Mark Watson

As I write this, the St. Jude Marathon is just over 4 weeks away.  Stacie, Jared, and I registered over a month ago – before we were into our long mileage.  Since that time Stacie has pulled a hamstring (or something).  Jared won’t run without Stacie as his training partner.  And me, I have been in upstate New York every week for almost 4 months.   We are at crunch time.

I think I still have a shot at running, even though my mileage has been dangerously low during the week.  I promised Jared I would run 18 with him this weekend and do the 5 minute run, 1 minute walk routine.  Stace is still testing the leg day by day.

I know this will be my worst time in my marathon history.  My best time is 3:37.  But this year I am predicting 4:30 finish.  But, let’s see what the next 4 weeks have in store!

Mark

Stacie, Jared, and I completed one of our first long runs yesterday in preparation for the St. Jude Marathon.  It was a test of sorts to see if we were really still committed to attempting the 26.2 miles of torture.

I’m running from the Intermediate I schedule and they are running from the Novice I schedule.  Mine called for me to do 14 miles while they were to complete 12.

We’re really at that point of deciding if we can do this or not.  The mileage is now high enough that eating and resting are as much of our planning as the running.  This is the point where it is as much mental as physical.  The question is this:  Barring any physical injury can we mentally discipline ourselves to really do it?

We finished yesterday in a little over 2 hours of running, soaking wet and legs almost unable to move.  In addition to that, a few hot spots and just plain body fatigue.

Once everyone was home, I asked if we were still doing this or not.  Jared gave a positive yes, while Stacie was a little less enthusiastic. 

Next weekend will be an even bigger challenge.  I have to do 15 and they are scheduled for 13.  If everything is still a go after this, we’ll make the financial committment and register.