But I digress.
My entire body was tired after my long run on Saturday. So much so that my Sunday cross training consisted of a brisk 30 minute walk and some weight training. Not exactly swimming or yoga but I figure something is better than nothing. I was feeling back to my old self on Monday and had a hard time resting even though I've committed to this schedule. When Hal says to rest, I rest. Good thing too because I over estimated my abilities out there today. I was supposed to be doing 3 medium paced miles and I clocked 3 miles at 10:00/mile each, which, if you've been keeping score at home, is faster than my 10K pace. Certainly not "all out" but far from easy. Finishing was a struggle and I know I was not properly hydrtated. This could have been a much better run, what without all the oppresive humidity and all. Who knew learning how to run easy would be so difficult!
So, did I run my long run to fast? I told the Garmin to keep me at 11min/miles. I started ok but each mile was a tiny bit faster than the one before so by the end, mile 11 clocked in at 10:25. Aren't these things supposed to be going the other way around??
Also, why do all the books and training guides say I have to run my long runs at 45 or 60 (depending on the book) seconds slower than MP? If I'm consistently running slower than MP, how will I know if I can run my goal pace for the 26.2 miles without bonking?
I'm going to change my blog caption to be The more miles I run, the more I figure out I don't know what in the world I'm doing. I'm getting frustrated with myself.
Happy 4th of July, all!
4 comments:
nerd
for real. posting a comment on my own blog is the only way I can sign in to blogger.
stoopid computers
Well I'll add a comment so you're not the only one to comment on your own blog. Not sure what the problem is for logging in... it cuts me off sometimes when I'm uploading pictures but that's the only issue I've had so far.
I hope you enjoyed your day off! For some reason, we still had class today... can't figure out why they don't celebrate Independence Day here... =) I actually found out that the coverage of American Independence is a little sentence in the British textbooks - something like we were a pain in the butt, so they let us go! How funny is that?
Keep up the running! My running (read: walking) shoes arrive in a package tomorrow (I had sent myself a box of things that were taking up space in my suitcase) so I plan to put them to great use. I think they'll work nicely as a doorstop.
Kate, it sounds to me like you're a stronger runner than you think. You're already running negative splits (I'm sure you already know what those are) which is a GREAT thing to do, especially in a marathon!
I think you should make sure you run the easy runs and recovery runs nice and EASY, do not, do not, do not push the pace at all on those days so that your legs will be very fresh for the HARD days, like speed sessions or long runs.
In regard to the long run, most beginner marathon plans will suggest running them 45-60 seconds/mile slower than your marathon goal pace because most beginners mostly aim to "just finish." And that is a perfectly acceptable goal for a first time marathoner. But if you want to meet a certain time frame for your finish, then you definitely have to run those long runs a little different than suggested.
I'd say start out running about 20% slower than your marathon goal pace. After about 5-6 miles, speed it up to about 10-15% slower than goal pace and if you're still feeling pretty good, finish the last 20 minutes of your run at marathon goal pace. The first long run you do like that will be challenging, but if you do a couple or 3 like that, it will get easier and you will be so strong for your actual marathon.
Good luck!! And don't get injured!
Thank you for the sound advice and words of encouragement. I truly value your expertise and I think you're an awesome runner. I'll try your suggestion for this weekend's long run.
I woke up this morning thinking about the easy easy easy miles I had to run later in the day. They WILL be easy, I promise!
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