One Week To Go...

Well, the training is done. One week to the race. Nothing to do now but sit back, keep loose and let the bumps and bruises heal. This is our final week of a three-week taper, during which we reduce the mileage, cut back on the cross-training and clean-up the diet. I've heard it said that outstanding performance happens when diligent preparation meets excellent opportunity. We've had a really good training cycle, good interval times, good endurance on long runs. The course is conducive to fast times, the current weather forecast is favorable. We'll see....

"We Are Marshall" has definitely been the inspiration this time around. The DVD is available now and it really is a must-see. I get goose-bumps thinking of running through that stadium and campus. This is going to sound strange... during every long training run this time, when we hit a rough stretch on a climb, or when it got really sunny and hot, an airplane would pass overhead. Each time that happened I thought, "we are.... Marshall". If that town, university and student body can pick itself up from the ashes of such a tragedy, I can climb one more hill, I can run one more mile.

Speaking of one more mile, the Cape Cod Marathon is tomorrow. I guess right about now registration is in full swing. Last night would've been shirt-folding and packet stuffing at the Lawrence School. Cindy and I really miss being there. We miss Chris and Pam, and we miss all our Falmouth Track Club friends. The CCM is the finest event of its kind. We shall return. Perhaps Chris and Pam can make the trek from Wild Harbor Road down to Thomas Landers Rd and Rte 28 tomorrow and give the runners a cheer from us! Pam, we were thinking of you this morning during our run. How that, if we were running CCM, we would be in you kitchen this morning scarfing up your special waffles. :-)

So.... just a few more days and it's off to Huntington, to meet up with the Shideler's and enjoy a relaxing, Sunday morning "stroll".