So this was the last tough week – the remaining weeks have a reduced running schedule. 
I lost 4.4 lbs this week which was exciting!! It’s been a long long time (at least 10 years) since I’ve been out of 200′s.
This week a booked a room down in DC – for the race. Great location in downtown D.C.
My running had to take a backseat to my wife and job this week. Both needed extra attention and without regret I adjusted by running schedule.
For the 10 miles I ran I tried to make it interesting. Instead of re-running my old routes – I ran from my house to the Morristown train station and then back to Morris Plains, stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and from there took the train back to Denville. With all the stress from this week – it was a very welcomed relaxing run.
I’m now down to 4 weeks before the big race. This week is going to be the toughest of all my training, which I’ve scheduled 42 miles. After this week I taper -and give my legs a break so I’m in peak condition for March 17, down in Washington D.C.
I revised my weight loss goals for the next month. I’m probably over shooting (again) - but I still want to get to 190 lbs. before the big race.
Update. This was one tough week, where I did 40 miles. Now I have only two more hard weeks and then I taper
Thoughts as the race draws near: Quite pleased at how my training is going. While I have miss many of my goals (they were purposely set very high) - my 2012 effort (by God’s grace) is way over what I did last year. Last year I was running just to complete the distance, this year my goal is to increase my speed – and I have. For example my last year’s training 20 miles I did at 11:45 per mile, today I did it at 10:17. With this considered – my time in the 2011 marathon was 10:32 per mile, which was over a minute faster per mile. This year IF I can do the same – my time should be closer to 9:15 per mile.
Matthew 28:20 “…and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”
Commentary: This verse records a promise which Jesus makes to the church - not only that he will never forsake us. But that He will be with us – in some spiritual/personal way. A great verse to refect upon during the darkest of days.
Update. It was a good week across the board! Praise God.
“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:46)
