Rescuing a Lost Training Week

Week 9, Key Run #3: 12.5 miles in 1:42:00 min. @ 8:00 a.m.
Weather: Cloudy, 52°F, 83% Humidity, Wind: From ESE @ 8 mph; feels like 52°F.
Pace: 8:09 min/mile
Course: A route through Highland Park, along the Mount Hope Cemetery, past Monroe Community College, over the Erie Canal, past Brighton High School, through Cobbs Hill Park and , finally, home.
Elevation: Total climb--353 feet/107 m, Total elevation change--705 feet/215 m, most of the climb was in the first six miles, while the balance of the run was decidedly downhill, but at an even pitch.

This morning's run could more properly be defined as "Key Runs 1 thru 3," as I haven't run at all this past week, the ninth of the marathon training plan I am currently attempting to follow. The first few days of the work week proved busier than expected, and toward the end of the week I was feeling ill,a situation which ultimately led to my abrupt hospitalization.

Not wanting to go an entire week without at least meeting one of the running goals, I decided to venture out this morning for a run to avoid a "goose egg" in my training log...

I felt remarkably well during my run, taking on H2O when necessary and eating a half of Razz Clif Gel at the midway point. IT was at about this point I began top consider that maybe running a half marathon in late May might be better choice than going for the full monty. With my outdoor track and field coaching (and class) responsibilities picking up this coming week, I need to re-evaluate my short term racing goals taking into consideration the time available... all in all, though, a great morning run and way to begin/end the training week!

Breathe in, breathe out… YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!