Day 14

Log: Massage this morning at 7:30AM. I went to the gym prior, spun on the bike and stretched. Hip flexors are tight. I have been stretching them everyday for the last 30 days but still can't work out the tightness. Today offically starts taper for Chicago. I have to admit that I am loosing my desire to run this marathon at this point. Though I ran in the half marathon yesterday and was at ease with race conditions, the Chicago Marathon seems like it has been looming for a long time and now that I am in the final weeks, I can't wait to get it over with.

Day 13

Runners log: Saturday was spent in the pool for 2500M. Helped the girls with projects for school. Went to dinner and movie last night with Sarah. Ran in Half Marathon as part of the training Sunday morning. The top 20 runners (including me) took a wrong turn. The race ended up being 13.35 miles. Patriots are on at 4PM. Planning the rest of the day around this game.

Day 11

Runner's Log: Rest Day. Heavy mileage over the next couple days then I go into taper. The 5K Event is coming along. The website is up with a few minor tweaks that need to be adjusted, but Lou is on it. He has done a great job in the design and Bob has been the workhorse around this whole event. The website: www.worldshoppiest5k.com

Day 10

Runner's Log: Swam this morning. Light workout. 2200 meters. Rode the stationary bike for 30 minutes and stretched. Lunchtime was spent on upper strength conditioning. Had to purchase lunch today. We have been eating all the food in the fridge to purge it.

Day 9

Runner's Log: Needed extra sleep. Woke at 6AM, hung out with Ellie. Strength conditioning at lunch. Worked on The World's Hoppiest 5K Road Race. Lou got the link set up: http://site.worldshoppiest5k.com/

Day 8

Runner's log: Tuesday was a swim day. I headed over to John Creek for a 5AM swim. The outside pool was very cold. I noticed a hose in the water along with the level tipping over into the splash gutter. Decided to swim inside. First inside swim since May. Swam 1 hour, then stretched upstairs. This afternoon will be upper strength conditoning along with more stretching.

Day 7 and the start of Week 4

Runner's Log: Slept in this morning until 6AM. Sleep has been a good way for me to rejuvenate the muscles. Constant perpetual motion of getting up early and going until it is time for bed is wearing on the body. Strength training and stretching at lunch. Saw Michelle on the treadmill and talked to her for a few minutes. She is looking strong and confident. Saw Jay also. He ran the tempo run on the Alpha-GW. This is the time to maintain and not too go crazy with speed. Too many fellow runners have bowed out of Chicago to injuries. Narrow focus on my surroundings while I run is key to getting me over the hump the next 4 weeks.