Final Training Run

The goal for this weekend was to get my rest and carbs, but to also enjoy as much of the events and hours leading up to the Boston Marathon. So I made sure to bring some friends along for my final training run on an overcast Saturday morning. I contemplated putting them through a challenging 5k along the Charles, but I felt we would all be better served just enjoying a short 2.6 mile loop along the river. And really, what would these few miles do to me...aside from just making my muscles work a little...but now I'm worried as to what physical and mental shape one of my running buddies is in.

Perhaps this will become an annual event, but to kick it off at approx 10:45am, Deb, Dustin, Andrea and I headed out on a run. I introduced Andrea to GU, popped by own GU as well since I didn't have anything to eat at this point, and then we were off on the run. The mix of runners was interesting; one marathon runner, one former high school track runner, one just looking to get in shape before a trip to Florida and Vegas, and one that probably could not tell you the last time she decided to go for a run any distance longer than a mile. Regardless, I was glad they all joined me.

There was some walking mixed into the run, but perfectly OK as the weather was cooperating. I started to worry if it would rain. What would we do? I know Deb and Dustin would probably pick up their pace, and I know I could run off for shelter pretty fast, but that would leave Andrea to find someway to fend for herself. Thankfully it did not come to this, but I would have done the right thing as a runner and a gentleman, offered up my jacket and escorted the group to shelter.

We all completed the 2.6 miles, which was a great accomplishment. I realize I have to do 10 times that on Monday, but I'll enjoy this short run for what it meant to me and to my running buddies. And I should let them know that with that run I have now completed 580.32 miles out on the roads since October 1st. Come Monday I will have run over 600 miles in 6 months. That's insane.

Following the run, Deb and Dustin did some more running, but Andrea and I went to find some food. I took her inside the world of running this weekend by heading to the Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. Sampled some Larabars, Clif Bars, Clif Shots, and GU shots, as we both walked around in amazement at what was going on just off of Boylston Street. It's fun to play the part of a tour guide in the city, but I handed off that role a little later in the day to be shown the new Ipod shuffle and jam out to Maroon 5. Not entirely proud that I knew some of the songs, but it was still fun playing with the shuffle which is more like a paper clip.

Just to go to show how enjoyable Saturday morning was, I'm not at all bummed that the Celtics lost today. Now it's time for pasta and carbo-load dinner #1, followed by either more Arrested Development or watching one of the Naked Gun films.