On Saturday, I ran my 16 mile steady state run a little too fast. Again. I felt very, very good running 9:42 pace up until about mile 13. THAT'S when it occurred to me that I was probably running too fast. I began to feel like I was entering the final miles of a marathon.
Seems to me that it's a bit of a learned art to be able to hit just the right pace for a steady run or to be able to run hard for the right amount of time in a progression run. All in all, I was happy with the hard effort and the extra time spent on holding my stride together under heavy fatigue.
By the way I felt afterward, I assumed I was going to
Training Update
I'm pretty excited to say I don't believe I've peaked for this race yet. That's progress in itself- a sign I'm getting better at learning how to train! I peaked waaaay to early for my last 2 marathons- about 4 weeks early for Buffalo, and about 6 weeks early for Charlotte. I learned that while a 24 week training cycle might be ideal, you have to factor in your fitness level when you start, and deduct weeks accordingly. I also learned that I personally respond much faster to speed work than I do to the longer MP work, so I need to play around with my marathon buildup time, maximize my speed early (so it's not the limiting factor), and spend more time on marathon specific endurance work (which also shortens the training cycle).
Anyways, to suddenly realize that I don't quite feel ready for 4/25 was ... a relief! I feel like I still need the final little bit of training to get me there (vs. going into the race feeling like I just want it over with already).
There are signs I'm beginning to peak... One sign is much faster recoveries.. A few weeks ago, I was needing to take the next day off from a long key workout, and now I can push really hard- and be recovered the very next day. I also just feel really good. Things seem to be right on target. Warm fuzzies all around.
Road Trip
After Leopold and I went camping, I was telling him I wished we could take the tent with us to the race and camp out in Nancy's sister's backyard. I was joking, but I repeated this to Nancy on Sunday and she thought it was a great idea. She says her sister has a big backyard with a tent platform in a .... this is so cool....wait for it...TREE!
We get to sleep in a tent in a tree, people! I want to leave NOW.
Something great is on the horizon. Nice weekend! Making me feel like a slacker:)
ReplyDeleteLove that Hyundia commercial!
ReplyDeleteNice job Psyche! It will be exciting to see what happens when you peak.
ReplyDeleteWow, a tent IN a tree sounds like too much fun. Why aren't your sleeping bags already at the door!?!
Sounds like training is coming along really well for you. It's nice to run with friends to break up the routine a bit as well.
ReplyDeleteSounds very cool to camp in the tree. I hope there are guards to prevent roll out.
That is a great sign of progress, I agree. This year I got into the habit of running long on Saturdays, doing a 6-7 mile recovery run on Sundays, then off on Mondays. I felt it left really nice and fresh for Tues. speedwork.
ReplyDeleteBeing recovered that quickly sure does seem like a sign of progress. Nice work!!!
ReplyDeleteIN A TREE!?!? Are you kidding me?? This, is probably one of the coolest things that I've heard all day long (seriously).
Way cool to be camping in a tree!! ...and the training sounds like it's going great :)
ReplyDeleteGood time to be peaking before your race on 4/25, as it also allows time for tapering. May you continue to get stronger and faster and good luck in your race!
ReplyDeleteWow, nice work on that 16 miler!! You kept up a nice pace for that long of a distance. I am going to continue to try to add the miles on to my runs. Maybe someday I can be a rock star like you:) I am glad that your training is coming along...keep it up girl!
ReplyDeleteThat's the great thing about experience...eventually you figure out what works best for you. I'm pretty sure I peaked too early last year. Not necessarily my fault though since my marathon got cancelled and I had to find something two weeks later!
ReplyDeleteCamping in a tree?? My boys will be super jealous!!!! I have camped so much in my youth that now I just want luxury, luxury, luxury!! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope your MP repeats went well today, I can totally undertand the anxiety with that one, MP runs are always so difficult for me, too! That's great you are recovering so better now (I am NOT, ugh!), you're going to be sooo ready for the marathon, I think you're going to peak just right!!!