New Leaves

So many accumulating on the ground – I think I need to turn some over. I can’t remember the last time I left work and it was dark out, but my first emotional response is mild let-down that I’ll have to run in the dark again tonight.

It’s enjoyable for a time, but the headlamp makes for some nasty sweat. The cars add an element of danger that I’m just not keen on ending my day with.

Alarm is setting for 5:30am tomorrow, with the hopes of getting in 10 miles before work. Sure it’ll be dark out, but the same kind of dark you find at 4am where the world is yours. No cars, no noise – silent peace.

It’ll be nice to have the evening to just relax, too.

Or to do another run.

Detroit ‘07

Just under three weeks outside my first marathon. The notion of tapering is new to me so, as with everything, I need some practice.

It’s difficult in the midst of 60 hour work weeks to find the time to fit anything in. I got 4 miles on a trail over the weekend, not even a serious run – but just to keep warm. 3 miles on a treadmill last night and some weights, I could only get it done right before going to bed.

I’m mildly nervous about the 26.2, but not terribly. Two 20 mile training runs were not quite as challenging as I had expected, so I hope that adding 6 miles won’t be too hard; particularly since I won’t be schlepping a CamelBak and a bunch of snacks along the way. That combined with the race-day adrenaline ought to work out fine.

The real concern is having to board a 14 hour flight to Tokyo not even 12 hours later. That much stationary time will either be a blessing or a curse right after the big run. Hopefully the former. To finally get to go to Japan and not have the ability to walk. . . Ouch.