On The Road Again

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and with the rest of the holidays bearing down, the mileage continues to add up. Add in two business trips and we have tons of fun ahead!


Last week I ran another 30 mile week with a 15 mile long slow distance (LSD), tying my longest run in ten years. This week, on the advice of my body and my PT, I took Monday's 7 miles off and gave into a three day rest -- my longest since September. As the miles pile up, so do the aches and i noticed for the first time last week that my mental endurance was starting to wane. Time for a rest and to remember, all this training will be in vain if I can't make it to the start line of the marathon healthy. The goal is to complete the marathon, not just train for it.

I am still scheduled for nearly 30 miles for the week with an 18 mile LSD Saturday. I may continue to take Monday's off as my long run increases. Only another month and then the race taper begins, so this is still the time to remain mentally strong and vigilant.

These runs, no matter the difference, will be key to remaining sane over the next few weeks. Between the travel, the culmination of a large year-long project, and the holidays these runs may be the right tool to keeping the mounting stress in check.

As they say, keep calm and run on!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Where Have You Been?

Try as I might, time seems to slip away even with the best of intentions.  I will use this post to briefly update my past couple of weeks and the next post will preview my next training plan.

I managed to survive the taper without my head overpowering my common sense to make it to race weekend.  The race packet pickup continues to be held in a space to small for the number of participants, but on the bright side the process seemed to be streamlined compared to previous years.  On the bright side, the expo contained some great deals, including Newton Shoes.

After last month's Runner's World article on the company's founder, I was intrigued to try a pair.  However, seeing a price tag of $175, I decided that exceeded my appetite to try something new.  Newton provided the opportunity, during the race expo, to try and buy a pair for $100.  So, I tried and purchased a pair of my very own.  I have not yet worn them, on account of the race and recovery, but plan to start easing into them soon.

Race morning was stormy and wet.  We drove through a stiff rain storm and by the time we reached Lincoln the sun was starting to rise with the clouds breaking up humid and warm.  I lined up between the 2 and 2:05 hour pace groups with optimistic aspirations.  After the starting gun, it took me near 20 minutes to reach the start line and I launched with an easy pace.  A quarter mile in I looked down at my watch and realized that I was going out faster than I planned and faster than my smartpacer wrist band said for mile 1.  I tried to slow down, but felt good (famous last words).

Long story short, I ran out of gas at mile 10 and walked/ran the rest of the way on guts, finishing in 2:09.  Not my slowest time, but not close to my fastest time nor my best time.  My lungs didn't quite on me, my legs did.  I have spent this last week recovering from the run and spend most of it in Tuscon for work.  Next post will talk about my future training goals.