March 14th, 2010
It’s Sunday night and I’m content. I had a couple of fine runs today and yesterday. Mileage total for the week: 69. All is right with the world.
Saturday
12 miles, 8:27 avg. Soaking and gusty like hell, as most of you guys experienced, there was no waiting for a dry or calm moment, so I put on my rain jacket and braved the elements. I wanted to wear a hat (I love a billed cap in the rain to keep my eyes comfortable) but it was so windy, I knew I’d be chasing after it, so left it behind. Instead, I brought my sunglasses with the clear frames snapped in but they just got hard to see out of, so finally, I ended up au naturel, eyes-wise.
It was oddly fun in that battling Mother Nature way except on Falls Bridge where I had a couple scary moments of thinking I’d be blown into traffic or over the rail, the wind was that crazy, but in the end, I live to write this fabulous post. 
Sunday
Half road, half trail, 20 avg. 8:36/mi. My third 20 of the cycle (I’ll have 4 total now…so much for 19s) and for some reason, I didn’t think much about it at all beforehand. I think this is due to the weather – today was a perfect overcast 52 degrees, I only had to wait till after the rain stopped at around 2pm.
It was beautiful out, I love a dark day. There was one point coming back, around mile 17 though, that I got discouraged. My feet were hurting and this is a common problem in both my marathons so far, so I was “oh shit, not so soon!”. But then I realized the clicking noise that had been following me for some time was a big rock stuck in the tread of my shoe, so once I got that out, my foot was way better. Even so, I think tired feet will always be a problem with me when running distance. I guess we all have a weak area and that’s mine.
Fueling-wise, I carried my 20 oz. handheld and had 2 gels, one at 1:30 and one about 35 minutes later. I think it helped that I did that. I won’t scrimp on gels again.
Race Correction
Annoying to be sure, that 5-miler a couple weeks ago where I supposedly won 1st has been downgraded (I only know this because I saw the results in Athlinks). First off, the #1 woman won Masters, so she shows as #1 in the AG, then some other woman is now #2 by 1 second over me…1 second! So that makes me #2 or #3, but owning the First Place medal. I hate that shit – rather be awarded what I deserve even if it’s less. Oh well. Just wanted to put it out there for full disclosure’s sake.
This Week
I’m due a cutback and the timing is perfect because I’m doing the Shamrock Half Marathon this weekend down in Virginia, so this way I get a bit of a taper. It’ll be a blast because it’s a team effort with Kat, Audra and Loren, the latter two I’ll be hitching a ride with. It’s not a relay or anything, just an open team but it’ll be way fun.
I’m pretty unsure about what goal to shoot for. As mentioned a zillion times, I’ve been running slower this cycle but suddenly with the weather change and also, I’m a couple lbs lighter finally (eat salad every night and buy sliced bread that is not as large as your head) I seem to be running a tad faster. Still, I’m thinking something in the 1:35 area will be likely.
I haven’t mentioned my Boston goal lately but I’m figuring 3:22-3:25 is where it’ll play out. I’d be cool with that. The main thing is, I just don’t want to hurt. I remember being a brave girl at one time or another, but now that I’ve had things go south a few times, I think about it quite a bit on my long runs. I’m always disappointed that miles 17 and on don’t feel as easy as I’d like and every time, I do the math to confirm how many miles I’ll have left to deal with at the race. It’s like when you bite the inside of your cheek and stupidly keep biting it to remind yourself it’s there. An exercise in futility.
What are the choices? Either set the bar so low the chances of pain are minimal or inch it up a tad because your training warrants it. I’m inching, but I’m not overextending, at least I think/hope so. Who knows? One thing’s for sure, I’m genuinely happy right now, happy with my running and so excited to see (and finally meet!) all my friends in April. Yes, I dread the race, but much less than before. It’s now a low-level hum laced with that eternal question “what is this gonna feel like?” In 5 weeks, we shall see.
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Don’t want to hurt? Why are doing a race that’s 26.2 miles long then? Haha. You crack me up talking about wind that *might* blow you off a bridge or into traffic. I would’ve TMed for sure! Good luck this weekend at the half, and I’m so jealous of your upcoming time w/ Audra!
That does stink about the 5 miler. Good luck next weekend and have fun! I’m glad to hear you had such a good week. Kudos to you for braving Saturday’s weather. No thanks! That was miserable.
Maybe if you can just stay relaxed about Boston, and not worry about the time, good things will happen! Re: your 20 miler and feet hurting – that happens to me. I thought I was the only one! Nobody ever talks about that.
Have fun at Shamrock!
Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m glad your feet hurt too! Just to know I’m not alone, you know. But seriously, wish it wasn’t a consideration at all. Like we need another thing to worry about…
I am so glad that you have reached a happy spot for Boston! I know that sometimes that can take awhile but you have nailed it! Awesome!
I so so so get what you’re saying about goal setting. A little too well.
And speaking from my experience last year, I think this is one race where it pays to go into it conservatively since the course is a bit deceptive. (first half not as easy as presumed, second half not nearly as hard…assuming you’ve been careful the first half.) That said, sounds plenty reasonable to me. (Full disclosure: I haven’t figured out my own goal yet, though that’s where I was last year.)
I don’t start on the countdown math till after mile 20, Then it’s just a somewhat gnarly 10K. Nice to know you have a plan for Boston, with an average pace in the mid 7:40s. I suppose the big question is how fast to go down the early hills. Everyone says to take it easy, and bank the energy, yada yada. but it’s gonna be hard sticking to that for this downhill nut. Must…Restrain….Myself.
Have a great race at the Shamrock. Pooh to 1:35. We’re talking 1:32 here!
I wish 1:32. I can’t see myself getting a PR at all, I’d have to be running faster than last Fall, not slower. But I love you for trying.
Shamrock? That’s THIS weekend? Haha just kidding. I’ve been psyched up for this race for awhile. Glad you’re getting to your happy place in this whole marathon training thing. See ya this weekend – Saturday is supposed to be gorgeous!
Ready to rumble girl? Let’s knock the shit out of those other teams!! hee hee
i agree: there is definitely something fun about battling mother nature. in hindsight for me of course. when there are gale force winds the last thing i’m thinking is “oh isn’t this fun?” :P
so glad to see you at peace with the whole boston deal. that said, i look at the goal (3:25ish) and laugh because that’s setting the bar low? you are wicked talented. want to pace me? hahaha!!
t-5 weeks!!!!
If I knew anything about marathon training I’d say you can’t tell how a marathon will go by how you’re feeling at 17 miles in a training run. You know, the taper, fresh on the day, head in the right place…
I think Jim E is close to the mark – 1:32:59 for your half.
And no soaking and gusty weather for me. Saturday was as perfect a day as you get in the Blue Mountains.
Yay for good runs this past weekend and good luck sunday (you are being a good runner and training for your marathon when I on the other hand am headed to mexico to go into a 5 day food/alcohol coma, tisk tisk).
It was good seeing you on sunday in the beautiful post-rain conditions. I kept waiting it out (i had 22 on tap) and it finally stopped! I have to admit, since I only see you every so often now, I get exicted when I do, haha
Oh and did you happen to see the roadkill gopher (or whatever it was)staring up at you mid fall’s bridge? It was there my first go around, but someone must have sent it for a swim cause next time he was gone.
Yes! I saw the gopher or whatever it was (got to see it twice), that thing was HUGE! I love seeing you out there too, as you mention, it happens rarely now so it’s always a fun surprise. Have a great time in Mexico, stuff your little face and hopefully we’ll run into each other more upon your return.
Glad to hear that your weekend was full of good running too. Sorry about the 5-miler drama, that’s a bummer. I totally agree with “rather be awarded what I deserve even if it’s less.” Good luck in the half. Travelling to races is always so fun.
Flo – I have to thank you for the idea of the Billat 30/30′s. I have been doing some of them . . . albeit slightly modified versions . . . . the last week. My modification is to simply run “as fast as I can” for 30 right foot strikes – then slow down for 30 and then repeat. I have been doing this the last 1/2 mile of my runs outside and when I have been on the treadmill – I have done 12 repeats.
I know it isn’t exactly the same – but it is certainly working for me. My times have sped up.
Thanks for the motivation.
Regarding your feet . . . there are mornings when I get out of bed and feel like a really old women . . . it takes my feet a little while to loosen up in the morning . . . but once I get running . . . they are fine.
Enjoy your race this weekend.
Very cool, Linda! So glad you’re having fun with them and that they’re helping already.
gosh i didn’t realize Boston was in like 5 weeks. Good luck in your race this weekend. I’ll be in nyc, not getting a PR either
Lol! Good luck this weekend!! From one potential non-PRer to another…let’s have FUN!
Ps just picked out my race outfit and i’m wearing your shirt
Aw, you’re such a love. Hope it gets you a zoomy fast time!
Flo-
Quick drive by to wish you good luck this weekend……and knock this non-PR crap off, lol. Go out there and run you crazy lady…..and have fun!
Thanks Sweet Stevi, stepping over to your house (blog) now to wish RTI a fabulous race, too!!
Sounds like a great running weekend for sure. You look amazing in your about me pics-how fun! I love your blog!
Thanks Kalli, so sweet of you!