RUNNING CARTOON OF THE WEEK AND TRAINING PROGRESS

The last two days have been good days. My marathon training for now is on schedule. We did a sixteen miler on Friday on a 24 degree day in the Ohio Valley, averaging about 7:53 a mile. With very little wind, the weather felt nippy but good. I wore Saucony tights, and an Under Armour top with a hooded sweatshirt--just right for the conditions. I've noticed my joints really start to hurt from mile 12 onward. I don't think there's much I can do about it. Working the leg muscles and joints over with the Marthon Stick helps. We've got about four more long runs to go before race--the Toledo Glass City Marathon on April 27--two 18 milers and two 20 milers. Hope I can make it through without any serious problems.

Today I ran eight easy miles on my own at about 9 minutes a mile. I've discovered that an easy run the day after a long run helps to get the blood flowing and lactic acid moving out of the muscles. My goal on these days is to just cover the distance and burn calories. In the coming weeks the training gets tougher with some tempo runs under marathon pace (7:20 or faster) and half mile intervals at 5K pace (3:15 or faster). It will definitely be challenging.

A snow storm is about to hit the Ohio Valley. We're supposed to get 8 to 12 inches of snow on Sunday and Monday. I'm tired of it! I hate the treadmill so much that I gave mine to my daughter. I'll cross train on my stationary bike on Sunday and then try to cover eight or nine miles on Monday by running along the tire tracks of cars out in the country. Another polar vortex is settling in Tuesday through Thursday. It's time for spring! Can I get an Amen?