Tomorrow I will toe the line at the TARC Spring Classic marathon.  This will be my 4th attempt at the marathon distance, my first on trails, and only my second attempt after a completing a full training schedule.  I am excited.

My goals for this race?

Go a little quicker than last month's 6hr race! :)  At last month's To Hale and Back 6hr race, I completed 21 miles in about 6 hours 13 minutes which comes up to about an average of 17:51 mins per mile.  Anything quicker than that would be a win.

It's really hard to tell though.  This will be my first trail marathon and I have never seen the course.  Word on the street is that the course is FAST and FLAT -- somehow I doubt that I will agree.  So, I guess the ultimate goal is just to finish.  Because, anything I do will be a PR anyway.  Right? :)  I will say that I am feeling much more rested than I did for last month's race and I'm feeling in way better shape than I was for my last two marathons.  It's going to be a good day.

Stay tuned for the recap after the race!

This view never gets old.

I went up to the Fells today for a quick 3 miles on the trails.  The trails were bustling with people; even at 4pm.  I had forgotten that the Reservation get like that.  I have largely had the place all to myself this winter.  But, I guess springtime does that.  It infuses life and vitality where before there was only cold and lethargy.  It was a gorgeous day today and actually good to see so many people out.  I'll just have to get out earlier or remember to brace for more obstacles on my runs from now on :)

This weekend... I ran 21 miles yesterday around town with a few friends and 3 miles today on the trails.  If you can remember, I ran 21 at the 6 hr trail race a couple weeks ago (which took almost 1 hour and 45 mins longer than yesterday's run) AND I was seriously sore for a few days after.

Happy company on Sat's 21 miler

Today, I wasn't so sore (well not sore enough not to do another run) and the 3 miles served to stretch out my legs a little.  I guess these two runs coming so close together helped to clearly illustrate what I already knew in my head.  Trail running is soooo much harder than road running.  I have to really remember that as I prepare for this upcoming marathon (2 weeks away!).  After last week's race, I was really tempted to think, "what kind of shape am I in if I can't run 21 miles in under 6hrs?"  But that's not a great way to look at things.  Trail running is different.  I still need some practice, sure, but I'm having fun figuring it out and even though it might be harder than running on the road, it has its own rewards.

In other news, the Boston Marathon is only 8 days away! I will be volunteering and spectating again this year.  Can't wait!

What about you?

Do you have any upcoming springtime races?

Have you ever struggled with racing on different terrains?

I'd love to hear from you!  Leave a comment in the section below.  Happy spring and happy running!