Michelem, you ran 20 miles on the treadmill? That is scary and awesome all at once.

I'd say with the marathon, you WILL finish. It isn't that bad. There is a race day excitement and your body, esp if you can train at 14-15 miles, will be ok. As far as pace goes, it all depends on what you want. I had these silly time goals and then I got sick so my goals changed to just finishing. Finishing is good.

I'm building up my miles post-marathon. I think my next large type race isn't until May so there is no rush. I ran 5 miles that was an out-and-back hill climb on Sunday. I'm still sore. I mapped it as slightly over 1,000' elevation gain in the 2.5 mile return to the start so that's a good thing. I have a trail race next weekend and then a few little 5k's and whatever else I do in the near future.

Good shoes can definitely help. My favorites are somewhat atypical for distance runs but they work for me.

Am looking forward to being back to the training runs. I guess though I'm kind of irked that now it's rainy season?! I don't think I'm ready to go back to fleece hats and wet clothes.