Missed posting last week, which is a shame because it was a very good week. I logged over 50 miles and did my third and final 20 mile run, and even ran a 1 mile fun run with Grady and Charlie. It was a race through a course that pretty much encompassed our neighborhood and both boys did great. The excitement on the 3 year old's face indicates more future racing, I imagine.
The 20 miler was fantastic. I felt fresher during the second 10 miles than I did on the first. Even though I was trying to keep my pace nice and slow I ended up running sub marathon pace for the better part of the last 10 miles. I still managed to keep my heart rate steady and around 140 for the entire run. I think this may be a sign that a sub 4-hour marathon is finally within reach.
As for week 16, it was a busy one at work and I had to scramble to get a couple of runs in Mon-Thrs. I only did two runs of 4+ miles during these days, sneaking away for a trail run on Tuesday and a treadmill run on Wednesday. Friday I had the time to go out and do an 8 miler. The route for the 8 mile run was hilly (as they all are around here) but I felt great; I ended up averaging 8:27.
Yesterday I did 12 miles nice and easy and again felt good. Averaged 9:24 per mile and took in the scenery as I went along. This brings me two weeks away from race day. Following my plan, I'll do 4-6-4-4-8 this week. That will be the last week of substantial mileage.
All signs are good right now. No areas of concern physically, other than the usual soreness. I have areas more tight than others, like my right hip flexor. These spots are like old friends that accompany me for the beginning stages of my runs and then drop off along the course as I get more and more warmed up. Mentally I'm ready to go.
Getting to the starting line of the the New York marathon may turn out to be my biggest challenge. Saturday it involves a long train ride, successfully making it to the expo and picking up my packet, possibly getting to another meet & greet for Hope for the Warriors to get another bracelet for entry to the Staten Island pre-race charity tent. Sunday I'll need to take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry, then the ferry across the river, then from debarkation point to the right place and corral over in the marathon village. My race start time is 10:10 am on Sunday, which is pretty late compared to any other race I've ever done. Logistics plan is simple but presents a few hurdles prior to the race. I'm sure it'll all be more than worth it.
The 20 miler was fantastic. I felt fresher during the second 10 miles than I did on the first. Even though I was trying to keep my pace nice and slow I ended up running sub marathon pace for the better part of the last 10 miles. I still managed to keep my heart rate steady and around 140 for the entire run. I think this may be a sign that a sub 4-hour marathon is finally within reach.
As for week 16, it was a busy one at work and I had to scramble to get a couple of runs in Mon-Thrs. I only did two runs of 4+ miles during these days, sneaking away for a trail run on Tuesday and a treadmill run on Wednesday. Friday I had the time to go out and do an 8 miler. The route for the 8 mile run was hilly (as they all are around here) but I felt great; I ended up averaging 8:27.
Yesterday I did 12 miles nice and easy and again felt good. Averaged 9:24 per mile and took in the scenery as I went along. This brings me two weeks away from race day. Following my plan, I'll do 4-6-4-4-8 this week. That will be the last week of substantial mileage.
All signs are good right now. No areas of concern physically, other than the usual soreness. I have areas more tight than others, like my right hip flexor. These spots are like old friends that accompany me for the beginning stages of my runs and then drop off along the course as I get more and more warmed up. Mentally I'm ready to go.
Getting to the starting line of the the New York marathon may turn out to be my biggest challenge. Saturday it involves a long train ride, successfully making it to the expo and picking up my packet, possibly getting to another meet & greet for Hope for the Warriors to get another bracelet for entry to the Staten Island pre-race charity tent. Sunday I'll need to take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry, then the ferry across the river, then from debarkation point to the right place and corral over in the marathon village. My race start time is 10:10 am on Sunday, which is pretty late compared to any other race I've ever done. Logistics plan is simple but presents a few hurdles prior to the race. I'm sure it'll all be more than worth it.
So good to hear you are pleased with how you are doing. The logistics are interesting.
ReplyDelete