Tapering is a good thing. And boy do I need it. I am definitely feeling a bit beat up. I also am winging it a bit. While I love the Pfitz programs, many times I end up cutting some miles in the taper weeks to really make sure I get the snap back into my legs by race day. This week the ball of my L foot has been tender and my R inner thigh has yelled at me a couple times during the run. For that reason, I did not do my interval workout until today.

I also took a rest day yesterday b/c I had a flu shot W and was not feeling the greatest (plus I wanted an extra day for the foot thing). This morning I hit the road bright and early for 11 miles with 5x600 meters @ 5K pace with 90 second recoveries. I did just over 5 miles as a warm-up, then hit the intervals:

7:04 / 172
6:39 / 182
6:51 / 182
6:48 / 184
6:39 / 184

These were all done on the same little loop. Overall I am happy with these numbers. The intervals felt very easy, which is reflected in my HR numbers. This interval workout is a bit close to my 10K on Sunday, but I wanted to make sure I got the workout in. I am trying to get pumped up about the race - it will be only only true "tune-up" race. I am trying to ignore the facts that: (1) it is in the arboretum; and (2) it is a 10K and I am terrible at 10Ks. And I am trying to get excited to race hard .... wish me luck.

Oh yes, and despite my rant about my recent trip to the dermatologist, I'm glad I went. Turns out the mole they biopsied was "moderately" atypcial. This means it needs to be completely removed as it is more likely to be precancerous than "typical" moles. Since it is on my back, I need to wait until after the marathon so I don't irritate the incision area. So I will go in to have it removed in a couple of weeks. Part of me is glad - that big mole has always worried me. It will be nice to say good-bye to it.

Happy Friday.