Contrary to possible belief spawned by lack of posting, I have indeed been continuing in my training. It's been spotty at times, but I've succeeded where it counts. My longest run has been 18 miles, slow and steady. But it was my 17.5 miler the week before that gave me a confidence I had yet to experience.
Here's the route, in a nutshell:
Out my front door. Down Polk Street. To the water, by Fort Mason. Pass the Marina and Crissy Field. To Golden Gate Bridge. Across the bridge and back (taking in the gorgeous view when across). Back past the Marina and Fort Mason. Down Bay Street to Embarcadero. Down to the ballpark and back up Embarcadero to the Ferry Building. Cutting over to Market. Down the Sutter. Down Sutter to my front door.
There you have it. Lots of running. The first time I truly felt good the whole way through the run (despite painful knees down the hill on Bay St.). I even had some people call out to me. One older guy, in North Beach, in a thick Italian accent: "You're really fast there, aren't you?" A couple of skateboarders on Embarcadero: "Can we run with you?"
Those are the times I delight in running. I have time, without the ipod, to listen to the sounds around me. And I'm distracted by the smells and sights. But it's an intriguing distraction.
Next week I start teaching full time at my program's summer camp. I'll be leaving the apartment early in the morning (around 6am) and won't get back till about 12 hours later, so it'll be interesting to see how I fit running/training into my schedule.
Also, July holds lots of exciting things (anniversary, visits from friends and family). I have a lot to look forward to, but I know I have to focus on making it through the 26.2 on July 26.
