Monday, October 26, 2009

Racing Ruminations



So the final week of taper begins. Marathon #5 is nearly here! I've got this goal in mind...to run under four hours. As I look back to previous marathons I see one glaring mistake and one recurring issue...fueling and cramping. I'm certain these are related! I will rely on myself for fueling. The mistake was to rely on the event to supply, don't do this! I've been using accelerade for several months and it seems to work well. I am using a hand-held bottle. I'll also use accel-gel. I plan on taking one every thirty minutes including one just before the race starts. Also, I will be taking salt tablets. Probably one every hour as that's how I've trained on my long runs. Sandy will be my crew, I'll get refills from her. My approach to this taper has been slightly different than last time. Still a three week taper, but less mileage! My body is definitely recovering! Lowering into the 25+ range has given me a chance to recoup.

The race strategy has to be aggressive, but the start has to be done right. I've been practicing this at the track. Here's what I know: I can run 14 miles at sub 9's. I have been able to finish long MP runs with a fast mile. The only questions are, "do I have the long runs?" Will those 19 mile trail runs pay off? I did walk a lot during them!? How will the weather be? (45 the low, 65 the high) How will I respond to the flats when the vast majority of my running has been on hills?

Finally, running is an integral part of my daily life. I have to run! For over 25 years I've been a runner. I've seen my times slow and that really doesn't bother me because truly my running isn't about times; but with that said the marathon is the one distance I think I can still post a PR ! Maybe my motive is the hope of a last hurrah? The breaking of new running ground! Posting a brand new PR! Proving to myself I'm not done in yet....plus it's fun!! I love a challenge! In my early years of racing I used to go into a race with three goals; ultimate, challenging, acceptable. I really don't do this anymore. My mentality has always been to go for the ultimate goal! If I plant any other goal in my head I may be persuaded, during the pain, to settle for less. So I'm going to establish my goal as 3:59.

Wish me good luck! By the way I'm on vacation!!!!! Peace!

11 comments:

Marlene said...

Your day is almost here! You've done the training and preparation. I hope you had a good day next weekend and get that 3:59. You have it in you!

Enjoy your last week of taper!

Unknown said...

My vote is for you to "break new ground," discover something new within yourself, stay strong and have fun!! You've been at this training a long time, you'll be properly fueled and you have a plan. Most of all, you have the will. Enjoy it

Ultra Monk said...

Sounds like you are having the normal "taper madness." All will be well.

Unknown said...

I predict great results.

One of my favorite Pre quotes, goes:

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."

Good LUCK !!!

Unknown said...

i am very excited for you mark! may you sense favor and grace with you each step of the way as you glide and flow efficiently and consistently 8:55 per mile all over the canvas of 26.2 miles!

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Marathon Day is almost here - so exciting! I hope you get that 3:59 finishing time! And hug the corners! And have fun! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Anne said...

Sounds like you're ready for this one. May that sub-4 be yours this weekend.

Jamie said...

You are ready for M-Day!!! You've put in the work and have a plan don't doubt yourself. Good luck and I'm hoping that clocks reads 3:5X for you!!!

Lindsay said...

confidence! enjoy your last few days of taper and get pumped to log another marathon!

3:59 - 3:59 - 3:59 - 3:59 - 3:59

Suzy said...

GL this weekend.

BTW, Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Jason said...

You can do it! 3:59 is definitely coming for you! Go get 'em!

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! ...