Thursday, October 1, 2009

The First of October

Thanks everyone for all your insightful comments on my last post. It’s fun to compare running with cycling and judging from the lively discussion, I think you all like it too. I have other thoughts on running vs cycling as athletic pursuits but will save them for a later date when I run out of fun topics to discuss.

Well, today is the first day of October. This means that the big race (NYCM) is exactly one month away. To be honest, I’m not really sure how I feel about that. On the surface, just based on numbers, I have NOTHING to complain about. September was another stellar month of training. I accumulated 241 miles on my feet, totaling 29 hours and 51 minutes of running at an average of 7:26 min/mi. I ran two 20+ milers and completed a half marathon (Queens) during the month. I ran 21 days and took off 9 days for rest and recovery. I averaged 5 days a week of running and 11.5 miles per run. These are the fun numbers – the ones that prove I’ve been diligent and consistent during training. But then there are the bad numbers – the ones that show I didn’t do any speedwork whatsoever for the first two weeks of September because I was sick and when I got back, my tempo speed was severely lacking. Out of the past two tempo runs that called for 6 and 7 miles at tempo pace the past two weeks, I have yet to finish a single one of them (calling quits after the fifth mile in both cases due to poor speed conditioning, I surmise. The latest defeat a couple of days ago left me questioning whether my goal was still achievable. Although the inquiry is a bit rhetorical, since I don’t believe in running marathons without a goal in mind, I am disappointed that my speed game isn’t where I expected it to be this late into training.

I have two opportunities to prove to myself that I still have a legitimate shot at sub-3 in a month. First comes Grete’s Gallop half marathon this weekend and then the Staten Island Half Marathon next weekend. My plan is to run this weekend at marathon pace and race next weekend for a PR. My lower extremities will be a bit worn down in both cases since I am doing my 18 and 22 mile long runs mid–week on my way to the two highest mileage weeks of the entire training cycle. In essence, I’m peaking mileage-wise even as I’m not feeling so hot about the running. Go figure! I’m hoping at some point – after the race, after the last 20 miler, or during the taper – it will all turn around and I 'll start feeling the excitement of the marathon once again. Until then, I’ll continue to keep putting one foot in front of the other, just hoping that each step I take will be proven purposeful on November 1st.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've got a good, albeit tough, plan. That's intense doing 22 miles mid-week!!! I'm sure you'll get your marathon mojo back, you've really been putting the miles in. It's neat to look at your side bar and see the miles you put in each year. You rock.

Anonymous said...

tough plan but a very solid one. i'm sure once the big day comes close the butterflies / excitement will follow. with my marathon it wasn't until the taper that i could actually comprehend that i was, in fact, going to run it

joyRuN said...

Wow. The next few weeks are going to be HARD CORE. Wow.

Jamie said...

that's a couple seriously tough weeks up ahead. i'm sure you will kick ass. you've done some great work so far in the training too despite the illness.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great plan. The 22 midweek miles will be tough, but you can do it.

And end of training/middle training doldrums are normal. They're awful, but normal. Keep running hard-- you are going to do well at NYC. Your body is ready.

Felice Devine said...

Dear Lam's Legs,

Please cooperate.

Sincerely,

The Happy Runner

Running and living said...

The speed will come. Keep pushing for it. Also, running hard for the 1/2 marathon, on tired legs, will be very helpful! You'll get your sub 3, you are ready!

X-Country2 said...

I see a great October on the horizon!

Michelle said...

Wow Leslie awesome numbers there for September!!! Good luck tomorrow in Grete's gallop and next week in Staten Island. I have the utmost confidence in you and your training. Run like you mean it bro!!

runner26 said...

yay! will hopefully see you out there tomorrow--won't be racing but might be spectating. good luck w/ both halfs!

Lindsay said...

of course, i don't wish for you to be struggling to any extent, but it's kind of a relief to know you are experiencing similar feelings and struggles. :-/ i have DEFINITELY not been doing the speed workouts that i need to do, and that is my biggest concern. i've logged miles, yes, but not nearly as many quality miles as i should have.

hopefully your two "test" half's will be the shot of confidence you need!

Irish Cream said...

I think that's a great plan, Lam. I hope half-marathon #1 went well today . . . and I can't wait to see how Staten Island goes for you! :)

sRod said...

Nice work in September--it's always a brutal month. And I think your drawbacks are nothing much to worry about.

 
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