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!