Great Day for a Twenty Mile Run

My training for the Nashville Marathon has been ongoing since January. It has finally cone down to this twenty mile run,

The weather was perfect and I felt great. I filled my camel back with 32 ounces of water and packed five 100 calorie cliff bars into my pockets.

I decided to go with my heart rate monitor because I had chosen a very hill out and back course. My marathon goal is 5:15-5:30. The pace for this run was appropriate for this goal. I want to travel at a 12:00 pace. I did this long slow distance at a 13:26 pace.

Last year at this time, I was preparing for the Oklahoma City Marathon. I felt pretty good, but I was having some minor ankle problems. This year I have no such issues as I begin my Taper phase. I actually felt like running today, but I knew that my legs would benefit from rest.

I think my goal is reachable. I feel very good. Now, if only I can shake this lingering cough before the marathon!

Ficquett Chorus Rehearsal and an Easy 5 Miler

Ficquett Chorus had a great rehearsal today! We worked on two songs from Wicked, a song from Amistad, and a selection from Les Miserable. We also worked on Let There be Peace by Andy Beck. Then we put together my Orff arrangement of "Tue Tue" the African Yam Festival Song and we began to assemble our forces for Jim Solomon's "Listen to my Heart Beat" Next week I plan to add "Firefly" by Andy Beck and "Wind on the Hill" by Victoria Sabo. Hopefully we'll also have time for my Orff arrangement of "Hot Cross Buns."

This choir's work is a fine example of musical collaboration between students and teacher. This collaboration occurred in the ancient confines of the Ficquett Music Room. It is not the most beautiful place, but it is where the magic of music happens as we work together to prepare for our concerts and learn fundamental musical concepts.

After such an outstanding rehearsal, I had a great easy 5 mile run down one of my favorite routes. What a wonderful day it has been. It is a pleasure do do the things I love each day!