terry

it's all downhill now to Vegas.

Today was big run day, the longest run in training for Vegas. 38k or 23.6 miles. I'm ready, bring on the taper and bring on the marathon. I'm not sure if it was the weather, the company, the training or the planets just aligned ... but today's run was by far the best training run I have ever had ... ever!

I started just after 6.30am, so early the sun had yet to come up. Met up with D, P, K, J and S about a mile later, then we all headed down the road. We chugged along only stopping for a toliet break at 7k and to take a picture. J brought her camera, so we stopped at the distance to PS signs, snapped a pic to prove she did it. Port Stanley ... 31k

Our first offical waterstop was at 11k, complete with everything your heart could desire, water, gatorade, candy, chips, bananas, oranges, bandaids, body glide, tissues and a smiling waterstop attendant who took attendance and let us know if we were on pace. I took my first gel here, just like I plan to in vegas.

My foot was tender for most of the run today but not sore, I spent a lot of time concentrating on how I was landing. I consumed way too much candy at the first two waterstops ... mainly cause it was there and it's so pretty and colourful. By the third waterstop, at the halfway point I had banned all candy. Our group started to spread out a bit after this. D and I stayed together until the next waterstop, then I kept going by myself. I could really feel a difference in my foot after stopping, it would take a km or so to warm up and stop hurting.

Up first big hill, no problem, then it's flat for the next 10k. A second group of runners, faster paced than our group had left about 45 minutes after us. I figured they would catch us around the 7k to go. I pulled into the waterstop, checked behind me ... nope he wasn't there ... but I knew he wasn't far behind.

The second and thankfully last hill of the day was ahead of me. My plan was to keep running up the hill until they caught me, once they'd passed me I could walk. Half way up and glanced behind me ... nope can't see them yet. There was a slight bit of disappointment because I really wanted to walk ... I mean really wanted too. Then I thought, if I can't see them, could I possible make it all the way there without them catching me? Could I? 5k left ... I think I can, I think I can.

All the way to the top, a quick nose blow and drink at the last waterstop then downhill to PS. I kept going at the turn I checked behind me ... no one ... but I knew they were close. Last k, turn the corner start heading for the beach. I had kinda relaxed at this stage ... feeling rather cocky and holding them off. Then I saw Paul and Jordan, they were cheering and waved, then they looked behind me ... why ... what could possible be back there, then they said "oh look there's mom"

... what!

I turned around ... they were right behind me, Terry and Janice ... they must of taken a cab! Okay I'm not being taken out in the last 500m, I picked up the pace, he was closing in on me ... damn him and his fast long legs. I would never have thought I would of had a sprint (it felt like a sprint) left in me at 37.5k ... but I did ... thanks to Terry.

After everyone finished we had an awesome brunch. Everyone was really happy with their run, they all agreed they could do another 4k without a problem. More importantly, we have a plan of attack post marathon ... quick shower and start drinking. I'm so excited!

update: Terry just sent me this which I think is more accurate ... cue music .... roll film in slow motion .... Terry relentlessly pursued you; his long speedy legs (made of Spaceship metal) carrying him forward closer and closer to his nemesis ...