Yesterday I ran 20 miles 20 minutes faster than I did last year. I’m pretty excited about that, although it was hard to show it after I completed it yesterday. Overall, the run went well in regards with sticking to my planned pace and nutrition. While the last two miles hurt, although I think some of this had to do with the sidewalks around the park and the starting and stopping due to tourists, I was able to finish strong up that final hill to the finish.

One of the banners that will line the entire NYC Marathon course.

It’s hard not to get excited about the marathon when you have a good run like that. When you throw in the strangers along the way who wish you luck and the marathon banners lining the course it’s hard not to have good feelings as you start your taper.

Speaking of good feelings about the marathon, I’ve signed up to do my +1 volunteer gig with New York Road Runners as a just in case I decide to do this marathon thing again. For those not familiar with NYRR, they have a guaranteed entry program for members that in short is if you run in nine qualifying races and volunteer at another race you can get guaranteed entry into the next year’s marathon.

I have a feeling I’ll be going back and forth on whether or not do another marathon right up until the registration deadline. But for now, I need to keep the focus on this year’s marathon to make sure it is as good as I want to be.

I have a 12 mile long run scheduled for this weekend and I’m planning to do part of it as a 10k race in Sleepy Hollow, NY. I’m looking forward to what should be a smallish race with some great scenery. Sleepy Hollow does Halloween well.