Blog Master G

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3 Days to My 1st Marathon

Thursday, May 29th, 2008 · 2 Comments

This is it. It’s go time. It’s hard to believe that in just 3 days, I’ll be running my first marathon. In fact, if all goes according to plan and I hit or beat my goal, I’ll actually be done by this time Sunday morning (it’s 7:30am here in New York, 10:30am San Diego time).

It’s been a long and challenging adventure, which began with my New Year’s Eve commitment to run the 1/2 marathon in Nashville. I kicked some ass in the half and it gives me confidence for the full.

What doesn’t give me confidence at the moment, however, is that I managed to fuck up my lower back somehow. The pain started yesterday, and the only thing I can think that caused it is Tuesday night when I made the smart move of lifting down my bike from a beam in my garage. Doh! I’ve been using my foam roller since last night and refuse to let this interfere with the biggest race of my life.

Another milestone: I surpassed my Team in Training fundraising goal! My grand total raised to fight leukemia and lymphoma is $4,354. A big thank you to all of you who helped me reach this significant goal!

TnT totals

Though I’m deliberately not clocking in as many miles this week as I was at this point before the half, I did run 4 miles yesterday and 5 miles Tuesday. Now it’s time to let my body rest before Sunday — tapering is a key component of marathon training (see #8). Also, #5 about drinking only sports drink during the marathon is a good point since during the half I drank both Accelerade and water.

Saturday’s final TnT 8-mile long run marked another insane milestone: More than 500 training miles since I started running!

As I did at this time before the half, here are some updated stats to date since I started training on December 26, 2007 (stats from 3 days prior to the half in parens):

  • Total Runs: 86 (67)
  • Total Miles: 506.867 miles (364.047)
  • Farthest Distance: 20 miles (16.79)
  • Most Miles in a Week: 41.11 miles (38.44)
  • Miles Logged on Asics 2130s (half & full marathon shoes): 413 miles (340)
  • Miles Logged on Saucony ProGrid Guide: 60 miles (N/A)

500+ miles

Back pain aside, I do feel really good and excited (albeit nervous) for the big race. I’m determined to kick this marathon’s ass!

Tags: running

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Sarah // May 29, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Good luck! It’s going to be awesome. And you get to see a Pat Benatar concert after the run. I look forward to reading all about the adventure next week. Rest, stretch, hydrate, cross that finish line!

  • 2 Megan // May 30, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Good luck, Gabe!! I’m looking into a TnT run because you’re so inspirational…My friend said it was one of the most amazing experiences of her life – I’m sure you’ll feel the same. WOOHOO Run, Gabe, run!