Change of Pace

Is it just me? Remember last year when it was such a big deal that Lance was running his first marathon and everyone was taking wagers on how he'd do? Runner's Word profiled him and there were tons of articles about it and endless speculation about what he was capable of and tons of anecdotal stories about how crappy his training had been.

So then this year, granted I was on an airplane while the NYC race was going on, but I totally missed that he was running it again. And he ran a much better time too. If he was a chick, he would have even qualified for the trials. So, go Lance. He must have actually done a few long runs this time around. Either that or maybe dating Ashley Olsen has put an extra spring in his step.

And speaking of tabloid fodder, Katie Holmes Cruise was out there too, though she didn't seem to be tackling it as a competitive exercise. She finished in about 5 1/2 hours and looked pretty wiped out as she walked in the last mile surrounded by her...bodyguards? Handlers? Scientological harem? Apparently the whole headphone ban must not apply to celebrities.

I'm taking this as a cut back week before I ramp the running up towards 50 mpw. I overextended myself last week with emotional stress, travel and lack of sleep, so I figure I can use a little rest. Tomorrow is Friday and I've run exactly 10 miles so far, which might be a tad indulgent, but hell, life is short. A little self pampering now and again is a good thing. Plenty of time next week to start beating myself up again.