Last Leg

With an estimated 320 training miles under my belt, I now face the last leg of this journey. I'll admit, the last month has been rough as my running partner has conveniently been away for the last three or so long-runs. She has since returned and vows not to abandon me until the race where no doubt she'll leave me in the dust.

Regardless of my wavering confidence, I am inspired to bring these final four weeks of training into focus. I have embarked on a dietary regimen, based on the famous South Beach craze. Don't worry, I will not be vainly sacrificing my health. The South Beach diet emphasizes a high protein, low sugar diet. It also asks that you monitor your carbohydrate intake; separating good carbs from bad, so as to optimize metabolic processes. It encourages little to no alcohol consumption and offers a wide range of amazing recipes and snack options. So far, it has been a kick.

One thing is for certain: I need to shed a few more pounds in order to complete this 26.2 mile trek that has thrown my knees, joints and muscles into a great and unforeseen tizzy. In conjunction, I am taking more initiative to cross train, focusing on core and upper body strength training. I have begun some "conditioning" yoga, and plan to schedule a massage later in the month.

I am also happy to welcome this cooler, dryer September weather, which already has proven helpful. Just yesterday I ran five miles in 60 degrees and it was sublime. All too often, heat and humidity take their toll on my body when I train; as far as I'm concerned, the cooler and the dryer, the better.

Hopefully I will be posting more often now that it's crunch time. Tomorrow I run the penultimate long run of 14 miles. I say penultimate because next week will be the longest (20miles) and from then on, the training backs off.

Thanks again to all of you who read this and have given me advice along the way!