TRAINING UPDATE

After successfully completing the White Rock Marathon in December of 2006, I am about halfway through my training for the 2007 run.

I am on an increased running schedule and have run nearly 90 more miles this year than I had at this time last year. Unbelievably, the right-knee tendonities which so horribly bothered me since November got better and better the more I ran long distances. I was not expecting that. Right now my knee is 100%. My body feels great.

I have only missed one day of training - a 30 minute swim a few weeks ago when I was out of town and did not have access to a pool. I have managed to stay pretty much on track despite a hectic travel schedule. I swam, ran seven and 15 miles in Tampa. I also swam, ran four and eight miles in downtown Salt Lake City. Those should be the only times I'll have to do out-of-town training.

Last year I ran more than 16 miles twice. An 18 mile run (which was the beginning of my knee pain) and a 20 miler. This year I have already run 17 miles, will run 18 this Saturday and have two 20 mile runs coming up.

I finished in 3:28:08 last year, and my goal this year is to break 3:20:00 (a 7:38/mile pace). I've incorporated more "refueling" breaks in my long runs and am following my trainer's instruction to run the "long ones" at a slower pace. That's hard for me to do. I also ran without a watch for the first time ever this week. I will run 44 miles this week, so I didn't think it was necessary to try and set land-speed records every time I run. Ran five miles nice and easy yesterday, eight this morning ahead of my pace, will run five tomorrow, eight Friday and 18 on Saturday.

This Sunday I'll be seven weeks out from the race. Seven weeks until my whole year of training comes to a crucial close. 3:20:00...