Maybe a Marathon?

Today I went out for a longer run, just to see how things were and because it was a lovely day. I had no real goal of distance in mind but figured I would go at least 11 miles and if I felt good I would go more. I Saran Wrapped a $5 bill and stuck it in my shorts pocket and headed out the door. My leg muscles continue to feel looser every day with the resistance stretching and I keep waiting for them to fall apart. I ran pretty much effortlessly. My hips and glutes still are not perfect and so as I run they shift in how they work, but they are not as stiff and tight like before. I kept running and stopped after an hour and 1/2 to buy a bottle of Gatorade even though I wasn't thirsty. I wasn't tiring or slowing so I kept adding mileage. I was ready to go more but it quickly got dark so I stopped at 18 miles pretty much still feeling fresh. I could easily have gone another 8 miles at the pace I was going and would have had a time under a Boston qualifying time. I think that was my longest training run in a few years. Usually my hips hurt and I don't feel like going further


Two years ago I ran a 3:09 marathon with the longest run only a 16 miler and that was run the week before (although my racing times and weekly mileage- many 70 mile weeks- were much better than this years). That race did not even leave me tired and I was back to regular training the next day with an 8 miler and another 3:09 marathon 2 weeks later. I figure if I keep feeling this good I can throw in some more longer runs and get my fitness level increased and run a Boston qualifier. The way the year has been going I didn't think I would want to do one, but things are on the upturn. If I do run one it could be the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth. I have done this race numerous times starting in 1979 when it was held at Otis Air Force Base. My parents, who live near the 16 mile mark may move from Falmouth soon and so it would not be as easy to do the race in the future. I could also try the Manchester Marathon. It is a short distance away and I have never done the race. My street could have a formidable team as I believe Shane who lives across the street and one house down and Karen who is also across the street and two houses down in the other direction are both still planning to run the race.

After almost giving up on my running this year about a month ago it is good to be building up and feeling good enough with the running to start thinking about running a marathon again. Today was just a beautiful day for running and I am glad I was able to take advantage of it!