Only 5 1/2 weeks left of training before the marathon— that’s 3 1/2 weeks of hard training before the 2 week taper. Everything is suddenly going really well and I feel great. About a week ago I was stricken with doubt and running angst after not allowing myself enough recovery time following the half marathon and diving into my first 40-mile week of the season. I learned my lesson there and backed off the following week, which was last week, giving my body the rest it needed. I was able to cap off last week with my first 20-miler of the season, which went surprisingly well.
There haven’t been many attempts at 20-miles or longer where I haven’t come up against an especially difficult struggle of sorts. Not this time though, I just kept my cool and cruised the whole way. Instead of pushing too hard until I was broken down and having to walk, I took a couple walking breaks early on to feed and rehydrate more relaxedly. I had a significant break after 14.5 miles, where I made myself a chia fresca and had a snack. Then I proceeded to crank out the last 5 1/2 in style, finishing strong and even seeking out some hills in the last mile. This was a very encouraging run, especially since my pace ended up being 9:17, which, for me, is cruising along at a decent clip over such a distance.
I have 2 more 20+ milers planned before the race. 22 in a week and a half and then another 20-ish a couple weeks after that. I’ll get those in me to top off my endurance stores. Speed work has been going well too.
Today I had a 7 1/2 miler that featured 6 tempo miles at 7:27/mile. That’s quite a bit faster than what my marathon goal pace will be, but it’s right at the edge of what’s “comfortably hard” (the recommended feel for tempo pace) for me right now. I don’t really know yet what my marathon goal pace should be, I’m having a hard time pinning that down since this will be my first mountainless, mostly flat marathon. My recent half marathon was done at 7:39/mile and in theory I should be able to get to the point with training to maintain that for a full. I do not think I have enough time to refine myself to be ready for that by 6/13. I’m thinking maybe even 9:00/mile is reasonable for this one as that’d still be a marathon PR by more than an hour. I really don’t know though, because comparing 26.2 rugged trail miles to a 26.2 road marathon is like comparing bananas to cheeseburgers.
Three and a half more weeks to push myself. I wish I had another couple months. June 13th seems to be coming my way very, very quickly. Oh well, bring it! There will be no attempts made to run away from time.
