And the 18 week countdown begins...

This is it! I'm now in the 18-week countdown for the marathon. Some training programs are 15 weeks, some are 26, but the one I chose is an 18-week one and now I'm actually in it. I am following this program with one modification: he suggests running Tues, Wed, and Thurs with a cross-training day on Sunday. I'm doing 2 weekday runs and replacing the cross-training day on Sunday with a run. I figure it's the same thing -- the idea is to run on tired legs whether it's 3 in a row or coming after a long run. It's just easier for me to get in that 4th run on Sunday rather than try to get another one in on a weekday.

Toward the end of the training I'm going to have to make some allowances for those longer mid-week runs, like the ones 8 and over, but I'll find a way to do it. If I come in an hour late to work I'll just work through lunch or stay late. Everyone seems reasonable at my job and it's not a permanent thing, this will all be done by November.

Today I got in my run before work. For now, every time I do it I'm pretty amazed with myself. I'm hoping it becomes something more natural and not something I am shocked by. Official program called for 3, I got in 4.58. I don't really see the need to back off on my weekday runs if I'm already used to doing that mileage. The increased mileage will hit me soon enough so I'm going to enjoy just doing what I've been doing without really having to think too much about how much harder it's going to be.

My pace this morning was better than last week: 10:55/mile. I was miserable the first 20 minutes but I felt pretty normal the last half of the run. Eventually I'll push a little harder on pace but for now just getting through these early AM runs are an accomplishment. I thank God for air conditioning though...there was no way I would have been able to do my run outside today, even at 6:30. My basement isn't air conditioned and it's kind of humid down there but it's nothing compared to what it would have been like outside so I am very appreciative of a cool house and a treadmill.

Oh, and running shorts are not my friend. I bought some to run in at home since it's so hot and while I thought they looked pretty good I just don't know how they stay in place on anyone. I was pulling on them the whole time. They weren't horrible to run in but I think I prefer capris. I just ordered some lightweight ones that looked cute, hopefully they'll work out.