it's almost marathon day

I bought new shoes (Brooks) two weeks ago, when I decided to do everything possible to take care of the knee, and I discovered in the meantime I do not like them that much. I have to wait until after this race to pick up another pair of Asics.

I am surprised again how unprepared I am, I do not mean the running itself, just associated details - the knee, what exactly to wear, how to fuel. I still don't like anything I've tried, and my last 20-miler was essentially on empty.

I can think of a dozen things I should thave tested or focused on or done differently.

It's too late now for looking back. Marathon day is two days from now. I played it out in my mind. The incline of the first eight miles, then the descent - all the elevation loss of the race is condensed in the next five miles. I'm going to have to take it very easy here, since my knee doen't like it downhill. My strategy, if I have any, is to arrive fresh at the half-way point. My marathon starts at mile 13.

I spite of this course layout, I don't believe a negative split is likely. Neither is a personal record - that comes the next time around.