Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"Communications Blackout"

Been a bit busy in Casa Moe for the past couple of weeks, training is going good although, my pace is still erratic. I did a "Tempo Run" on the 12th and was pleased with the 8:23 pace..would like to get that a little faster. I'm about worn out with the snow...as are most runners in the snow belt.  Never question their commitment though.  Ran the Trail Challenge 15k on Valentine's Day. Conditions were brutal. Had 6" of fresh snow to trudge through, footing was shaky at best, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of quitting after the first lap..just wasn't much fun. Fortunately, I slipped right instead of left and stumbled past the break-off point and continued on to the second lap of the 15k. Slowed a bit and tried to enjoy the quite and the fresh falling snow on the trail.  Was a little easier without so many people on the trail, but finding the right footing took most of my attention.  After finishing: 1:53:41 (41st out of 79 runners) I didn't
think that was too shabby for not only the first actual trail run but for the longest training mileage to date.

+ 03.02.10 : 4.14 miles / 9'16" pace
+ 05.02.10 : 4.13 miles / 9'31" pace
+ 07.02.10 : 7.04 miles / 9'13" pace
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+ 10.02.10 : 5.04 miles / 10'02" pace
+ 12.02.10 : 4.12 miles / 8'23" pace
+ 14.02.10 : 9.27 miles / 12'14" pace

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

"The man up in the tower is enjoying the show.."

Week 1 of marathon training is in the books. Was a good week, I did stray slightly from the plan on Friday. Was -4 deg outside and was not about to run after it had rained the day prior. I figured I would make it up Sunday
and go for an extra long run, add the 2 miles to LSD. It was no warmer Sunday, but at least there was light outside. I'd have to admit my pace is all over the charts, ranging from 9:45 / mile to 8:57 / mile. I guess "all over the charts" is probably a little exaggerated...I guess what I mean is that I am having a hard time judging my pace on perceived effort alone. I think through these early weeks of training, I will try to use them to become more in tune to my perceived effort and overall bodily feeling. I hope this will sharpen my overall accord and be beneficial on race day.
See you out there.
Wed 27.1 - 4.11 mi / 8'57" Thu 28.1 - 3.06 mi / 9'45"
Sun 31.1 - 7.00 mi / 9'14"
Week 1 14.17 mi / 9'18" avg. pace

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