February 2012 - Base Camp

[El Gordo]

I don't want to tempt fate, but I'll say what I'm sure most of us are surely thinking -- that it looks like the long-awaited marathon is within realistic reach.

And not just a get-round-regardless-of-time exercise like I've done, but a proper, grown-up marathon effort like these other guys put in. At least a 4:30 and very possibly quite a bit better.

The every-other-day routine is clearly working well, and I'd say good discipline for anyone over the half century. As you and others have hinted, the best intentions tend to disintegrate into strains and injuries (not to mention mental exhaustion) once the lure of ever-increasing mileage becomes irresistible. It's a rock most of us have foundered on at some point. From what I can see you've already recognised that and are playing it by the book. As long as you maintain this mindset and self-discipline, I can only see things continuing to improve.

Fantastisch!