Marvelous.

It's been a great fall here in Mississippi I can't remember when it has been so nice. Perfect weather, cold nights, 45 degree mornings, with perfect sunny 75 degree days. Ahhhh, it doesn't get much better. Especially when your in the final phase for marathon training.


This weekend I have a 21 miler and then two more at 23 and 24. the good news is I don't have to do the 24, I always plan that into my training, I could perhaps do tow days of 12 mile runs. A bit unconventional but it works for me and soon after the marathon I go right into training for my 50 miler, which has lots of back to back runs. In reality this marathon is not a race at all it's a training run for the big one in March. I am very excited about it. I do want to do good at this marathon but my main goal is to feel the best I can at the end of it. I have lots of friends going to Baton Rouge and it will be a great time, I can't think of a more fun way to train.


My long runs so far have been fine. I feel OK when done and have not had any significant aches or pains afterward. I always take the next day off to do some walking. I will have to switch that up when I enter into the new phase of training for the 50 miler, but I can do it slowly and move from walking to running and I think I'll be able to do it.


The biggest issue with training for very long races is time. It takes me a long time to run long and those runs will only get longer. I am going to have to be really careful in planing my next few months at work and in the studio to make sure I get everything all in so I don't drive myself crazy!


This past weekend I got out on the trails for a 10.5 mile run. I was actually happy none of my friends could go, I was loving being out in the woods alone. Also, the day before I had done a pretty hefty strength workout that had lots of squats and lunges and combo's of both. My body was tired and I really needed the alone time to concentrate on not tripping and falling in the woods. It was a good experience for me and one that showed me I can indeed do some significant running even when tired; a must for running ultra marathons. Here are some peaceful trail run images. Enjoy!