This week was a hard one both personally and training wise. Running was a welcome distraction and kept me sane.

This was also my biggest mileage week since the beginning of January. I made sure to ride enough to avoid injuries.

I should start tapering now but I'm thinking about another 20 miler next Saturday and taper for only 14 days. That will be 3 20+ miler in 3 weekends in a row. I will be running the Flying Pig marathon 8 days after the Derby marathon so I think this might be my best option to be ready and in great shape for both marathons.

Week 14 totals: Ran 44 miles && Biked 41 miles

I was finally able to do a 20 miler which I should have done few weeks ago. If I'm still healthy, I'd like to run another 20miler next weekend and another one after that. That way, I'll start tapering on April 15th for my back to back marathons.

The first 15 miles were very hilly and a struggle but by some miracle I felt great and was able to pick up the pace in the last 5 and finish strong. Great boost for my confidence!

Week 13 totals: Ran 32 miles && Biked 28 miles

Biked 66 miles

Highlights of the month: Taking few days off (even missed a 20 miles long run) thanks to very bad allergies and a half marathon race.

I need April to go smoothly so I can run a decent marathon on April 28th and another one on May 6th.

However this week started great with a very fun and worry free half marathon race for the American Heart Association.

When I went to buy some ClaritinD, the pharmacist said "you wouldn't believe how many of these I sold today" Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for me and I didn't leave my bed since Wednesday night. Now I'm taking a syrup that has codeine to help with the cough and sleep. Even with the codeine, I still have all the symptoms and I have the feeling that I'm going to need some antibiotics this week.

I missed my long run this weekend :( but it's all good :) I'll resume my training this week and I still think that I'll have a fun marathon.

Week 12 totals: Ran 26 miles && Biked 12 miles

This cause is close to my heart so I really wanted to participate even though I didn't want to compete and give my best.

I went out with the 8min/mile pace group but felt very good after 3 miles so I decided to run on my own. It was hilly, hot and humid (the 3 H) but there were many water stops to keep us hydrated and cool. We were expecting some rain but we didn't get a single drop so that was another positive thing.

During the race I kept picking up the pace mile after mile and I ended up running the last one at 6:40 min/mile. My knee did bother me few times but nothing to stop me (however, I walked during the water stops (I pretty much always do that)).

My previous half marathon was...

[click on title to read full entry]

I managed to run my first sub 8min/mile since my knee injury so I'm very happy about that (8 miles at 7:40 pace in 85 degrees) That run is giving me the confidence to run the HeartMini half marathon tomorrow at 7:40 or 8min/mile (in case of rain). My knee is almost 100% back (I'd say 95%) but that still won't change my goal of taking it easy during my upcoming marathons. My goal for this race before the injury was to run it at 7min/mile :( Another time! Few weeks ago, I didn't think I'd be able to run in the Heart Mini events so I'm grateful to run it. My main goal is to have fun and a good run. I think I'm prepared for the best and the worst. I'll post a race report tomorrow.

Week 11: Ran 25 miles && Biked 14 miles (Yes, rcblu2. I'm a programmer)

Also, my Flying Pig bib will be personalized with RIP MOMMY.

I'm actually very excited about these 2 races and I hope to stay injury free for the rest of the year so I can run a fast marathon in October (Chicago Marathon)

I know few people who have done this before and they say that I can do it and to wisely pace myself. I've talked to people who have run 2 marathons in 2 days and it didn't kill them LOL.

PS: thank you for the birthday wishes and if you have any advices about this crazy thing I'm about to do, please share them.