Neyland Run

I am now in east Tennessee and planned out a 8.5 mile run for the last "long run" before Saturday's marathon. I would start off at Island Home Park and run down beside the Tennessee River before crossing at the Gay Street Bridge. It was really foggy so I was disapointed that I was not able to take in views of the river. To make matters worse, my ipod crapped out after only 2 miles!

After crossing the river, I ran around and joined the Neyland Greenway to continue on to the University of Tennessee campus. I ran up to Neyland Stadium and around through campus to Circle Park, where the "eternal tourchbearer" stands. The campus was abuzz with the Kentucky game just hours away. There were already a dozen fans lined up for the famed Vol Walk two hours before it was scheduled to take place. I had tickets for ther game myself so I got a little excited running through seeing all the vendors setting up and the programs guys tossing footballs. I made a mental note of the placement of the Nathan's Hotdogs stand. I know it is crazy to think of eating a hot dog after a good run but it flung a craving on me!

The return run along the river brought the same fog but I made pretty good time - about a 9:45 minutes per mile pace. I thought it was a good taper run before next week's marathon but all the walking later in the day feet hurt my feet so I will need to do some icing before next week.

I will have to look at my schedule to see what runs I have this week. The main focus will be easy easy. I may only run twice so I will feel realy good on Saturday. I haven't even registered yet but I will do that Tuesday. It is too far to tell but the forecast in Memphis on Saturday is sunny but a COLD COLD day with a high of 39 and low of 24 degrees!!!! In other words it is going to be FREEZING! As a rule, I NEVER run outside when it is that cold!!!!! This may be the first time I have ever run on a day that it is this cold and it will be when running a marathon -- how about that!

So I will be going to get some running tights this week. (I ALWAYS run in shorts). I will get them in time to run in them a couple of times before the marathon. I noticed my favorite local sporting goods store has a couple of options. One brand is InSport and the other one is Brooks. I think the prices is $35 and $50 but I will really need them. I am a little worried I will over or under dress since I am not used to running in this kinda of cold. Of course, I can always hope that it is warmer than that. The weather people are sure enough wrong around here more times than they are right!

So it is now less then a week before the big day. If anyone has any advice that you have found helped you, I would sure like to know. Have a great week!