Last night I was thinking that I should do a 20 or 22 mile run today but then I looked at the chart in the Complete Book of Running and it showed a 10k race for both the intermediate and advanced schedules; I also read the Boston Marathon training guide. Both emphasize decreasing overall mileage in the last two to three weeks. So I opted for a 10k (I couldn't find a race; just ran fast). Based on my results last weekend and today, I think my cardiovascular condition is OK, but I'm still worried that my joints will start hurting after 18 or 20 miles and I'll slow down like I did at the NYC Marathon last November. That's why I'm thinking about getting new shoes. I've worn the ones I have--a pair of Mizuno Wave Alchemy 6--since before the last marathon I think. So I've probably ran 350+ miles in them, which is more than what's traditionally recommended, but I'm comfortable in the ones I have because they're very well worn in. The question is whether they're suitable for longer distances when cushioning can play a factor. I know there is a school of thought that preaches running barefoot; on the other hand, dogs have cushioned soles and it seems to work pretty well for them :-). I'll think this one over... Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Total: 10k Run; (40:00; 6:27 pace; 715 cal.; 148 lb.)