TEAM MCGRAW,

A few days after the Philly Distance run was good but I was nursing a bruised left foot. I still ran but just cut back the pace a bit to try to recover. Things got a little hectic during the last week of September. I had the final days at Shea Stadium to attend and there were heaps of social events to attend. Trying to mix all the training and keep up with my dad's old NY Met's teammates was not such a good idea.

I managed to get out for all my runs and even did my long run of 20 miles on the morning of September 28th.... not a good idea after being out in NYC until 3am. The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL East division and we had to celebrate. The rest of the day was good even though the Mets lost and lost their spot in the wildcard playoff. We then celebrated the final game at Shea Stadium. I will post some pictures when I get them.

When Monday came around the sore throat started and by the end of the week I had an upper respiratory infection that was not fun.... I decided to take the week off and only run twice and I kept it very short. I didn't want that crapola getting into my chest!!! Instead I made some good homemade soup and drank heaps of water and emergen'c packs.... This has been my remedy for the past several years as I don't put med's in my body anymore. It usually clears most of the stuff up within a couple of days.

I still have a little residual congestion but I have started running again this week at my regular training distances. Five miles yesterday, eight today, and 5 tomorrow. Friday will be a swim day, Saturday will be 5mi. and Sunday the "BIG MAC" (20miles). This will be the final long run before the taper which Coach Kevin has been talking about in his blog. I will make sure to be resting well before my runs this week so I don't get sick again.

Hopefully everyone's training is going wonderful and you are all looking forward to the marathon!!! Keep healthy and I look forward to seeing you all in a few week..... can you believe it is so close???!!!

YGB,

Mark McG.