Setting records

One of the appealing things about racing is that, unless you are among the elites, you are primarily competing against yourself. This week was stellar in that I set two personal records. First, I ran the most miles I have ever run in one week: 60.25, surpassing by 1/4 mile a mark I set in either 2005 or 2006. Second, I ran the most miles I have ever run in a single training run: 25 miles. Both of these marks were reached this week past.

Yesterday's 25 miler was absolutely glorious! Yes, it was slow: 5:12:30, 12:30 pace. But it was, after all, a training run and not a race. Even better, the weather was perfect: upper 40's at the 7:30 a.m. start in the Lordship section of Stratford, CT; bright sunshine throughout but low humidity. A stiff headwind lessened as the morning went on. The race, the "Fall Frolic," is designed as a 10k (6.2 mile) loop which is done in multiples for those wanting a 20k or 30k. Priscilla and I added one more to make it 24.8, and tacked on another 2/10 to round it to 25.

The advantage of this long run was not only physical, but psychological. In last year's marathon I remember hitting the 23 mile mark and wondering "How will I ever finish this?", even though I'd finished four marathons before. This year I am confident that when I get beyond 20 miles I will do fine. It is a major boost to mental preparedness!

On the publicity front, we have been promised coverage in the local Fairfield newspaper on 9/29 and the Stratford Star sometime before October 9. I will also be interviewed on WVOF, 88.5 FM, Fairfield on September 28 at 10 a.m. A fund-raising update will follow this post later this morning. Thanks for your interest in reading and following along.