Running plan

So I've been thinking a lot about this 15K run that I have on Saturday morning. I'm probably not as ready for it as I should be, so I'll have to make do with a lot of pain and suffering on Sunday. When I did the 5-miler the other week, I didn't put too much thought into it other than wanting to stop after 3 miles and making sure I had a decent recovery meal. Those things more or less happened.

However, as this is much longer, I am going to try to eat a much larger meal about 2 hours before the race (starts at like, 8 a.m.) Something sensible, of course. And also make sure I get enough to drink at the rest stops. I'm still thinking whether I should make this a 5K 3x over or a 4.6-mile run twice. That is, should I stop twice or three times? I obviously don't want to, but I fear I may do more damage to myself if the body doesn't get at least a little breather.

Off the top of my head, I suppose I like the thirds option. I enjoy having something to look forward to. First third, second third, almost done! Smaller portions seem more easy psychologically. And I can tweak the listening playlist accordingly. Some Timberlake in there at about half an hour to get me through the first hump. I ran 11 minute miles over 5 miles, so it stands to reason that I should be able to at least keep up that pace. That was in the rain, which doesn't make a huge difference, but still. So, at 11 minutes, that would finish me in about one hour, 45 minutes. At 10:30 miles, I'd be done in one hour, 40 minutes (times rounded slightly). According to the Web site, they have clocks going at regular intervals whereas the five-miler didn't. I think this will be more helpful for me to gauge my speed and get a feel for whether I can pick things up after mile 8 or something.

Have I mentioned that I will be doing a marathon come the fall? Not sure where or when, but I'm determined to get one done. And at something much quicker than a leisurely 11-minute place. Something closer to 9 minute miles.

On a completely unrelated note, I have to give many thanks to Healey. Six years ago -- Six! -- he scored me a fantastic GoreTex jacket that I still use to this day. I mainly employ the outside shell -- which is entirely waterproof -- every time it rains. Hooded, it means that I no longer require an umbrella. It shows no signs of slowing down, and today's walk in from the car dry and pleasant. And yes, when I say every time it rains, I mean every time it's rained for the past six years.

The Jetta is going in for a 70K check up tomorrow morning. It's actually near 71K. Just commuting, I'm doing like, 2400 miles/month. Eight months left -- about 20,000 more miles. I really wouldn't be surprised if I hit 100K by year end.