Just over 2 weeks until the Pikes Peak marathon. Training has been very difficult due to 41 plus days now of triple digit temps. Even running early is warm and most days I’ve been running during the noon hour and after.Today was a little better because a much needed rain storm kept the temps in the high 80’s when I put my 7 miles in . I know I’m not going to be as prepared as I need to be for the marathon, but I’ll pray and see what happens.Treadmill tomorrow.

Did a 5 mile run this morning. Plan on a treadmill workout later if I get all the business of the day done in time.Look forward to speaking at the Salvation Army at their health and fitness class. Have to get my talk nailed down today, among other things.That’s all.

Did a six mile run this morning with the half marathon training group, that I sometimes sort of pace. This morning’s run was drudgery.I never do well in humidity. NEVER.I can do better in 100 degrees and low humidity, then low 80’s and high humidity like this morning.At least there will not be any humidity in Colorado! However did 50 minutes of hill repeats in the late afternoon and felt good about that effort.Take the good with the bad.

It finally rained yesterday. Not to be greedy but we need so much more.The first semi cool run I have had in months.My day was busy with paper catchup, paying bills,and following coaching leads. Managed to squeeze in a good 4 mile run in the neighborhood. I love running in the rain, first time this summer I felt I ran with ease. Still fighting the weight loss battle. Have dropped 19, but still need to drop a minimum of 20 more.Can use all the positive vibes I can get.Stay cool and Godspeed.

Did hill repeats at St. Edwards park. About 70 minutes of nothing but running up and down the ridge. I sure hope the cooler weather in CO. will make a huge difference. It was slow going today.At least the temp. was not into the typical triple digits.Need to get in a 18 miler tomorrow. Just not ready for the mountain. Motivation has been hard to come by lately. Just forcing myself to run in this heat.Still carrying too many lbs.A productive day outside of running though and that is positive.

While I got in 2 workouts today I didn’t get in the long run I had planned for.I also ate too late which doesn’t help in the weight loss battle. Got in a 40 minute weight and core workout early and then a late 25 minute run around the neighborhood. Will have to make up tomorrow with a longer run and some hillwork. Did come across this great quote while reading yesterday, Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory. I really like that. The main reason I run is that I recognize it as a gift from God to drive away the “demons” in my life and to glorify Him.That’s it for today.

Did my treadmill workout yesterday. 4 miles at 11 on the incline scale. In 2 weeks need to be able to go 2 hours or 8 miles. The heat has been intolerable. Day after day of triple digits. The downside of trying to beat the heat by getting out early is that then I face 85 degrees and humidity.Oh well, press on.

On a different note heard a very good message on hope at the church I attend yesterday.Well it is off to talk to people about training groups for the fall, and to start pitching the idea of a solo cross country run in the summer of 2011 to raise charity for World Vision.Wish me Godspeed. 

Remember those in Christ are born again to a Living hope because of the resurrection.Never hope in temporal things for they are too uncertain. The current economy is one proof of that. 

Todays planned training: 6:00 p.m. two hours on the trails at Walnut Creek. Will try to dodge the mountain bikers.