March 28th, 2010
Last week’s race was a very good thing. Yeah, I didn’t PR but I knew I wasn’t going to and I thought I was going to end up in the 1:36s so I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. But most importantly, I appreciated the clarity it gave me for choosing my goal pace for Boston.
It was a bit of an ego bruise this cycle; everything was a little tougher, a little slower, my head and heart weren’t as committed, but with the outcome of Sunday’s Half, I was given solid numbers to target, which was like letting out a big, comfortable sigh. It was the not knowing exactly what I’d lost that was making me tense. Having this race result gave me “permission” to target something slower. Weird but it’s how I look at it.
So with the revised goal pace, I had a really solid MP run on Saturday, 12 w/10mi at 7:45s. My HR was a steady line which told me I would be good to go at that pace and effort-wise, I felt phenomenal, as if it was simply a peppy long run. In fact my cooldown mile only slowed by about 5 seconds, I felt that good.
Today was my last 20 and I cannot tell you how glad I am to be done with them. The idea that I may never do one again tickles me pink. I honestly don’t remember in the last two marathon cycles being as uncomfortable on my 20s as I was this time.
Maybe it’s because all but one were prefaced with a quality run on Saturday and I made a point to do them all in the trails so I’d get more elevation and fancy footing and it doesn’t help that half of my big toenail is now purple from the 20 two weeks ago and still hurting, so…how about a little whine with that cheese? Hee
The wrap-up
This week was my peak week with 72.2 miles, just shy of what my average mileage was last cycle. As for long runs, I ended up with two 18s and four 20s, but nothing longer. Last cycle I did two 18s, a 20, two 22s and a 24, so I’m slightly concerned about “time on my feet” but obviously not enough to have run farther. Lol, I know I slacked some, no secret there, but truth be told, I think I’ll be fine. I’m feeling as if I’m just beginning to hit my stride again! This is a very good thing.
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you’re totally going to be fine.
-signed “sometimes less is more”
(I peaked at 48 miles this cycle :P )
awesome week. just remember to breathe. you are going to rock boston! i had my last 20 today that just kicked my butt and i never thought that i’d be so happy to be in taper mode hah!
You’re in the home stretch! Everything you said makes sense. I think that maybe some lower-mileage weeks are in order for you for awhile. And then maybe ramping back up in the fall racing season. You are going to kill it at Boston!
I have every confidence that youa are going to rock Boston! Enjoy the moment and have fun!
I think it’s as much about the cumulative effect of training deposits made over the past few years-and you’ve made plenty of deposits. You’ll have a great marathon.
That all looks encouraging, Flo. Boston’s going to be your good marathon. See you there!
Agree whole-heartedly with Kazz…I think you’re about to capitalize on the amazing training you’ve been putting in all this time–these lower mileage weeks might just be working to keep you in the game and sharp. Can’t wait to hang out with you again in Boston!
Sounds like a nice comfortable run to me. I hope you plan to share that Bib# so us (we?) desk potatoes can track you;)
awesome MP run, those are SO hard for me. I just got a new heart rate strap for my garmin so I might play around with finding out what my numbers are- what sort of % were you looking for on this one?
I let the HR find me (what felt comfortable and wouldn’t budge) which ended up being 83%HRR.
It still seems sunny in Philadelphia.
You’re sounding happy. It’s good that the HM race was there — converting HM times to full times is realistic. I agree about the reason for the Sunday long runs feeling hard is the quality on Saturday. You’ll be fine on the day — the last 6 miles is 90% mind, so go in with a strong mind.
Flo- Slacking is NEVER a word that could be used to describe you.
You have done exactly what you needed to do to enjoy you last marathon. This is sure to be the best experience you have ever had during a 26.2 mile trek.
:-)
I don’t understand the happiness to be done with the 20′s, but since that’s the way you feel, congrats, I guess? Or good riddance? Crazy to think that Boston is less than 3 weeks away. Best of luck with the taper.