as Young1 would say) And after just looking at your running log - nice BQ you had there - really cut it down to the wire. I only dream of hitting a BQ time some day.