Marathon Weekend is here - It's 'bout time to rock in Tampa

So, after much anticipation, marathon weekend is here.

My experience to date has been that there is always a mysterious feeling the week before the marathon ... "how I am going to do?" "am I ready?" "am I really going to make it for 26.2?" "have I trained enough?" "do I have a prayer to P.R.?"

This year is no different. I just don’t know what to expect of my body. The taper period was a bit unique because I missed the last long 18-miler; however, I did run a solid 20k last week with a strong 7-miler the day before.

This weekend, I will participate in my sixth marathon in six years. I have improved my time with each race that I have run. Here is the list of my prior marathon performances:

May 6, 2001 - Pittsburgh - 4:15:52
May 5, 2002 - Pittsburgh - 3:46:10
May 4, 2003 - Pittsburgh - 3:29:57
March 20, 2004 - Virginia Beach - 3:26:37
January 16, 2005 - Houston - 3:23:55
February 26, 2006 - Tampa - ???

For the 6AM start tomorrow, the weather conditions are expected to be wet. There is a 70% chance of rain and temp’s are expected to be in the mid 60’s.

Overall, there is always a sense of pride that I have while even attempting these races, since it does require a great deal of commitment. This year will be no different.

Regardless of my time, I know I will finish and add another race experience to the book of life. My wife will be there at the finish and I will be on the verge of collapse as we meet. I will finish and we will celebrate. On to Tampa…