Almost there (3 weeks to go)

Typically, the final full week of marathon training is something I call “Blast Week.” That’s where I pile on as much work as possible — miles, speed, everything. I don’t know if it’s something the elites and their coaches prescribe, but I did (by accident) before the 1998 Boston and it worked out really well so it stuck.

Later that year I did an all-time best 131 miles before the notorious Marine Corps bomb out (splits: first 21 – 1:55; last 5.2 – 1:07) that I topped off with a 57:18 10-mile race. Needless to say I had just one gear in that race.

I suspect I have one gear now, too, but between traveling for work and other distractions, it will be tough to pile on as much work as I have been doing.

But that doesn’t mean I won’t try.

What the hell? What do I have to lose.

Monday, April 7
22 miles in 2:25:15
Last 7 days: 134

Tuesday, April 8
1st run: 17 miles in 1:50:11
2nd run: 6 miles in 39:20
Last 7 days: 135

Wednesday, April 9
1st run: 18 miles in 1:57:08
2nd run: 5 miles in 33:36
Last 7 days: 140

Thursday, April 10
1st run: 17 miles in 1:50:15
2nd run: 5 miles in 33:07
Last 7 days: 140

Friday, April 11
16 miles in 1:44:52
Last 7 days: 134

Saturday, April 12
18 miles in 1:59:18
Last 7 days: 132

Sunday, April 13
7 miles in 45:50
Last 7 days: 131