It’s marathon week! Ah! It’s strange because it doesn’t seem like marathon week at all. In the past 2 years when it’s been 2 weeks out from the marathon, I’ve been so ready for taper. I’ve enjoyed the buildup, the workouts, the whole process, but when taper came, I was SO READY. This time, I’m feeling like I don’t really deserve down weeks. But, it’s marathon week and it’s definitely time to relax.

Here is my long run recap from the past 3 weeks. After my peak long run of 21 miles, I followed up the next Sunday with 12 miles (as part of a warmup, 6k XC race, and cooldown), then this past Sunday I did 10.5. I was going to do 12 again, but being with family for Thanksgiving, I cut it down a little. I figured it didn’t really matter what I did, so might as well do what felt convenient.

This week I’ve taken it super easy. 5 miles every day. 5 miles on the treadmill tonight, with 3x half mile pickups. I didn’t know the pace because I’m not versed in mph-to-min/mile-conversions, but it felt super comfortable. Which it should, since it was only 1.5 miles of faster running. So my workout this week is completed.

The treadmill is usually the dreadmill for me. It was actually ok today.

As a side note, I usually despise the treadmill. Today it was rather enjoyable. I give credit to 4 things. 1) I told myself it was going to be the WORST. RUN. EVER. The low expectations set the treadmill up for success! 2) Katie always writes about making treadmill workouts more enjoyable by switching up the pace. I did that and it made the time fly. Thanks Katie! 3) Molly has been doing lots of treadmill runs and is also on the 7 week marathon training plan. I thought of her and the 4am runs she’s done this training cycle. 4) Michele has been doing lots of treadmill running, especially with a toddler and newborn baby at home. She fits in the runs when she can and has been getting after some solid runs and a speedy time trial 5k. Definitely motivating!

So back to this week’s training. Tomorrow will be 4-5 miles, Friday will be a travel day and I may or may not do a few miles when I arrive in Sacramento. Saturday will be 2-3 miles easy. And on Sunday, this 7 week experiment will come to a close.

Jeff and me before our first marathon, Seattle 2004. I can’t figure out how to make the picture bigger!

I’m so excited! I’m also 1% terrified. 99% of me thinks this is probably the coolest thing I can do to end 2012. I keep thinking of how I was injured in 2004 when I ran my first marathon (hit by a car while running). I was training heavy in the weight room, but only running 3 days a week. I finished with a BQ, 3:25. What will I do this time? I really can’t wait to find out!

Positive thoughts for me this weekend, please! Thanks buddies!