Well training is moving along. I did my one and only 20 mile run last weekend and it was awesome. Felt great. Yesterday, I ran 10 miles at a little faster than MRP and it was ok for the most part (last couple of miles a little rough). So all in all, training going well.
One 20 mile run doesn't sound like a lot to most people but I've found that for me, at my age, it works. I don't do a lot of speed work, in fact I don't do any. Unless I register for a race (5K or 10K) I seldom run my fastest. I do hills when I can get outside, and try to do some incline work on the treadmill. Oh and I have done 3 18 mile runs as well. I've run a few more races than normal this training cycle, including a couple of 5K's and a half marathon, where I ran PB's at all of them.
Bottom line is it works for me. I tend to peak in my races, which is what you want. I almost BQ'd in my first marathon, and finally did in my 4th. I am hoping to improve my PB on October 16th by how much though, is yet to be determined. I guess it depends if I get into Boston. If I don't I may aim for a 3:50 to give me my BQ-5 to get me in a little earlier next year for registration. It's a pretty lofty goal though as it would mean carving 7 minutes off my May marathon time. If I do get in, then my goal will be just to better my time of 3:57, perhaps 3:52-3:55.
There's definitely lots of room for improvement in my running. Right now, according to McMillan, my fastest race is my marathon...that's backwards. According to my fastest shorter distances, I shouldn't be able to run a marathon faster than 4:05-4:10. So definitely room to improve. Once this marathon season is over, may concentrate on shorter distances and improving my times in those categories (like the half marathon which according to McMillan, based on my marathon time, I should be able to run in 1:50).
The one thing I am curious about, is if I had the time and ability to really train how fast could I be...hmmm.... I'm thankful though that I can run at all and I try my best to meet the training plan with the limited time I have. Not getting outside for my runs is a real struggle as I love to run outside. The treadmill is a tough way to train and I whine about it the whole time. Though I am thankful that I have one and that I'm able to at least train.
Next up, Run for the Toad
I'm running the 25K next weekend which should be an awesome last longer run before the marathon!
3 comments:
Your training is looking good. I'm sure you'll have a great marathon. I don't do speed work either but do sometimes push some short runs a little.
FX for Boston!!!!!
It's funny that your shorter race times predict a slower marathon. Most people are definitely the opposite. Maybe you are just made for marathons... or maybe you have some untapped speed. :)
Whatever works for you just keep on doing it. You have had a great racing year, I am sure it will continue. Good luck on your race next week!
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