Racking up the miles

At least that will be the goal in the next couple of weeks before the marathon. I'm going to be using this mileage guide from "Runner's World Complete Book of Running", which is a book with a compilation of great articles from the magazine. It includes a marathon training guide with three 16-week charts: one for beginners, another for intermediate runners who normally run 25 miles a weeek, and for advanced runners who do more than that. I'm putting myself in the intermediate category, and the chart you see is from that subsection.

In theory, you're supposed to start training about 16 weeks prior to the marathon. I'm definitely late in starting the recommended regiment but I think that I'm in good enough shape to finish the marathon. Actually I know I am; it's just a matter of avoiding injuries. If you're interested in buying this book, I'm including a link to Amazon.com (I hope you don't mind that I collect a 10% commission). I should note that the book I bought is now out of print and the new one is called "Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running". As far as I can tell it's essentially the same. However, it might not include the advanced marathon training chart. If you're already a very good runner, the "Runner's World Advanced Running Book" is probably a better choice.

I've followed the advice in the book prior to my two previous marathons and I think it's worth getting. So, I plan to stick to the schedule for the most part--I anticipate substituting a few bike rides for some of the runs so as not to aggrevate my left knee.

I ran by Elliot Bay to the marina and then made a 2-mile detour through Magnolia before heading back to Belltown.

Total: 12.0mi Run (7:15 min./mi. pace); 1341 cal.; 139 lb. (gotta start eating more as I increase the mileage)