Liz and I checked the course today and it is what is says it is - a one mile flat loop. There isn't much scenery to speak of, as it takes place in a business district, so you run by office buildings, occasional trees and some hotels. Since I am not here for the scenery, the course is just what I had hoped for and should race fast as long as the snow holds off. They have a lot of snow here, but the roads are clear. There is a chance for snow tonight, but I think it will be plowed in time.
Liz and I jogged the course a couple of times and did some short sprints. I feel great and I am anxious to get this thing going. Today I ran my 603rd mile since the training plan began in mid -November. I have done all I can do, now it is time to race...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Only a couple of days until RACE TIME
Well over the last few days, I have really cut back on the running, to allow my body to recover just in time for Sunday's Last Chance for Boston Marathon in Dublin, Ohio. On Wednesday, I ran my last marathon pace workout, it was pretty simple. I started with a 15 min jog, then ran 2 miles at marathon pace, and finished with a cooldown jog. I felt good and I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. From Thursday to Saturday, I will jog 15-30 minutes with some short quick strides to help me stay sharp. I have been focusing on rest, eating healthy and drinking enough water.
As for the marathon, at this point the weather forecast calls for about 30 degree temperatures and a chance of some light snow. I am confident that the course will be clear so I am not too concerned about the weather and I am thankful that there is no wind in the forecast at this point.
The plan for race day is to run the first half of the marathon at 7:30 pace which is about a 3:17 marathon pace. After the first 13 miles, I plan to slowly pick-up the pace towards 7:20, which is the pace I have been training. Even tough the original goal was to break 3:30, this training plan has gone so well, I am optimisitc that I can run under 3:20.
Thank you to all who read the blog, wished me well and most of all those who trained with me - Liz, Kevin, Kati, Kevin A., Ryan and especially Rob. I couldn't have done it without you. Also, thanks to Tim for designing the plan and keeping me motivated. Finally, thanks to Liz again for supporting me during these last few months and for putting up with me while I train. I am confident and ready to go!
This may be my last post before the marathon, altough I may try to post on Saturday if the hotel has wireless. Our plane leaves Friday night at 7:45.
Thanks again and stay tuned for race details....
As for the marathon, at this point the weather forecast calls for about 30 degree temperatures and a chance of some light snow. I am confident that the course will be clear so I am not too concerned about the weather and I am thankful that there is no wind in the forecast at this point.
The plan for race day is to run the first half of the marathon at 7:30 pace which is about a 3:17 marathon pace. After the first 13 miles, I plan to slowly pick-up the pace towards 7:20, which is the pace I have been training. Even tough the original goal was to break 3:30, this training plan has gone so well, I am optimisitc that I can run under 3:20.
Thank you to all who read the blog, wished me well and most of all those who trained with me - Liz, Kevin, Kati, Kevin A., Ryan and especially Rob. I couldn't have done it without you. Also, thanks to Tim for designing the plan and keeping me motivated. Finally, thanks to Liz again for supporting me during these last few months and for putting up with me while I train. I am confident and ready to go!
This may be my last post before the marathon, altough I may try to post on Saturday if the hotel has wireless. Our plane leaves Friday night at 7:45.
Thanks again and stay tuned for race details....
Monday, February 22, 2010
Last Long Run
After three days of easy short runs, the plan on Sunday was to run 12 miles total and the the last 10 at marathon goal pace - 7:20. It rained almost all day on Sunday, but Kati, Kevin and I managed to get all but the first two miles in without much rain at all. My splits were 7:22/23/21/17/21/22/20/16/15/12 for a total average of 7:19. I felt strong again today especially for the first 6 miles or so. I picked up the pace a little toward the end to really test what I could do. That pace for 26 miles will be a challenge, but I am ready to go. Thanks Kati and Kevin for running in the rain and getting me going.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Final Tempo Run - perfect pace
After a 30 minute jog yesterday, I ran today's six mile tempo at Creve Coeur Lake with Rob. The goal pace was 6:55 and I ran 6:54/56/47/49/50/52 for a final time of 41:08 which is a 6:51 average. I am feeling stronger than ever and was able to hold the pace without any real difficulty. Only two "workouts" to go!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Another encouraging sign
After a snowy Sunday, I decided to complete the 18 miler on Monday since I did not have to work due to President's Day. Rob and I ran a 4 mile subdivision loop in Kirkwood several times. I averaged 8:30 per mile and finished the last 2 miles at marathon pace. I ran the last 2 miles at 7:17 and 7:18 and I felt great! I am feeling as fit as ever and look forward to the final few workouts.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Easy afternoon jog
Today I jogged four miles on Vianney's track. The plan was to rest the legs for tomorrow's 18 miler, and I did just that
Marathon 6
After an easy 4 on Wednesday, Kevin and I ran at Grant's Trail for a 2 x 3 mile run at 7:20 pace. I am really starting to feel comfortable at marathon pace and for the first time, I actually had to hold back rather than push to hit 7:20. My splits were 7:18/7:19/7:25 (3 min rest) 7:12/7:18/7:18 for an average of 7:18. Today was definitely a confidence boost for me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
