Some Musings

Firstly, I have received my official acceptance into the ING NYC 2008 Marathon. As a runner for Team for Kids this was not unexpected, just the timing. I thought I would get my official entrance email after the lottery but it arrived yesterday!!

I've been using Hal Higdon's Intermediate 10-K program for speed training before I begin my official 18 week Marathon training program. Last week I did 8x440yrds at between 7:30 and 8:05 pace. Felt pretty good after too. I am definitely noticing that I am getting faster. Most of this I attribute to the general improvement in fitness that comes within the first year of running (i've only been running 7 months). My pace for short distance training runs has gone from 12:00 pace to between 9 and 9:30 pace. With the hotter more humid weather I think its pretty safe to assume that this will level off rather quickly as temps of 70 or above really begin to affect pace for a given effort. I think its safe to say that for me between 50 and 55 degrees is my preferred weather..a bit overcast as well with a slight breeze.

Improvement Continues

Having just completed the Brooklyn 1/2 Marathon I have started a 8 week speed training program before my July 1 commencement of an 18 week training program for the NYC Marathon. Yesterday was a scheduled tempo run which basically was 5k in distance. The run was done at a 8:35 pace which was basically the pace of my last 5k race at Coogan's about 2 months ago. The 2nd mile of this tempo run was at 7:57 pace. Needless to say I am quite happy that I seem to be getting faster. Time will tell where I will end up.

Brookllyn Half Marathon!

Got to Coney Island about 15 minutes before the start which was perfect because it was a bit chilly and sitting around wasn't doing any good. This was the first race in which the corral system was used and I think it worked out well as there seemed to be less passing and being passed in the crowded beginning. Weather was overcast and about 52 degrees I estimate 5000 to 6000 lined up on the board walk for the race. After the gun sounded it took less than 1 minute to cross the start line and I was off along the decredped hole and nail filled boardwalk. Three miles of this having to be careful not to get injured on this thing. I had my garmin on which I debated heavily whether to bring or not. In the end I figured it would be a good thing to know my pace so I don't go out too fast. The first three miles I did at 9:10 pace. It was off the boardwalk and north on Ocean Parkway for 6 miles. Was flat the entire way but there was a slight headwind now and then no biggie. I felt pretty good and by mile 5 I see I am doing 8:40 pace..much faster than I needed to break my 2 hour goal. I kept looking at my watch and saying "I feel good, I'm running this pace, don't let your watch psyche you out". I kept running about 8:50s to 9s to mile 9 where we entered prospect park and where the hills began. Needlees to say it got tougher, later in the race and on the hills. I kept repeating to myself "trust your training, trust your training". It was also at this time I knew I'd break 2hours if I just relaxed. Mile 10 by far the toughest was essentially entirely uphill 9:20 pace. 11 and 12 back to bascially flat with some small hills. At this point my legs are really hurting but with so little left I just pressed on. In the end 1:58:30! Six months ago I ran 1 mile in 12 minutes and felt like I would collapse. Now for a little speed training (7 weeks) before I start Hal's Novice 2 for NYC Marathon.