The Oddest Taper Ever

ORN:  zero

In 3.5 days, I'm going to start the Los Angeles Marathon.  What a hoot!  

It's a hoot because this is the oddest preparation I've ever done for what will by my 18th start of a marathon.  

Odd.  I have not run for 9 days.  I am optimistic that this is the right thing for my wonky left knee.  It feels a lot better and I'm more encouraged now than I was last week.  

Odd.  I'm also coming down with a cold.  Fun stuff...we'll see how much drainage continues.  

Odd.  The forecast for this Sunday in LA is looking at a start temp in the mid 50s, heading for a high of 77.  For this chilly, pasty-skinned Midwesterner who has been bundled up for the past four months, those temps will be quite a shock!  I'll have my water belt with me and will work drinking 20 oz per hour.

Odd.  I have no idea about my time or splits or much of anything.  I'm not carrying my usual laminated split chart.  My plan is simply to start at a 1/1 run/walk split and go as far and as long as I can.  The "A" goal would be to finish, having run the last 2 miles continuously.  The "B" goal is to finish feeling good.  The "C" goal is to finish.  All that said, I have no idea just how this one will go. 

Odd.  The race sold out last week.  25,000 runners lined up.  No corrals, no wave start, just the "honor system" to line up next to the correct sign.   There will be lots of bumping early and if my experience in the 30,000 Indy Mini Marathon is any indication, I'll be in heavy traffic for 10 miles. 

But, some real good too.

Good.  I get to see a new city.  The route sure looks interesting, rolling past many LA landmarks.  Super fun to start at Dodger Stadium, given my love of and life with baseball.  Good to get to walk into the Pacific Ocean at the end.  Good to get some idea of what it is like to run past the estimated 1 million spectators.  

Very good.  I get to hang out with my sister and family in San Diego for three days.  Her oldest son, John, (who is more like a brother to me than a nephew) and I will run together.  I can't wait to be with him on the drive to LA, staying the night before, the bus in the darkness to the start.  We won't stop talking.  This is his second marathon...and he's fast.  We'll meet up at the end. 

Very good.  On Saturday, John and I will have lunch with Darrell, who is also running (despite his promise to never run another California marathon).   This always fun.  

So, off I go.  If you'd like to follow me, Darrell, John or your favorite quasi-athletic celebrity,  you can sign up here  for emails and/or texts from each 10K split.  

I also have a surprise planned for the race report...I hope it all works.  

All the best to Michelle, Sarah, their hubbies and others who are running the PacRim 24 hour race Saturday and Sunday!  Enjoy it and all your pals!!

Persevere.  At PacRim, LA or wherever you are.

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