I decided to start this blog because as much as I love to talk about sprints, Garmins, tempo runs, races, hill repeats, and everything else related to running, I realize that most people in my life don't. When I talk too much about running Bill gets that vacant look in his eyes and the kids leave the room. I'm hoping this blog will give me an outlet.

My official marathon training starts two weeks from tomorrow.  I will be running the Chicago Marathon on October 9th, and that will be my third marathon.  Like my other two marathons I will be following the FIRST training plan (FIRST), which includes three weekly runs: sprint interval runs on Tuesdays, tempo runs on Thursdays, and a long run on the weekend.  My goal is to cross train on the bike one day and the rowing machine one day. FIRST's paces are pretty challenging for me, especially the tempo run paces.  They will be based off of my most recent half marathon.

My goal for Chicago is to better my last marathon time of 4:48.  I think I have it it me as long as I can cope with the crowds.  I am a slow runner, but if I can shave time off each race I'm a happy runner.

I did not get up early this morning to run so ended up doing 10 miles in the heat and humidity.  I ran with my new flip belt water bottle(the small one) and didn't notice it in the belt at all.  I realize, however, that I really am going to need to invest in a hydration backpack since the majority of my long runs will be during the hot South Carolina summer and early fall.  A six or ten ounce water bottle will just not do the trick.

I have to be in Clemson tomorrow by 8:30 so my plan is to be up by 6 to do some hill repeats in the neighborhood.