My journey as a marathoner...

After the first 3 weeks, I feel that marathon training is finally getting into full swing. The '3x3mile' workout is usually a good barometer of my fitness. I tend to start in the 15:50's, but felt very comfortable this week in the 15:30's-40's range which is good sign. I could've probably gone faster, but for this cycle I'm trying to keep things under control - focusing on staying healthy and doing all the little things possible, from PT to strengthening, massage etc. I've started to use heart rate monitor as well to monitor intensity level in my workouts. The hill workout will continue to be a staple weekly workout as it doesn't take too much from me. I will do at least 1 race pace workout and 1 very long long run type. I feel that mileage around 110 should be enough as long as I'm hitting the key marathon workouts. I look forward to the weeks ahead. Thank you for your support. Week 3 Feb 22  Mon AM  10 miles (60:13) + weights  PM  5 miles w/

Since my last post, a few good and unfortunate things have happened. I will start with the good: my entry has officially been accepted and confirmed for the 2016 Virgin Mobile London Marathon. It will likely be my last shot at running under the Olympic Qualifying window. Next, following my last post (while I was in the middle of starting to increase my training volume and intensity), a past injury flared up -  a nagging chronic left hamstring strain that  I thankfully now have under some level of control. Staying injury free is a battle I've been fighting all of my post-collegiate career. At this stage in my marathon build up, I've got to have flawless training if I want to be at the starting line in London. With that said, I immediately started an aggressive physical therapy plan (which includes graston, ART, dry needling, specific exercises, massage therapy etc), and I feel satisfied with where things are as far as my future health, current fitness level and race timing. Fo