I went for a run tonight. No real goal other than to get some mileage in the log. I’ve been keeping things easy because I’ll be racing something to some degree this Sunday. I haven’t decided yet between the 18 mile tune up race in Central Park or the Yonkers marathon, but both are on the same day.

I’ve done Yonkers almost every year as a tune up and have only done the 18 mile race once. I feel one should be able to race 18 miles at a full effort without having it interfere with preparation for targeting a marathon 2 months later. Meanwhile, racing Yonkers just wouldn’t be practical. Nonetheless, despite what I just said, and even though it’s a notoriously tough course, I’m considering going out with a target time in mind. Something I never did before at this race. And, it’s for all the wrong reasons too. But, nonetheless, I’m curious to see if I can do 3:15:59. Mainly because it’s my BQ time. I kind of feel like I could do this if it’s a good day. It would be fun to try in fact.

Meanwhile, the thought of 3 laps around Central Park at race pace just seems a bit unbearable at the moment. Ironic somehow. The one other time I did this race was in 2007 and I averaged a 7:03 pace. I’m faster nowadays, but because I’ve ran so many training runs in the park lately, 7:03 seems hard for 3 laps around the park. Ironic that a marathon feels more doable.

Nonetheless, I’ve been taking things easy in preparation for Sunday, regardless of what I choose. Plus the fact I’ve been having some minor aches in my left hip, which has been improving thankfully, is even more of a reason to be going easy.

So heading out, in cooler temps, things just felt great. It’s almost as if I forgot I was running at times. I intended 4 miles, but did 8 1/2 just because I wanted to stay outdoors. I wish I could describe the feeling you get from running at dusk in weather like this. But I guess if you’re someone interested enough to be reading this, then you already know what I’m talking about. It all just flows and feels right.

It’s quite reassuring to see all the suckage with running that has been going on during the heat of the summer is easily erased when that heat is gone. I know I’m not alone in that either :)