A Perfect 10.1

Linear Trail: Temperature 59 degrees; Splits 9:45; 9:30; 9:38; 10:05; 10:10; 10:12; 10:02; 10:29; 10:37; 9:59; :56 1:41:23 total for 10.1 miles; 10:02 per mile pace.

I decided to get in one last long run before the Hartford Marathon a week from today. I chose to run on the linear trail because I wanted to take it easy and not worry about hills and traffic. I also knew that it was supposed to rain, and the trees on the trail would help shield me if it did rain. My goal today was simple: to run 10 miles at an easy pace, without taking walk breaks. I downed a Vanilla Bean GU gel before my run, and two more during the run. Good thing I ran by two water fountains during my run, since taking the gels without water left me with gel mouth. Yuck! It was a lonely run on the trail. Not surprising, since it was only 59 degrees, and the skies looked like they were going to open up at any moment. As I sit here typing this, it's pouring. It's been raining since I completed my run. Overall, a great run. I ran comfortably and pain free. I didn't take any walk breaks, but as you can tell by my splits, I took water and "other" breaks. I'm ready for Hartford. As long as I constantly remind myself to treat it as a training run for the NY City Marathon, I'll be fine. I have a great carb loading plan that I've used successfully prior to running my two other marathons. It starts Wednesday, with me stuffing as many complex carbs into my body as possible. Bruegger's bagels become my favorite breakfast, with 73 grams of carbs in their whole wheat bagel, for example. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and quality time with my wife. We're going to see the final game of the season for the Mets. Yes, I know they're bad this year. My wife wants to see their new stadium, so who am I to argue?!