Just when you think things can't go any worse...

...they do.

Yesterday was hands down one of the worst races of my life.

I'll get around to a race report sometime this week.

But seriously. It was terrible.

And I've been in a world of pain since mile 2 of yesterday's race.

Blah.

Details to come.

Still Feeling Good

I have to admit. It's really nice going into this marathon without any specific time goal in mind. I plan on just going out there, finding a comfortable pace, and running that for as long as my body will let me. When it decides that pace is too much, I'll either pull back...or press harder if that's what feels good. I've sort of given it all up to fate to see how the proverbial cookie crumbles.

The season started out with a lot of promise. A new 5k PR indicated I was capable of running a 4:39 marathon. That was pretty much a laughable pipe dream in my book, but I was thrilled to run a sub-29 5k. My new half marathon PR indicated I was capable of running a 5:23:02 marathon...potentially doable and would've thrilled me beyond belief to be able to put in that time.

But ya know what? I really just didn't care to put in the speedwork and extra miles to make all that so. And strangely, I'm okay with it.

This year wasn't about the marathon.

This year was about pushing my limits in world of triathlon, and realizing that I have no limits. And if things continue to line up like I hope, I'll keep on pressing on in my limitless pursuit in 2009.

For the first time ever, I haven't put some insane amount of pressure on myself that ultimately drives me insane and to the brink of vomiting. I am, for the time being, calm. And who knows, come Sunday this may pay off in dividends.

With this marathon I think I'm most looking forward to going out there and simply having a really fun time. I'm not in it to win it or anything. I'll have my eyes peeled for family and friends on the sideline. I'll be helping out my teammates along the way. And catastrophe pending, I may even beat a certain someone. ;)

The runner tracking site is already up. Most of you know my name. If you don't, my number is 33305. And I'll probably be running with my cell phone, but don't expect me to answer unless I'm really needing a pick-me-up.

See you at the finish line...

Feeling good.

So we're one week out from race day. And I had a wonderful run with friends from the Team this morning. Covered a chunk over 5 miles in an hour. Not fast, but comfortable and relaxed for me. Overall, I just felt really good about it. And about my training, even though it's been lackluster since the half IM.

All I know is that I'm ready to do this.

We've got a pretty busy week ahead of us. So hopefully the next few days fly by. We've got a gathering of friends on Tuesday night for some pre-race preparations. And then my folks get into town on Friday for the expo and dinner at Table Fifty-Two (which I had to make reservations for...uhmm...about 9 weeks ago). Then it's a day of rest and pasta party...and then we toe the line.

Hard to believe it's already here. It feels like last week we were all huddling together in the falling snow before our first few training runs.

And next week we'll be huddled together in the start corral. Waiting for the gun to fire.

It's all so very bittersweet.