I had the last of my long weekend runs today, thirteen miles along the Charles River. The distance seemed short, even though before three weeks ago, it was the longest I’d ever run before. I finished right around the time I had for my last half-marathon in February, but I feel pretty good about it because it capped a seven-day period in which I ran 46 miles. I’ve got two weeks to go until marathon day, and I think I’ll be happy I covered all that distance as I get to save up my energy and do a series of short runs until the big day.

My marathon book makes a big deal out of the decision about what to wear on marathon day, how looking good, or feeling good about how you look, can make a difference in your race. They emphasize putting your number on straight, so your finishing photo will be something you’re not annoyed with for the rest of your life. I’ve been running in my moisture-wicking shirt (where’d that word come from?), which has been great, and my shorts with the pockets in pack for my gel packets, and I’ll probably wear those on the race day. I never thought I’d really care what my finishing picture looked like, until I saw this one, from the Brian Honan 5K I ran a few weeks ago. It’s about the most horrific-looking picture of me I’ve ever seen, all sweaty, with matted hair, shifty eyes, pale legs, splayed feet, and a look of intense concentration. I was trying to finish in under 22:00, and was staring at the clock as I came into the finish. Those are not excuses…just an explanation.