I'm getting a little scared about my marathon
 

I did 12 today and my program called for my planned marathon pace (I'm shooting for 8 min/mile) plus 45-60 seconds. So it was a leisurely, lsd run. I can't tell you how pleased I was when that 12th mile was done and the thought of 14.2 more seemed impossible. The temp was 90 degrees by the time I finished at 10 am and I'm hoping that had a lot to do with me feeling whooped. I'm starting to think I'm in over my head.

Nah, you're gonna be just fine.

So much of distance running is mental. Wrapping your mind around running 26 miles is not easy. I've often had little podunk 3-5 mile runs that give me all kinds of trouble, and then I do a 10 miler the next day and it's fine. It's hard to explain, but it's like my mind and body know exactly how far I'm supposed to go, and when I get to that point, they shut down.

One good way to strengthen yourself mentally is just randomly go a bit farther than you are supposed to. For instance, sometimes on a longer run, I'll be feeling worn out towards the end, but force myself to go another half mile anyway. It really does make your mind stronger. And it helps during the race, because there will be at least once when you think that next mile marker surely has to be just around the corner, and it's not. You have longer to go than you thought.

I don't remember what program you're using Steel, but if you're following it faithfully, you're going to be just fine. Just stick with the program. You'll find out on race day that you're not even close to being in over your head.

I'm doing that FIRST program that goose is doing.

I feel you Steel.

I am getting scared for my 5K coming up in October (DON'T LAUGH, PLEASE!)

Hey, I used my Trance 8's for the first time today. My 7's had almost 500 miles on them and were starting to hurt a bit. The 8's are nice, you made a wise choice.