Counting down to Boston 2010
With the last day of March, my 7th marathon is almost on the threshold. Today I received my Number Pick-Up Card and Welcome Booklet for my second marathon in the Masters series – the Grand Slam of marathon running.
With only 18 days to go, I have completed the major part of my preparation for the marathon. I started my training in late January and have completed 954 kilometers in 2 months.I should be in perfect condition and on the one hand I am feeling very confident, on the other I am struggling with rising temperatues and humid weather . My heart rate has increased tremendously (often 10 to 15 beats higher than usual) and the warmer conditions have also affected my achilles tendons.
I hope that I will be able to make the transition soon. Good news is that Boston weather in mid April is generally very cool and rainy, conditions which I flourish in . I am also used to wind which is a usual companion to Massachusetts rain showers in April and as long as the wind doesn’t turn into ugly, heavy gusts I do not worry about it.
At the moment I am focused upon regeneration, mainly from work since I have been very busy in the last 3 weeks . I have reduced the intensity of my training runs in order not to overexert and am trying to find a good balance between stimuli and relaxation.
We are flying into JFK, where Jean-Pierre will pick us up and drive us up to Auburn, about 300 miles from NYC and 80 ks from Boston . Hence my way to the 114th Boston marathon will be quite strenuous . Still I am confident that at a cool, wind-less day, I should be able to complete the marathon under 3 hrs, which is my foremost goal.
Whatever my performance, I am thrilled about partaking at the oldest marathon in the world and cannot wait to feel this special energy and atmosphere before, during and after a marathon, and of course the endorphine shots that come with it.
Last not least, there is another thing worth looking forward to: That first sip of beer after the run, “prosting” with Syl, Susi and Jean-Pierre on another memorable experience.
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