Training for the Akron Marathon has been tough due to the sweltering summer. Since almost all of my long runs have been run while it's between 75-90 degrees, in spite of getting up by 7am each weekend, it's been hard to get a sense of where my training is. I ran the Perfect 10-Miler last weekend in Lyndhurst and actually PR'd the distance (for me, that is). My time was relatively decent, but I do know I cannot hold that pace for 26.2 miles. So this past Sunday, Greg, Bridget and I drove a good portion of the Akron Marathon course so I could get a bit of feel for what the course looks like. I am actually pretty excited - it appears to be a beautiful course overall. The Stan Hywet Gardens and surrounding area is so pretty. Sand Run would be much prettier if I wasn't running it during the exhausted miles! I still don't know how I will perform in 6 weeks, but I do know that I'm going to enjoy seeing Akron on foot!

While in Akron surveilling the course, we had lunch at the West Point Market. They make the BEST salads. I love love love their Mediterranean salad and Greg loves making his own salad - even the clerk enjoyed his concoction! While wandering the course afterwards, we stumbled across the Akron Hamburger Festival. Wow - that turned out to be absolutely delightful! Greg won a White Castle Crave Case! Thank goodness, they simply give you a voucher to present at the store during your next visit. Can you imagine how stinky our car would have been for that hour drive home?! Ugh!

Getting in the Miles

In spite of the oppressive heat, I've been managing to keep up with the marathon training quite nicely as well as adding in a little cross training. This past weekend, I eeked out a 12-mile run. With the heat, I've found a run/walk ratio works best. Plus, I'm not a vegetable the next day at work when I go Galloway. I'm also noticing that those little nagging injuries don't seem to be popping up when I incorproate the run/walk ratio to my long runs. Fingers crossed!

Greg and I took advantage of the perfect weather on the 4th and biked 20 miles through the Metroparks. No matter how many times I run or bike, I am always blown away by the beauty of the Metroparks.

Unfortunately, while biking during my lunch hour last week, I had a flat tire 3 miles in. This was the FOURTH flat tire on my bike wheel and I swore if it happened again, then I would march my bike to Century Cycles and buy a new tire (not tube). The downside to this thinking is that I didn't have a backup tube. My CO cartridge fired all over my hand from being clumsy (brrr it was cold!). Not to be deterred, I decided to hoof it back to the office and get in a good workout anyway. Let me be the first to say that Pearl Izumi cleats don't really have any "give" in them and it was a loooonnnnggg run back to the office!

When I stopped in at Century Cycles on my way home, I was once again impressed with their level of customer service. The mechanics are so kind and really care about your bike. They gave me such personal attention and one of the mechanics even stayed late after closing to take care of all of my bike issues (I think I had more issues than even I was aware). I am definitely one loyal customer and I think a cupcake run will occur this week to thank the guys behind the counter!

Hope you're getting in the miles during this heat and staying plenty hydrated!

A Race on the Horizon

I needed a race to plan toward. I just felt like I had no purpose. Yeah, going out for a run without pressure is great and all, but it's also nice to have an end game. Since airfare has been so outrageously priced lately, I haven't planned any out of state races, which has been a bummer since I just have 8 states remaining! So local it is!

Northern Ohio is full of fantastic running events. Everything from the LULA 5k to the Burning River 100-mile trail race is done right! After hearing such great reviews about the Akron Marathon, as well as missing the marathon distance, I took advantage of their early registration rate. Best of all, every tenth person to register gets an Akron marathon hat. Guess who was the tenth registrant? This girl!

So let the training begin...slowly. I ran in 27 degree weather on Monday, then was greeted with 57 degrees Wednesday. I'm finding my groove while I'm working on my base and strength training for the next two months before increasing the mileage. Maybe this time, I'll actually get it right!