Random Thoughts with 52 Days to Go

Some random thoughts from the past few weeks...

• The long runs seem to be going well, although I don't have any point of reference.  I am up to 18.5 miles (Sunday) with no ill effects.  I was sore and tired after finishing but not totally spent.  I am a few weeks behind in training (according to "The Plan", I should have already completed a 20 miler) but not worried.  Running in this heat and humidity just hasn't been conducive to long, LONG runs.  That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.  The most amazing part of the long runs is that I don't feel totally beat the next day.
• The weather here has broken, sort of.  Highs in the lower 90s, but more humid than the past few months.   I am really looking forward to the cooler temps and lower humidity that October may bring.  The base that was built during the heat should make running in the fall easier.  That being said, today's high will be 96.  Hey, it's better than 106.
• Deb and I are going to the beach soon (sorry, this is far too public a forum to tell you when or where). Running at the beach is always more fun than running at home, if for no other reason than I get to explore places on foot that are new.  And, it's the beach.
• Mike Slade and I signed up for the Northface Half Marathon in November.  It's about 3 weeks after the marathon and should be well within his mileage range by then.  He amazes me by running a day or two during the week and then being able to crank out 6-10 miles on Sunday.
• No major injuries so far.  I've had some passing pains - foot, Achilles (both), knee - but nothing that is chronic or bothers me during a run.  I attribute a much slower build-up and taking days off.  Waking up in the morning still has me walking like the old man that I am but after a few minutes, things sort themselves out.
• Deb has been incredibly patient with my running.  On long run days, I am gone for over 3 hours and even on shorter run days, 2 hours isn't uncommon.  I know she worries about my health, my time on the road, my hydration, my nagging injuries - all the things that I, in my typical fashion, ignore.  Thanks, Deb. I love you and I love that you care so much.
• Sara and Pat continue their running and Pat continues his biking and swimming as well.  (I am incredibly proud of all of my kids, all for different skill sets and for different reasons.  This is my running forum, though, so in this space, I'll talk about them.) Running isn't for everyone. I don't think Sara or Pat ever thought that running would be their thing, either.  They have both continued their running and it makes for another point of joint reference.  Congrats to both of them.
• Our 40th high school reunion is being organized, to be celebrated in June of 2013.  Wow.  If any of my classmates happen to read this, let me know if you are going.  At this point, I am planning on attending and would love to see you there.

No more today.  Drop me a note.