Friday, March 19, 2010

Going to be a Warm One

We’re coming down to the last few hours (hey – I can be hopeful) before the Big Day. I put in a quick easy three miles last night and felt great. Like really great. Like it was no effort to push out three sub 9:00 miles.

A few other things going on as I wind down:

  • Phantom pain was here full bore this week. If I hadn’t been here before I would have been real concerned. Sore knees. Sore hips. Dead legs. I know it’s a sign of recovery. If I hadn’t been through taper before I would have been concerned.
  • That cold I caught last week is still going on. I’m not real excited because it has settled into a nagging scratchy cough. The interesting thing is that when I’m running everything is good. As soon as I stop it sounds like I’m having an asthma attack. I’m hoping it behaves itself for 4 to 5 hours on Sunday.
  • The obsessive checking and rechecking the weather forecast has begun. The problem is every time I look, the news does not get better. Last week we started out with partly sunny skies with temps in the low 50’s at the start and mid 60’s at the finish. That has now morphed into sunny skies with temps in the low to mid 50’s at the start and upper 70’s to almost 80 for a high. The only saving grace is we’re running toward the ocean where the temps are 6 to 10 degrees cooler. I better pack some sunscreen. And I better run fast before it gets hot!

All that’s left is a night of sleep followed by a night of anticipatory terror. Tapir! Oh Tapir! Where are you?

P.S. – If you have friends running the L.A. Marathon (it *has* sold out at 25,000), you can track them here: http://live.activeresult.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=24. Once you set up an account, you can track multiple participants. Among some fellow local bloggers that I know are running – check out Ms. V, Bob, anotorias, chicrunner, and L.A. Runner. Also, kudos to the volunteers like Love2Mags who will be at the 20 mile point catering to our needs. I hope we don’t scare you Mags!

21 comments:

  1. It is so helpful to hear of your experiences. Having not been there myself, but knowing I will be there, it makes me feel good to know others have gone before and can talk me down. :) Here's to perfect running weather!

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  2. Wow, I can only imagine the emotions you are having at this time. Hopefully the temps will favor you, but yeah, you might wanna run fast to beat it. Good thing this isnt badwater temps. lol. I wish you the best man. Can not wait to see what is happening with ya. Take care.

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  3. have a GREAT race this weekend!!! i will be cheering you all on for nor-cal! i hope the temps cool off for you too :)

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  4. Yeah, I hear worries, just get on with it feelings and a little why am I doing this feelings from ya. Just remember as always - these are met to be enjoyed and have fun with. Plus, this sounds like Glenn Jones dream course going thru all the areas of LA you love. Not to mention starting at Dodger Stadium!! Glenn, relax, have fun, one foot in front of the other, you are in GREAT health and more than ready to do this and do WELL! Enjoy my blogger friend and Be Who You Be.

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  5. I guess warm weather is better than rain any day! :D

    Don't get too nervous. Just think of it as going to a Stadium party with lots of friends around. Then you and all your friends decide you want to go to the beach but there were not enough cars to hold everyone so you just run there. And there will be a huge party at the beach waiting for you! Good Luck Glenn! Thank you for that info on the tape.

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  6. It is always an odd feeling that last training before a race your mind is telling you don't run too fast you have a race coming up, your body however is feeling it can go faster and you are running with the brakes on . Its like a dress rehersal for the stage play and consequently lots will and can go wrong but it will be alright on the night or the day of the race Good luck

    Regards Paul

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  7. You best believe I'll be stalking er tracking you. Trust in your training and kick some BUTT!

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  8. Hi Glenn,
    Good luck!! You are going to do great...I just know it! You have been training so much and well!! Make sure to keep hydrated:) I can't wait to read your race report..take lots of pictures:)

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  9. You are going to do so great! I was thinking about you this week as I was wallowing in misery....seems like you bypassed your cold altogether but mine nailed me like a freight train. Guess I should have been the one to up my vitamin D more!!! Darn cloudy pacific northwest (albeit gorgeous).

    Knock em dead tomorrow.......can't wait to read all about it!

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  10. Glenn - many of us will be thinking about you at your marathon (and yep, tracking you! bwaahaaa). I hope you know how much you inspire many of us out in blogger land. Have fun, and finish strong!!!

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  11. I am running LA on Sunday too. This is my first full marathon. I went to the expo tonight and picked up my bib, etc. I thought I was the only one obsessing about the weather and checking it at least 5 times a day for the last week =) Good luck and have a GREAT race!

    I LOVE what Tea Time posted! That is a great way to look at the race. Thanks.

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  12. You are gonna do great!! Have a good time!!!
    Lori and Rick

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  13. Starve a fever feed a cold!

    Remember to crank up the pace if you get any cloud cover.

    Have a good run and stay on top of your mind tricks. Once your brain realizes you are aware if its tricks it may focus on getting you to the finish faster becuase only then will the pain stop. Just remember to block out the DOMS - you can deal with that next week!

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  14. I'll be thinking about you and your big day on Sunday! You're so ready!

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  15. hmm... who do i know running LAM... no one is coming to mind.......

    just kidding. officially signed up to stalk! good luck tomorrow!

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  16. Good luck Good luck Good luck! You know you can run this! You will do great! Enjoy it!

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  17. Best of luck, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on you and another friend.

    Those phantom pains, I'm well aquainted with those. Good thing you are an experienced marathoner so you know the difference.

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  18. You better be in bed and asleep right now since you will be up at the butt-crack of dawn...but I will sooooo be stalking you.

    Good luck Glenn. You are ready. Have a great time!

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  19. Good luck in the morning, Glenn! You got this! Go enjoy the morning!

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  20. The great thing about being behind on blogs is that I dont' have to wait for the outcome!

    Taper Madness is VERY annoying. Hopefully you didn't let it get you down!

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