It's all downhill from here

This past Sunday signified an important milestone in my training. It was the last of three long runs( 20 miles or more) and will be the start of the long awaited taper down to the marathon. Below is a chart from Hal Higdon that I have been following to train for this marathon. I'm on week 16.

I started off my long run this past Sunday in Staten Island with 6000 other runners in the Staten island half marathon. It was nice to be running with so many people and also served as a practice run for the marathon. I think it is good Idea to get out there and run a race leading up to marathon to get used to having so many people around you.

The route was out and back along the water that had excellent views of Manhattan. I was bit surprised by the hills but it was good to get some in. The halfway point of the run took us under the
Verrazano bridge where I know I will be returning in three short weeks.

I finished the half, resisted the temptation to stop with the others and kept going to do the course again. I ran out past mile 4 and turned around to finish the day at 21 miles. All and all it was a great run.