This week, everything gets put on the back burner. EVERYTHING. It is all about me and it is all about this marathon.

It really is only fair to focus in exclusively on the essentials of the race at this point. To get distracted now would be to waste, at least in part, all of the work that led up to this point.

Running, distance running, is a pretty self focused (read: selfish) endeavor. But I think having a really great race will help balance all of that out. I am a much better runner than I was a year ago. I am certainly in the ballpark of being capable of the 3:10 I have focused on. And, I really REALLY enjoy the sport again.

1. I reread a Steve Prefontaine biography last night.
2. I will do a quick reread of Running with Buffaloes.
3. I will avoid John Bingham like the freaking plague.
4. I will start visualizing my inner runner.
5. Yesterday I ran 12 miles, my last run of any real substance. 1:32. It felt like floating. I am ready.
6. Philly forecast for Sunday....partly cloudy 41 low / 53 high. Perfect.
7. Does anyone know where I can find a kingsize back burner?)