Why are you always “no Garmin”?
Mind games… Before I had the knee injury this spring I ran a bit faster than now. So, if I wear my Garmin and see a ‘slow’ pace I either speed up or I run on at the same pace, grumbling. Hence I avoid wearing the Garmin, except for long runs. Then distance comes before time, not as crazy yet.
Knock on wood, so far a more relaxed approach to marathon training seems to work. No injuries and somehow still hanging on to all the miles.