Sweet Victory

So 2.5 weeks ago, I started a marathon plan. I also set out on a plan to lose ten pounds to get myself to my peak marathon weight before the plan got too intense. I had a good first week and then lost five days of running due to a miserable bug. Here's what's up: Since the bug left, I've run seven days in a row. I've got two more scheduled before a rest day on Friday. Today's a short recovery run and tomorrow's an interval workout. Because I've been pretty good about going easy on the easy days, I'm feeling pretty fresh. Most surprising, I've already dropped eight of the ten pounds I wanted to lose. This is good, because pretty soon the miles are going to be piling up and dieting when you're running 50 miles a week really isn't a good idea. I'm no dietitian, but here's how I've managed to lose most of the weight: 1) Switched from cereal to oatmeal for breakfast. If I had to pick one thing, this is the big one, as I don't even

Why do I even attempt Spring marathons? Last year, I hurt myself after three weeks of training. This year, after a flawless first week, I got the sore throat from hell. It's only now beginning to abate and I haven't run a step in five days. It appears to be getting a little better so I'll try to resume tomorrow. I wouldn't say all hope's lost as the plan's pretty easy at this point, but nevertheless, hardcore training in this part of the country at this time of the year is difficult to say the least. But I'm going to try to be zen about it, remind myself that the marathon's a long way away and I won't even sign up for at least two months. At least, that's the idea. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Last year when the Medtronic Global Heroes program opened up for 2008, I had a lot to say on the subject . Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and Medtronic vowed to allow old diabetics to apply. They've just opened up applications for 2009 and - true to their word - there's no line about older diabetics being ineligible. For the record, I've never applied to the program and am unsure if I'll apply this year. I think it's an awesome program, but I'm more concerned with qualifying for Boston. However, if you're a diabetic marathoner, I encourage you to do so.

Today starts my 18 week training program for the Delaware Marathon . This time around, I'm using the Hal Higdon Advanced Plan 1 . Various thoughts: * Most important, I think training in January and February is tough. Thus, I haven't registered for the marathon, and won't until deep into training. However, I'm in better shape than I was in this time last year, so I think it makes sense to go for it. * The biggest difference with this plan is two-fold: greater emphasis on middle-long runs and shorter short days. Previously, I was loyal to the long run, but never went further than six miles the other days. Hal has me doing lots of tens later in the training, which I think is a good thing. * However, this plan only has 3 20's (though there's also a 19, so frankly, you may as well call it 4). My last one had five. However, I do think I tapered a bit early last time out, soooo... * My travel schedule is so-so this spring. I've got a week long trip to the UK and an