A crazy thing to do? Maybe not.

With the final tri of my first season ending this weekend in Chicago, I will have completed two Sprints and two Oly's this summer. Now, what to do?
Got it, go run a marathon for the fun of it. Can I be ready in just 6 weeks (I want to run with some friends in Wisconsin on 14 october)? I have a base of 20 miles per week with 10-12 mile runs on Saturday. Here is the plan. Totally an unorthodox plan I know, but it will be a lot of fun to see if it works.
Twice a week, with 3 days rest in between, run/walk a full 26 miles. Sound absurd, I am going te get hurt? I think not if I do it this way:

1. Be fully rested and energized from a good diet prior to each session.
2. Bring plenty of water, energy drinks and foods along for the trip.
3. Run at 65% heart rate until I feel the lactic acid start to build in my leg muscles.
4. Shift to a walk until the acid cleans off (pretty quick for me), then start the run (jog) again.
5. At the turnaround point, evaluate my condition based on the intuitive feel I have for my capabilities, can I get back home comfortably?
6. Head back home using 2, 3 and 4, or call my wife to come pick me up.
7. Ride the bike and/or swim for 30 minutes on the off days for recovery and get plenty of rest.

If it works and if I can do the final session in under 5 hours (4:59 will do!), I am going to Wisconsin. If it doesn't, I have learned something about myself and had a lot of fun finding out. Besides, Michigan outdoors where I live is spectacular this time of the year. So are the 70 degree days.

I will keep you posted on my progress.

p.s. Maybe others should look at doing something far out after a hard summer of training and competition. Add some spice to you fitness regimes. Do something different than a tri for some variety. I think a century bike ride is in order after the marathon.