Week 17

Total distance run this week: 47km
Number of runs: 4
Runs at race pace: 1 (12km)
Long run: 20km
Other activities: cycling (18km), swimming
Total training time: 7:30

As planned, I cut my mileage a lot this week but it still felt like a tough week of training -- I suppose because I was tired after my 36km last weekend and frantically busy getting ready to go on vacation. To make matters worse, I spent two days out of town attending a retreat for work.

On the upside, I did my 12km run along a waterfront trail in Cornwall, Ontario on Thursday evening. Though it was hot and humid, it felt great to be outside after a full day of workshops, and the views along the St. Lawrence River were lovely.

I tackled my 20km run a day early (Saturday) so that I could be in the car and en route to Quebec City that afternoon. I wish I could say it felt great, but it didn't. The last weeks of hard training have definitely taken a toll. My legs felt like lead throughout. However, I'm hopeful the next week or two of R&R, coupled with some solid training, will enable me to start my taper feeling upbeat about my chances to run the "personal best" for which I've trained so hard.

My last run of the week was in Fredericton. Though it was raining hard when we finally got in last evening, I immediately laced up my shoes and headed out for a run along the Saint John River. The city is in the process of developing trails along both sides of the river. The highpoint was a foot bridge across the river that provides wonderful views of both the river and the city itself.

The coming week promises to be full of such beautiful runs. I'm in Charlottetown for a few days so plan to head out for my last speed session tomorrow, and hope to find time for one other run while I'm here too. Friday or Saturday, I'd like to run a favourite trail in Shubie Park (near Halifax). Finally, I'll tackle my last really long run of 30-32km along an old railway bed near my parents' home on Sunday morning.

After that -- TAPER!! I can hardly wait.