Week 8 – Home Stretch!

It’s now about a week and half before race day, and it’s all downhill from here. Smooth sailing, easy ride, pick your favorite idiom.

I’m generally feeling pretty good. The running is easier, although my right knee still acts up from time to time. The longer I rest it, the more miles I get without irritation. After the race I’m planning a visit to the friendly Orthopedic Doc. They’re friendly, right? LOL

Looking forward the the weekend in NOLA. Hoping for good moderate weather. The half-marathon starts at 7:30am on Sunday, which is also Superbowl Sunday. So while you are starting to prep your tailgate, shopping for snacks, and chilling the beer, throw a thought my way as I work my way through the streets of New Orleans for 13.1 miles.

The route is pretty cool. It starts on Poydras street which just sounds like a cool name of the street. I think I’ve been there before on business events, but then we never paid attention to the streets. We wind through French Quarter, and finish at the big park by Lake Pontchartrain. Judging by pictures from last year, it looks like a great location to cool off, shake off the race, and enjoy a beer and some snacks. Yes they hand you a beer at the finish line, and yes it will be about 10:15am according to my pace calculations. I’m looking forward to it!

I know people who have run Rock and Roll half-marathons like this, and feedback is great. Very well organized, and entertaining – because of the live music on the course.

Last weekend I ran 8 miles on Saturday, and 3 miles on Sunday. Then Monday morning I hit the Elliptical, and will head down the fitness room in my hotel this evening to clock a few more miles on a cardio machine. Another trip to the exercise room Thursday night, and I’ll be ready for this weekend’s long(er) run.

I must admit, having done the long 10 and 11-milers, the shorter 8mi last weekend and 6mi this upcoming weekend are not so daunting!

I still see these graceful joggers when I am out. I don’t think I look like that – Ha! However, I’ll get there, with plans post-NOLA, to get better times and hit more races to stay in shape.

For those of you tracking the blog, thank you for reading, and as always, feel free to send feedback, advice, or encouragement!

And once again, THANK YOU for your support and commitment to CCFA. It’s humbling to have heard from all of you, and I’m grateful for your contributions. We are making an impact, and approximately 1.6 million patients will benefit from you and me.

Join me as the energy level rises though next week. I’ll post again next weekend, and then will update you on the race itself.

Cheers!
ET

Originally posted at CCFA site by Eric Thorsen on Tue, Jan 24, 2017 @ 8:22 PM
Cross posted here after successful completion of the race