Yesterday (Oct. 13th) was the 14th annual United Technologies Greater Hartford Marathon, which included a full and half marathon and 5K. I opted for the Full Marathon (7 GUs - Yuk!) and could not have had better weather for it. The course was also very much to my liking, nice quiet rural roads for the most part.

The temps were mid 40s at the start and rose to about 56 degrees at the end. Humidity was low and the skies were clear and sunny. I got into a nice pace and motored along for the first 18 miles; miles 19-24 were tough for me (rolling hills and screaming quads) but I dug deep for a strong finish.

My half marathon time was 2:08:08, a PR for the half. My strong finish produced a full marathon PR of 4:30:57 - I was pushing for a sub 4:30; but am happy with this result; it was 18+ minutes better than my previous marathon PR. I had along with me Phedippidations and was listening to the "Perfect Pace" and the Worldwide Half Marathon "Cheers" podcasts.

Phedippidations (www.steverunner.com) has been very useful in my training & has helped make my running more fun and joyful -- many thanks to Steve Runner!!! Now: some long deserved rest and time off.

As I was training in April for the 2007 Long Island Marathon, I came to the realization that I was not fit enough - more accurately, too heavy. Even though I was running a lot, at the time, I weighed 229 pounds; just too much weight to carry around for 26 miles (4-5 hours) & enjoy it.

With a week to go before the Hartford Marathon, I decided to throw in a 10K race, just to stay lose; for some fun "speed work." So off I went to the annual Entemman's Great South Bay Run in Bay Shore Long Island. This race combines a half marathon, 10K and 5K.

There is nothing like validation of one's ideas or beliefs - such occurred yesterday with my setting a PR (Personal Record aka Personal Best) for the 10K distance by 35 seconds. Over 4 1/2 years ago my PR was 58:13 in a cool February race in Central Park - yesterday I did the 10K in 57:38. PRs are always a huge boost, but this one was even more special - it confirmed that my training program was on target in improving my running. I am so psyched for Hartford next Saturday!