We’re rolling the dice but expectations are low, at least

Some people (such as myself) will tell you I am woefully under-prepared for Sunday’s Last Gasp-arilla Marathon in Tampa (It’s last gasp because they’re trading it in for a 10K next year). I have been tapering hard for four weeks instead of two steady weeks. I haven’t done a long run of more than 19 miles since January. I am lucky to get out two times in a week and that amounts to a short easy run and a “long” slower than pace run.

My only solace is I have decent core strength to stay upright for the five plus hours it might take. Given the predicted start temps in the low 40s it may be tolerable on its way to mid 60s by the time I finish. Either way, it’ll be the coldest start temp among my nine marathons.

I’m driving down the day before and coming back soon after the race. I’ve never done that before but economics are a driving force. My colleagues at work will get to see me in full limp mode Monday morning, perhaps.

So now that I’ve lowered everyone’s expectations I’ll go out and have fun and try not to stop at every watering hole.