Good weekend of running, despite the brutal heat and humidity on Friday and Saturday. Why is it that marathon training seems to require the long runs in the worst weather -- spring marathons, you're out in February snow and sleet and cold; fall marathons you're out in August heat and humidity.
Friday was going to be a rest day but I was home that day and couldn't resist getting a few miles in -- but the day ran away with me (never underestimate the amount of time you can lose with an open August day, air conditioning and a PS2), so at 4 pm -- heat index of about 100 -- I hopped out and hammered 5 on Sligo Creek. Bad call -- really felt dreadful. Never really got back to feeling normal the rest of the night. Should'a climbed into the kiddie pool with cold beer and the New Yorker instead.
Saturday the plan was for 12 and by God I did 12. Missed the worst of the heat (I think the index climbed to 105 or so by mid-day). Went out at 10:15 am, did the Sligo/Wheaton Regional park loop, probably 6:30 pace or so. Ran into some kid on the trail, who was a 400/800 sprinter in high school. He was going home after his 30 minute run and then going off to college. Lucky bastard, to have the next 4 years ahead of him. I told him I was headed to my 15 year college reunion in a few weeks. He said "How old are you?" "Nearly 37," I replied. "Wow -- you've can set a really good pace for your age." Gee, thanks, kid. I felt like challenging him to a race right then. I can still pull a low 50 quarter. But we had a very enjoyable conversation, and I urged him to keep his upper body strength up, as it really aids one in doing long kegstands. . .
Sunday, LSD -- 14 miles, Sligo/NW Branch to the Anacostia. Held myself back, nice and slow, went out about 10 am and just enjoyed the cooler weather (much different than Saturday). If training plans hold, I'll increase the 14 by 1 mile each of the next 5 weeks, keep the Saturday 10-12 fast, and taper right down to October 28th and the MCM.
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Enjoyed reading through your blog. Found you on the Complete Running Network.
I'm training for my 1st marathon - Marine Corps. My training partner keeps on telling me that by running through the heat and humidity, that there's nothing that DC weather can throw at us that we can't handle, except for it being ridiculously unseasonably cold.
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