March 14, 2006
erythrolitmin
*thump*
that was the sound of me falling over.
coach had a litmus test workout on the schedule for today. 10 mile time trial, mostly at mp and dropping the pace slowly over the course of the workout.
so i opted to do the time trial on one of my local distance routes, rather than run in circles for 40 laps. i found it much harder to manage my pace what with all the bridges, culverts, etc, and the later
in the run it got, the harder it was to get my hr down after going over a bridge. but then again, isn't that what makes up a race? only makes sense to do a time trial on the roads.
i had some technical difficulties, like an mp3 player spaz that wanted to keep repeating a flock of seagulls song, and i had to stop to drop a bottle in the bushes/pick it back up, so there were a couple times where i was standing still for about 10-15 seconds. and, again, i forgot to check the workout before i left the house and was trying to remember the paces, but had forgotten when to do what...and, so i didn't see the part about not going all out. i put in race effort for the last couple miles. well, close to race effort.
anyway, i hammered, and it was hard, but rewarding. i think the splits and hr speak for themselves (that last split is at 173 because i was stopped for about 15 seconds at mile nine while i pulled my bottle out of the bushes - gave my hr time to get back down into the 150's before i headed out again).
here's the stats:
7:13 - 159
6:56 - 168
6:56 - 167
6:44 - 169
6:46 - 173
6:45 - 173
6:58 - 172
6:46 - 174
6:44 - 176
6:39 - 173
i really think that bodes well for the possibility of a quick time in boston. taking the first half easy, i think i'd be able to run the same, consistent pace through the whole race and maybe even turn in a pr. i'm still on the fence, though, about whether to race or just relax and enjoy the experience. both have value, in my eyes. i think it'll be a coin toss on race morning.
i don't think i'll have any problem taking the rest of this week's runs nice and slow.
Comments
I'm not one to give marathon advice, but I do think you know your body well enough to know what to do on race day. I'll bet everything will fall into place for you--and you'll race *and* enjoy it! Great times, there jeff...
Hey, can't wait to finally meet you:)
Glad to hear the training is going well. Best wishes for April 17.
Posted by: Craig at March 14, 2006 8:59 PMNow I live in a place with no hills and I've only run Boston once, but it is a HARD course. And you want to race it and do well, but before you know it, it's mile 13 and your legs are shot. I would say, be prepared for anything. The last two years it's been really warm (which probably isn't as big a deal for you as it is the rest of us doing our runs in the snow) and the course will eat you alive. Boston is supposed to be fun. It's a 'bonus' marathon, as my dad would say. You earned your chance to be there and run with the big dogs.
Posted by: Meredith at March 15, 2006 4:15 AMkick "@#!", as your mom would say. Can't wait to see you up here, rarin' to go.
Posted by: jank at March 15, 2006 7:40 AMGood and quick you are (thanks Yoda). Make sure you stay healthy and injury-free for Boston...she's a demanding mistress.
Posted by: Robb at March 15, 2006 7:45 AMNice job on the run.
I feel the same way about Boston this year. I am starting out easy regardless and we'll see where my legs take me from there.
Posted by: Elizabeth at March 15, 2006 9:59 AMAwesome workout - that's a pretty high HR to maintain.
Here's my two cents concerning Boston: if you're feeling good, why not go for a fast time? Especially if the weather is nice. You never know when you will get the combination of favorable conditions, peak training, and a good course together again. Take those chances when you have them.
Even if it blows up on you, I don't think it will diminish the overall experience of being there.
And Boston can be a brutal course - but it can also be a fast course if run correctly.
Posted by: Donald at March 15, 2006 10:26 AMAnd the winner for Best Post Title of the Month goes to . . .Yes, The Amazing Hip and "erythrolitmin"
So why are you testing your pH?
Posted by: DREW at March 15, 2006 12:59 PMcan't you do both?
With those times, I say haul ass and kick ass!
Ain't nothin' the amazing hip can't do - that's what I have to say.
Jeff, I can't wait to hear about the race.
Posted by: mark at March 16, 2006 10:21 AMsomething tells me that you are going to race and enjoy the experience. great time trial. looks like you don't have any trouble maintaining strong times at a 170. i think you will have a great time and i can't wait to hear the report. good luck!
Posted by: matt at March 17, 2006 2:44 PMIf it's nice and cool, I'd let it out and see how far you go. I suspect you've read enough accounts by others about Boston to have an idea of how to pace yourself. You'll do well.
Posted by: david at March 19, 2006 4:45 PMwas the song "And I ran, I ran so far away"....lol. I agree with your switching to a run rather than circles. Makes sense to me.
Posted by: Dawn (aka Pink Lady) at March 19, 2006 5:51 PMGreat run. I'm impressed at your heart rates with a 7:15 pace. It shows that you're in pretty good shape. My heart rate would have been off the charts.
Posted by: jessica at March 20, 2006 8:06 AMyou:
13.8 miles... 1:40:39
me:
15.23 miles.... 3:something:something
haha. that makes me laugh.
Posted by: a.maria at March 21, 2006 10:40 AMPost a comment