Update

It's been a long time since I left a post. Since I last left an update, I ran a 5k in a PR of 20:18 (also earning another $20 for charity as I beat my goal), I acted as an assistant coach for a 10k training group, and I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon on 11/21/10.

Training is in full swing for the Philly Marathon. I just completed my first (of 3) 20 mile run this weekend. I ran the first 7 miles on trails in the woods at an easy pace (around 9:00/mi), then picked it up and ran the next 13 at closer to an 8:30/mi pace. It was the first time I was really able to keep a consistent pace in the later miles of a longer run. Overall it was a great run, and it helped me enjoy the Big E without the slightest bit of guilt for the amount of calories I took in (cheeseburger, buffalo chicken wrap, 1/2 baked potato, kettle corn, and a cider donut).

This coming weekend I have a half marathon, a distance which I have never raced. I am using this race to gauge where my fitness is at. I will probably try to run the first few miles around 7:35-7:45 pace and see how I feel. Then I'll either try to pick it up a bit, or keep it up. We'll see.

Yearly mileage has already surpassed last year's total. I'm at 877 miles YTD, and my weekly totals have been in the 30's consistently, even up to 40 last week. I'm excited about reaching some high levels for my donation to charity, so I hope I can stay injury free so I can continue to run, race, and raise money.