Training

Marathon training progresses apace despite the heat and the constraints of work. Soon it will get more difficult to find time as Sophie returns. Furtunately I now have access to a shower in Hillsborough so I can run during the day on days I have Sophie. The training program I am using is from 'The Non-Runners Marathon Guide" by Davit Whitsett. It has served me well for my first two marathons.
Koen continues to slog along and is doing well despite the heat. Our training schedule will have us up to 8 miles this Sunday.
Given all that has been going on I am glad to be running the longer distances. Last night was a run of five miles. The first two miles were fairly typical, small talk with Koen, finding the pace, feeling the muscles loosen and warm. Then the focus comes, when the body remembers and you quit hearing your footfalls, the sound of your breathing, you quit thinking about breath, stride and pace. You quit thinking. You pick a spot in front of you and watch as it nears with every step as you settle in for the longer distance. The world goes quiet and the stride becomes effortless. This is a wonderful release, clearing the mind as all the little annoyances and troubles run off with every bead of sweat. I am looking forward to eight miles on Sunday.