21 Miles Today, Tahoe Tomorrow

Despite a slight setback due to illness a couple of weeks ago, my training for the Los Angeles Marathon has remained largely on schedule.

I was not sure if I would make it all the way through today's 21 miler (almost called it quits between miles 17 and 18...and again after mile 20), but I completed the distance...and at a strong pace. My 10km split was a quick 46:57 and I hit my half marathon split at 1:44:43 (have yet to finish a half marathon race that quickly). I ran this as an out-and-back, largely on the dirt trail that runs from Hermosa Beach through Manhattan Beach. For some strange reason, the path felt uphill in both directions!

That said, I am about to take a week off from running...a small sacrifice for snowboarding. I may hit the treadmill in the hotel's fitness center while I am there, but chances are I will save all of my energy for the mountain.

Spoke Too Soon

I should have known better.

In my last post for 2009, I mentioned how I have not been sick since I resumed running in 2007. On Thursday, less than a week later, I felt the unmistakable tingle of a sore throat. By Friday, I had a slight, but persistent sniffle. Yesterday, I decided against running because this illness had evolved into a pesky cough.

Since Thursday, I have not lost any sleep, nor have I lost my appetite. I have not had a fever. My symptoms have been and continue to be minor...just enough to be a nuisance. On one hand, I really feel I should run. On the other, I would hate to make my illness worse...especially because the illness seems to be racing through my body without affecting my ability to work or play.

I still feel an annoying tickle in my lungs. If I talk for any significant amount of time, I start to cough. Though I still feel I can run, I would be surprised if I could last a 20 miler. Based upon my training schedule, I am due for such a run. This is the first weekend since Thanksgiving that I have fallen short.

I decide to play it safe.