Friday, October 2, 2009

Nike(ing)

As I hit the road today I realized my recent mentality has been "just do it". I'm just kind of on auto pilot? I think my strategy this week has been pretty smart....the long run Monday, rest Tues, decreasing miles from Wed to today; 7.44, 6.24, 5.4 respectively, with the weeks culmination tomorrow on the track. I have 14 miles planned with 12@ MP. That's the goal, anyway.
I find myself mentally preparing for this next marathon. I've been reviewing my blog posts from the last two and I'm really encouraged that I've been doing what I think was needed to break the four hour barrier. More long runs, and more runs at MP. I've logged 8 runs since July of 17 or more miles. (They have all been hilly). I've increased sustained MP miles from 4 to 10. This week is 12, next week is the last one, I hope for 14. I've trained carrying a water bottle and drinking a specific sports drink, taking gels on the fly, I'm practiced up!! I've set a personal record for a months mileage, and tomorrow will set a new weekly PR. My weight is as low as it goes! I'm holding around 175. Not bad for a 6'1" guy. The heel is slowly getting better! It's just the daunting reality that I need to average 9:09's that keeps buggin' me, I'm not getting any younger!! How will I respond on the flats? All I've been running except for Saturday is hills, hills, and more hills. That's my story!
Best of luck to all who are racing this weekend, go Aron!! Just do it!! Peace!!
Totals-5.4 miles/ 59:28/ 11:01's.

7 comments:

Ultra Monk said...

In a race, I take gel every 30 minutes. You will be surprised how fast you go with high octane fuel.

Marlene said...

Mark, you have had a STRONG training cycle. I think you are very well prepared for the ellusive 4:00 marathon. Anything can heppen on race day, but you've done what you can. Trust the training! Don't think about 26.2 miles at 9:09... take it a mile at a time, buddy!

Unknown said...

Hills are so good for strength training...then when you get on the flat, you're going to fly on "auto-pilot!" Sounds like you're ready for the marathon, exciting!

Anne said...

I train on hills and find that the flat gives me a bit of an advantage, at least initially. You sure sound ready for this one.

5 Miles Past Empty said...

Man, you are doing great! I know how you are feeling with the pace pressure and wanting a certain time! Just trust your training! You are doing the work!

Lindsay said...

you've definitely been rocking your training - mentally and physically! hopefully the flats will be even nicer to you than the hills :)

Aron said...

a late thank you for the shout out :) :) :)

Sauna

      This is the most wonderful time of year! I love the heat and humidity! Yet I still get out earlier due to my advanced age! 4.4 miles! ...