MINUS THIRTEEN DAYS: Not Too Bad

It is inevitable that the initial counting/tracking system changes right off the bat, so it's always a good idea to start before the beginning.  With the "Year of the Marathon" in mind, in spite of the fact that it doesn't have to start on the first of the year, it looks like a calendar year this time around.  So, here I am, thirteen days before the beginning...

It looks like the weather is going to cooperate in that we probably will have a green Christmas.  That's not the same as saying it will be warm, but the air temperature doesn't really matter to me.  There should be clear and dry sidewalks and roadways until around the first; I need to capitalize on the conditions and make up for my recent sloth.  (Though in fairness I have to defend myself a little.  It was a rough semester at school.  That's over for now, so no more excuses!)

Time:    8:50 am
Temperature:    45F/23C
Sunrise:    8:09 am
Conditions:    Dry, light breeze
Clothing:    sufficient

Run Time:    17 minutes,  acceptable run
GoogleEarth:    1.73 miles/1.0 km
Rate:    9:50 mpm
Injury Threats:    Minimal:  initial spasm in lower back, worked out after 100yds, tightness in torso

Again, I am surprised at the rate.  Not that it is particularly fast, but that I am way out of shape and can't run more than a fraction of the four to six I was doing in the summer, but I am not slower at all.  I don't know what that means, except that when I get back up to five or six, I'll be greatly disappointed if I am not automatically and naturally faster.

Dinner Previous:    Eastern European Style Goulash (heavy on vegetables, not spicy, added sour cream)
Artery Cleaner:    Two shots Sobieski
Blood Thinner:  350mg Aspirin (morning)
Sleep:  (Transitioning from late night studies) ... 2:30 am - 7:00 am  (target:  7 hrs+ )

Motivation:  est. 146 days to GR River Bank Run (25K)    [best time was in 1980:  1:39]
Considering various marathons.  In November, there is one in Tuscon on Mount Lemon; I told my uncle I would like to visit and run the marathon.  There is one on 30Jun12 in Tromsø, Norway during the Midnight Sun Festival; it's in the middle of a month when the sun doesn't set!  Lots of logistics problems, but we'll see.  I would so like to see our friends in Europe again soon.