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I may need help with this... My first marathon is on January 12. I've been training (first Higdon, then switched to Galloway) since July. But I'm off my schedule badly because of (1) the flu from October 17-22 and (2) a sprained ankle on October 24. Main Quest: Get back on track with long runs. I've poured myself into this marathon for months, and I want to get there in reasonably good shape to have the best chance of finishing. Alive. And comfortable enough to enjoy my hard-earned vacation at Disney World, which will be my reward. Goal #1: Be very, very careful. No stepping off leaf-covered sidewalks. No illnesses. No running/walking on icy mornings. Get a flu shot tomorrow. Stay away from coughing people. Goal #2: Maximize my mid-week short runs and rest time. Easy, fun runs during the week. I know that rest is more important than the actual running. I'll be more conscious of what I do with those rest days and include yoga and walking on the off days to keep moving, gently. Goal #3: A little more cross-training. One pool run or one spin bike session each week in addition to the three runs - also, 1-2 strength training sessions at the gym or at home per week. I've been doing this sporadically but need to make it a habit. Side Quest: Hit 160. I'm at 166.6 today. ----------------- Bonus round: If something else happens (strep throat, a broken toe, etc.) I want to have the good graces and sense to downgrade to the half marathon and run it happily without feeling like I failed. I can't control viruses and bacteria and every little risk related to running no matter how much I try...