5 AM . . . Ouch

I ran 4.5 miles yesterday at 5 AM at 9:58 pace.  As I get older, I feel the age in the morning.  The body is creaky.  Anyway, after a slow start, I felt better as the run progressed.  I couldn't see my pace over the last mile or so because it was dark, but it definitely felt easier.  I had to get the run in because Tierney's new team is playing in a tournament in Danville (had two games -- beat the 44th ranked team in the nation 1-0, and tied in the afternoon 1-1), and then went to some friends for dinner last night.  

Today, I'm heading to the gym to lift and will run an easy 3 miles later today.  We're back to Danville.  If Tierney's team ties or wins this morning, they'll be in the semi-finals tonight.  So, I'm hoping that's the case, and I'll run either between games or while she's warming up.  

Craig, if you're running 10:13 on the long runs now, I think you'll definitely be able to maintain that pace during the marathon.  I'd guess that you pick up 1  to 1:30 per mile during the race.  

Mike, you're pace is awesome!  8:19 for 8.5 miles . . . very strong!