Saturday, August 25, 2007

Realism

ORN: 9 miles, 1:30:07, 10:01/mile, R7/W1

As runners are wont to do, I spent way more time last week than I needed to obsessing about how to approach today’s long run. Not that the run was anything special; heavens, the schedule simply said to do 9 miles, with a 5K at 25:15 thrown in. Yet, with me bonking badly last week coming off this head cold I really wondered just what to do. Comments here were very helpful and I tried to distill them into something that made sense. Fortunately, my three other runs this week went well.

I ultimately decided to try to simulate reality of my
target race on December 8 to some extent. Thus, I dialed up my run/walk interval to the 7/1 that I plan to use then. I also wanted to see if I could get near the 9:41/mile pace I’ll need there to hit my 4:15 target time.

I headed out the door in a light mist and 75F. In a mile or so, the mist turned into a steady to heavy downpour. I chuckled as I got drenched; I had hoped for some reality and sometimes it rains on race day! So, get used to the wet shoes, puddles everywhere and humidity. More reality than I planed…and it was a good exercise.

The run went fine. The first two miles were a little quick at 9:30 each. The middle miles faded a bit to the 10:14 range, but the last two came in at 9:51 and 9:44. If Galloway’s temperature adjustment tables are applicable, that puts me in range for 9:41s in December in Alabama.

The next two weeks remain key, in my mind, in the prep for the race. I need a solid 17 next Saturday, followed by a sound 19 the following week. If I can do these and finish strong, I’ll have more confidence as the mileage builds through September and October.

Now, if I can just keep from obsessing THIS week like I did last week…

Persevere…don’t obsess!

6 comments:

Sarah said...

Well, I don't think you could call yourself a real runner if you didn't obsess about something! ; ) : ) Sounds like your training is going well and you've shaken the remnants of that cold. Glad you were able to appreciate the rain!

Anonymous said...

Sounds to me like you are right on target for December...

BTW, I would love to run in the rain!

David said...

Just get up and do it. Don't sweat the time, temperature or pace. You don't get a medal for training runs.
Do what the schedule says and all will be fine on December 8.

Darrell said...

As if sub freezing temps, hills and mud weren't enough last year, now you tell me I may have rain. I am sooooo spoiled here.

Now about that obsessing thing, when you get it figured out will you please share with the rest of us.

I just realized I've got 17 on the 1st and 18 on the 8th. I hope you get a recovery week after that.

Wes said...

A 9:41 pace, eh? LOL. I may be able to at least hang with you for a while. I'm sure Darrell is going to leave us in the dust!! So you are already up to 17? Damn... I guess I better get my plan laid out quick so I can see where I am at. I'm hoping that now with tri-training over with, I can just jump in at 10+ miles. Hope my book is OK with that!! This is going to be soooo cool....

Backofpack said...

Joe,
You did great! Good luck on your long ones, I'm sure you are going to be fine!