Last Training Run and 2nd to Last Workout!!!

A momentous evening! I ran 3 miles in approximately 36 minutes, which means I averaged about 12 minutes per mile. I then walked another 2 just to increase my distance and to practice walking at a quicker pace. I was happy though because I ran a slight hill, but predominately flat course similar to what most mileage during the marathon will be. Now, I know it is foolish to think that I will run a 12 minute pace the entire time, but I can still be hopeful. With that being said, after I looked at the clock and realized how quickly I accomplished my run, I went ahead and started thinking about strategy. So here it goes, my grand marathon plan:
Mile 1- run at a quick pace
Mile 2- (its a bridge) walk up the steep incline and then run down
Mile 3-9- 3 run with walk breaks periodically, but try to finish as quick as possible, but not so much that I exert too much energy and have nothing left.
Mile 10- (same damn bridge) walk up the steep incline and then run down
Mile 11-15- run with walk breaks periodically, but try to keep up a quicker pace
Mile 16-22- walk hills and jog flats and declines
Mile 23-25- speed walk or shuffle like the walking dead
Mile 26-26.2- try not to collapse and run as fast as my body will allow to the finish line

All in all, I am feeling pretty good. I have resided myself to being out there for the full 7 hours, but my hope is that if I can keep a 13 min/mile pace  for the first 10 to 13 miles that will dramatically decrease my time. That would be an extra 26 minutes I would have to play around with. Overall, I am going to try and keep to around a 15 minute mile pace, which I believe is doable. If my math is right, and its probably not because I suck at math, then I should be able to complete the marathon in just shy of 6 hours. That would be phenomenal. However, I do know that I will be tired. So we will see.. Tomorrow is my last workout and it is some cross training on the elliptical with maybe some weight training.

I will check in one last time on Friday night before I head down to my race. I will be showing you whats in my race bag for the weekend. Spoiler Alert: Lots of Powerade and Gels!!!

Until next time, happy running!