To be or not to be...

Why that title for this post? Not sure, seemed appropriate. I am really busting my butt this week. Most of what I read tells me to NOT do exactly what I am doing...and that is over doing it. I won't say I am over doing it, but I have definitely without a doubt stepped it a notch. Partly because I know next week is a recovery week, according to the Pfitz plan. Partly because my body has not yet rejected the work I am asking it to do. I told myself when I started to get back in shape this April, if I am going to do this again, that being getting myself into the shape needed to run a marathon hard, I better be prepared to do my absolutely best. Give it 100% I said. I picked the sub 3 as the goal this time...because I know it is a barrier that will be hard to reach..if maybe not impossible for me. But I don't think that...it is doable, if I work hard. Ironically, I chose to do this at a very busy time in my life....work, starting Grad school, fixing up a house, and getting married this Sept. I would really be quite satisfied with anything under 3:10 again...and head back to Boston. At the same time though, all of that is great but if my friends Ryan and Aaron aren't there too...it won't be the same, and won't be a successful marathon season. I think since they are gunning for PRs...it is driving me to set a lofty goal myself. Every day I run I say to myself...stay focused, keep working hard, and the Chicago marathon will be the best run yet. I like the idea of seeing the time read, "2hrs...." what comes next doesnt matter. I envision the race...mile 18,19,20 feeling great and on track...mile 21,22,23 thinkng "Oh my this is going to happen" ....mile 24,25,26, getting pumped...and then the final .2 and the screaming fans and thinking "what should I do?". Do I scream with them? Do I give them the Hulkster pose? How cool would that be? I can envision the sub 3...It will happen. I think, therefore I am.

Wed - Plan was a slow 10.5
Whatever, legs felt great so after 8min pace for 2 miles, I dropped the hammer. I think 2 things came into play. 1.) I didnt wear my Garmin...not by choice, I forgot to charge it, so I was running purely off feel...I mean I new the course and had a stop watch. But the immediate feedback of Pace and HR wasn't there. 2.) I think I finally recovered from Sunday's 1/2 marathon. Legs were a bit juiced...Could it be that Doc's Pizza is a carbo masterpiece?
Distance = 10.5 miles
Time = 1:16 flat.
Avg Pace = 7:14
Pace from mile 2 to 10.5 = 7:05

Thursday - Plan to run a moderate 8
I ran this with the PSL Running Club. 2 mile warmup @ 8min/pace. 6 miles...started @ 8min/pace for 2miles, mile 3 @ 7:30, mile 4 - 6:30, mile 5 (uphill) 7:05, mile 6 (slight downhill) - 6:11
Distance = ~8 miles
Time = ~1 hr.
Avg Pace = 2 @ 8, 7:10 for 6

With some of my splits of recent, I am eager to throw into the plan a 5k. A couple months back, I ran two 5Ks. 20:10 was the time for both. I know I can shatter those now.

Well...5 miles EASY for tomorrow, which I am so looking forward to and then 17 for Saturday(Slower run with a gradual pickup the last 3rd). Rest Sunday...the 1st rest day I am taking in 8 days (last Friday) Waaahoooo!!!! Yeah, I am busting my butt.