Marathon Training: Sometimes it's better to rest and cross train

My ankle/heel has been bugging me off and on for several months. I've been running because I can and it doesn't feel bad when I run.

However, after running my recent 26 miler to newborn and back, I decided that It might be a good idea to lay off a little, so that my upcoming Atlanta Marathon will be a great run instead of just a mediocre attempt. I reduced my mileage last week and decided not to run at all this week. I have substituted laps in the pool instead. It has been a nice change of pace and my ankle feels so good that I'm thinking about running every day. However, I'm not going to run this week! Then, when I run next week, I will love every minute of it.

Hopefully, my ankle will feel just right up until marathon day and I can complete my final long run AND run through the taper. If not, I'll focus more on swimming and minimize the running before the marathon. I have after all, completed three runs of 20 miles or longer for this training cycle!

I'll probably try some speed work Saturday. Ankle feels great today!