I'm a creature of habit - in this case, running the same long training runs for my marathons. This is the usually the 2nd in my sequence. 17.5 miles, first 5.5 miles around lower Manhattan, then over Williamsburg Bridge, up to Queens, back to Manhattan over the 59th St Bridge, up 2nd Ave to 85th St, and then down 1st Ave to 14th St.

Last year at this time, I finished in 3:10, and then in January I finished in 3:05, so really happy that I'm at least equal or better in my training than my races last year.

All in all, a great strong run. Was able to run up all the hills in the last 4 miles on 1st Ave - it is hillier than you would think. Did have some calf tightness, but nothing too bad.

3 oddities seen: (1) Bride, groom and wedding party hanging out in the middle of Driggs and N 11 St in Williamsburg with photog; (2) giant SUV type limo, but in RED; (3) car driving the wrong way on Queens Plaza North, towards the approach of the 59th St Bridge. Ooops.

Next up, 18 mile race in Central Park next Sunday.