Ran a 10k in June (4 Viewers)

[BassNBrew]

Ned...please schdule yourself a training 5k. Bring your hr monitor and run it for time...no sprint finish allowed. Record your average hr over the last 10 minutes or so. Whatever this number is, don't ever exceed it in a distance event (except to finish).

That said, that's an amazing hr performance. That was some major suffering you endured.

I get what you're saying and will take you up on it. Am I allowed to go balls out for the whole race?? I am willing to bet the average would be about 185ish based on the set of 5Ks I ran this summer. I ran like a total donk today. It's a wonder I didn't end up on a stretcher.

To the extent that you don't fade at the end. Should be an even pedal to the metal effort throughout.If you can't resist sprinting the last bit, hit your lap button before doing so. You want clean hr data for 10 minutes of hard effort.

The number you come up with should be a pretty good estimate of your lacate threshold. It's OK to occasionally training above this number, but when you race above this number you will pay consequences whether it's burning though your gylcogen, producing lactic acid, etc.

I don't know about running like donk. I think you learned a valuable lesson about how much suffering you can take and keep going on. Obviously the pacing needs work but when push comes to shove during an event down the road you'll be able to stock in the fact that you been to that ugly pace and endured. You'll have no doubts about being able to hang in there and doing what it takes to meet your expectations.

 

[BassNBrew]

Went out for an easy 10 last nite. We had been pushing the 80s today so I brought water which I hate doing. Anyway, my first easy mile sub 10 min. I was feeling good and flew up the first major hill actually reducing my average pace. Screw the easy run, it was on. Don't have the data here, but drove the average down to somewhere just north of 8:30 by the end of mile mile. I recall seeing one split around 8:10. Didn't drink a whole lot and ended up pitching most of it along the way but did fuel at mile 5. Mile 6 was aboe a 9 min pace bring the average back up into the low 8:40 range. Held it there through mile 9 and then smoked the last mile for a final pace of 8:36. I think this run came after two rest days, one planned and one unscheduled.

Another diaster of a week regarding sticking to plan. Headed up to the state park trail now to get in a 3 hour run.

 

[sho nuff]

Garmin has me at 2:02.57 for 13.11 miles. Online I was 2:07.02 for what turned out to be 13.6. 593/2500ish overall...well 2500 was the cap. Highest I saw so far in the results page was 1774.80/149 in my age group.Mile 1...10:11...153 HRMile 2....9:44...161Mile 3....9:41...161Mile 4....9:38...162Mile 5....9:37...163Mile 6....9:11...168Mile 7....9:20...170Mile 8....9:18...170Mile 9....9:22...170Mile 10....9:04...172Mile 11....9:08...174Mile 12....8:52...178Mile 13....8:48...181Mile13.11...:55...184Mile13.62..4:29...185Pretty pumped how I felt around Mile 6,7,8 to kick up the speed, and that I could keep dropping it when I got to 12 and 13. Though, mile 13 I was close to being out of gas til I heard the music and people cheering. No way to stop me then.Other than the mileage screwup...well, and bib screwup where I didn't get my old nickname on it...it was a very well put together race.Great volunteers and people cheering...a high school drumline on mile 5 that was awesome. Some marines handing out water at mile 10 were great too.Definitely felt the amount of training was huge. Perfect weather...53* and no wind to start. Just a great day.Im not sure how some of you stalk and remember bib numbers...I was trying, but got home and I have no clue what the numbers were...but there was some great...um...scenery. I will try to find some when the pictures get posted.

Nice That is about the pacing I strive for. I am not sure I will ever hit it but I will be more then happy if I do.

Well, to be honest, did not think I could pace that way either.Helps that it was a very flat course. Just some minor ups and downs.And to show the progress...my last 5k in July I ran my PR of 27:23.The last 3.11 (well, the 3.11 before the additional miles) I ran yesterday in 27:43.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Ned...please schdule yourself a training 5k. Bring your hr monitor and run it for time...no sprint finish allowed. Record your average hr over the last 10 minutes or so. Whatever this number is, don't ever exceed it in a distance event (except to finish).

That said, that's an amazing hr performance. That was some major suffering you endured.

I get what you're saying and will take you up on it. Am I allowed to go balls out for the whole race?? I am willing to bet the average would be about 185ish based on the set of 5Ks I ran this summer. I ran like a total donk today. It's a wonder I didn't end up on a stretcher.

To the extent that you don't fade at the end. Should be an even pedal to the metal effort throughout.If you can't resist sprinting the last bit, hit your lap button before doing so. You want clean hr data for 10 minutes of hard effort.

The number you come up with should be a pretty good estimate of your lacate threshold. It's OK to occasionally training above this number, but when you race above this number you will pay consequences whether it's burning though your gylcogen, producing lactic acid, etc.

I don't know about running like donk. I think you learned a valuable lesson about how much suffering you can take and keep going on. Obviously the pacing needs work but when push comes to shove during an event down the road you'll be able to stock in the fact that you been to that ugly pace and endured. You'll have no doubts about being able to hang in there and doing what it takes to meet your expectations.

Hey Ned, any chance you caught what your HR was for the 10 to 15 minutes before the gun (or even longer)? Looks like you are trying to figure out why training runs do not equal race day and I think some of it might be that you are pressing too hard mentally waiting for the gun and its costing you by causing you to go out at a higher HR from the gun. Nothing scientific here, but think about it, if your resting HR is 60ish before a training run and you take things up by 100 BPM you end up at 160 BPM. Whereas, if nerves and/or excitement take things up to 90 BPM and then you gun it (with the nerves still flying) the chance is there to get too high and never draw things back. In my first few tris each spring, I ended up anaerobic coming out of the water even though I swim more than anything else over the winter. My first tri this spring, the Garmin caught my HR before going out during the swim and I was at almost 140 BPM before taking a single stroke. I was gassed from nerves before things even started and spent the swim trying to calm down. My two fastest swim this year (per 100M) were a pool swim and an Oly (1500M) swim where I went in as a training swim. In both, I was very calm and, I assume, my HR was low at the start. I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

 

[tri-man 47]

2Young raises a good point (and a good suggestion). I was surprised by my higher HR at Boston, and I'm sure some of that was the constant stimuli of that race environment. I do find that before most races, I try to get away by myself - some of that might be caused subconsciously by a desire to keep the nerves and HR down.

--

Bnb - solid running! Hope today's long run is a good one for you, too.

 

[Dexter]

I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

When there's 1-2 minutes before the race starts I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I really focus on breathing and everything else clicks into place.

 

[Sand]

I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

When there's 1-2 minutes before the race starts I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I really focus on breathing and everything else clicks into place.

Me, I just get ready to sprint.

 

[Ned]

2Young raises a good point (and a good suggestion). I was surprised by my higher HR at Boston, and I'm sure some of that was the constant stimuli of that race environment. I do find that before most races, I try to get away by myself - some of that might be caused subconsciously by a desire to keep the nerves and HR down.

I get pretty fired up at races. I do notice my HR before every training run and race and I know a lot of it is due to the mental side of things. After warm-ups and stretching, my HR is 75-85 on a normal training run (resting HR is around 55). I don't race often, but I know it's always >100 right before the gun. Yesterday when listening to the national anthem, I noticed my HR was 115-120. I try to stay cool, but it's damn near impossible. Seeing the downs syndrome kids (this was a benefit for a downs syndrome foundation) added some extra fuel to the fire. Way friggin' cool seeing them get in front of the crowd and singing together.Honestly, this is probably a bigger battle than the race itself, for me. I'm an intense person by nature and can rarely relax even on a non-race day. The day I lose that intensity about running/racing is the day I hang up the sneaks.

 

[Ned]

I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

When there's 1-2 minutes before the race starts I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I really focus on breathing and everything else clicks into place.

Me, I just get ready to sprint.

 

[Ned]

BnB - Great run yesterday! Enjoy the 3hr trail run. I'm truly envious of all of your trail adventures.

shonuff - How are you feeling today? Got any recovery plans?

 

[sho nuff]

BnB - Great run yesterday! Enjoy the 3hr trail run. I'm truly envious of all of your trail adventures.

shonuff - How are you feeling today? Got any recovery plans?

Feel great today...went to early mass, out for pancakes with the kids. Out pumpkin hunting later, then football. Easy 2 recovery miles tomorrow night.

 

[Dexter]

I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

When there's 1-2 minutes before the race starts I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I really focus on breathing and everything else clicks into place.

Me, I just get ready to sprint.

Do Greek Gods even breath?

 

[tri-man 47]

I close my eyes and take deep breaths.

That's just the drugs kicking in, dude.

 

[gruecd]

Shooting for < 18:59 on 11/27. On second thought, what's that PR of yours again, Grandpa?

18:08. Keep dreamin', Clyde.

5:51 pace? Piece of cake. By the way, Ed Whitlock ran 3:15 today in Toronto. At age 80.

 

[gruecd]

SteelCurtain - Great work yesterday! My other friend ending up running 3:10. Two weeks after going 3:06 at Wineglass. Just a matter of time before she's a fellow member of the sub-3 club, methinks.

sho nuff - Nice job beating your goal time despite the long course! What was the deal with that, anyway? Just a mistake?

Ned - Sorry the race didn't meet expectations, but I'm happy that you decided to go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Chalk it up to learning experience, take pride in gutting out those last few miles, and go kick ### in a couple of weeks.

Sand - Nice work yesterday. Those splits look like they would've HURT.

BNB - Nice job on the 10-miler. Hope you're having a good long run.

----------------------

Glad to report that the hamstring is getting close to 100%. Ran an easy 4 on Friday and 5 yesterday. Heading out after the Packers game for an easy 8-miler in an attempt to run off my hangover.

 

[BassNBrew]

I'd try and tweak some things mentally too. Try and calm yourself, maybe even so yoga type breathing standing at the stripe before the start.

When there's 1-2 minutes before the race starts I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I really focus on breathing and everything else clicks into place.

Me, I just get ready to sprint.

Sand probably does a flying start. Starts 50 yards behind the line and initiates full sprint mode seconds before the gun goes off.

 

[BassNBrew]

Well there's a reason the training plan doesn't call for a hard miler 10 before a long run. Legs were dead today. hr splits were 143 (Sanded it), 134, 137, 128, 130, 130, 130, 130, 131, 134, 131, 131, 129, 1365, 135, 134...was shooting for a 127 to 137 range but was running by feel. Aftr the two hour mark I wasn't picking up my feet. Shuffled and saved the fall the first time, but then proceeded to bite the dust twice. Scabed up the elbow and knee. I did do a nice shoulder roll on one fall and came back to my feet. One was just ugly and painful, the last I managed to hit a pile of dirt with a layer of pine needles.

Actually I think the water belt may have been an issue. I seemed to be catching the left foot every time and wonder if the the bottle on the right side was causing me to to lean left.

Ended up running 3 hr and 15 min for a guessitmated total of 16 miles. The 9.5 loop came up at 8.5 and the 6 mile loop at 5.75. Figuring about another 1.5 miles getting to and from and looping the parking lot to get to 3h15m.

 

[BassNBrew]

Week 5 in review: 5 mi recovery - 9mi (2 hr) mountain trail run, 10 mi zone 2 - off due to rain, bike - 10 mi zone 2 run, 3.1 mi tempo - off being lazy, off - off, 1 hr easy run - 10 mi zone 3 run, 3 hr trail run - 3.25 hr trail run

Plan called for 38 miles, ended up doing 45 miles in roughly 8.2 hr.

Not sure if I got Gru this week on the miles, but I took him down on the duration of running time.

Next week is supposed to be 4 mi recovery, 11 mi zone 2, bike, 3.1 tempo, off, 1 hr zone 1, 3.5 hr trail run. I'll be traveling on Monday nite thru Wed nite so the bike won't happen this week. may substitute some wood splitting and hauling.

 

[sho nuff]

sho nuff - Nice job beating your goal time despite the long course! What was the deal with that, anyway? Just a mistake?

----------------------

Glad to report that the hamstring is getting close to 100%. Ran an easy 4 on Friday and 5 yesterday. Heading out after the Packers game for an easy 8-miler in an attempt to run off my hangover.

Good to hear the Hammy is feeling better.On my race...a cop screwed up and was down 2 blocks further than he should have been. Causing some runners (over half) to go two extra blocks, then down a street, then two blocks back (.409 they calculated) extra.

Just found out, no official time change, they just gave you a calculator link to figure your pace for the total distance with the extra, then told you to use the pace for 13.1.

Works out to 2:03.08.

Fine by me...still under 2:05 which was still under my goal (I guess I did sandbag on the goal a bot not knowing what to expect in the first half for me).

Next goal is sub-2.

Edit: On sub-2...had a friend running his 2nd half that was there with me...he was going sub-2...I thought for a few minutes about just trying to hang with him. Decided with it being my first, I should hold off on that and just run my race and see what happened. Had it been my 2nd race...I would have absolutely tried it...and probably blown up.

 

[gruecd]

Just found out, no official time change, they just gave you a calculator link to figure your pace for the total distance with the extra, then told you to use the pace for 13.1.

Was there a marathon, too? And if so, were they on the same course? I'm guessing the answer is "no," because otherwise they would've almost had to have done something to appease people who were trying to BQ.

 

[gruecd]

Not sure if I got Gru this week on the miles, but I took him down on the duration of running time.

Oh, yeah. You got me for sure. I was trying to let the hamstring heal up, so I didn't run at all this week until Friday. Only 17 total miles for me this week.

 

[gruecd]

hr splits were 143 (Sanded it), 134, 137, 128, 130, 130, 130, 130, 131, 134, 131, 131, 129, 1365, 135, 134...

Wow. You see her working out or something?

 

[sho nuff]

Just found out, no official time change, they just gave you a calculator link to figure your pace for the total distance with the extra, then told you to use the pace for 13.1.

Was there a marathon, too? And if so, were they on the same course? I'm guessing the answer is "no," because otherwise they would've almost had to have done something to appease people who were trying to BQ.

Nope...just a half.No biggie, I know my 13.1 time...and even the 13.5+ time was under 2:10.I know what my body can handle, at least on that flat course.Still had a great time the whole way and the rest of the event was done very well.

 

[tri-man 47]

Since next Saturday's race should wind down my 2011 race year, today was my final hard training run: 8 x 400m @ :88 each (and one minute rests). They felt really good ...looking forward to the race, especially after all the great efforts this weekend.

 

[Sand]

Sand - Nice work yesterday. Those splits look like they would've HURT.

Is there such a thing as a pain free 5k? (BTW, glad to hear about the hammy).Anyway, as it turns out doing a long run the day after an all out 5k isn't the best of ideas. Probably doubly so because I'm still recovering from the Chase somewhat. Got 12 done in pretty hot weather (75-82). 8:35 average pace; lost 8lbs on the run. Not terribly shabby, though the last couple miles sucked hard. Only 19 miles this week as I didn't do much in between the two races.

Not doing much cross training at the moment. Did a bit of swimming Friday. Can still hit the 1:10 100s in the drag suit, but my endurance is the pits.

 

[pmbrown_22]

Just popping in real quick today guys. Getting ready for a half on Saturday so not much for me last week. Legs are still recovering a bit from the BC. I went out and did 10 on Saturday. I was a little more sluggish that I wanted, but I have not been getting as much rest as I needed. Seems that everything has come together in my life for a perfect storm of events and there just is not time for everything that I need to do so sleep is not winning out right now. This week I hope to change that. Should do 5 today and 5 tomorrow. Then off for 2 days and some shake out miles on Friday.

Here's to the best laid plans.

Anyway, I should have a good time on Saturday as I plan on racing the half then circling back and trying to help my brother finish his first half. I am not sure of his training plan so I think it could be a rough one for him. He just announced that he was running it and I said I would be there for him. Who knows what that means on his end? Should make for a good race report though.

 

[scoobygang]

My hip has been bothering me ever since trying that double 5K/10K race. I went out of a ten miler on Saturday and shut down at nine to try to work out the kinks by walking. Yesterday, I took a long walk with my wife and it really started bugging me, just walking.

It feels like a muscle imbalance problem, so I don't know if it's just bursitis, or the IT band or piriformis. The pain always starts on the lateral hip, but as I run on it, it moves into the thigh and buttocks. It's particularly bad on downhill stretches and (relatively) better on uphills (when I don't extend my left leg as much).

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

 

[jb1020]

I'm still going against the FFA's wisdom and just pushing myself harder on runs as opposed to running intervals. I still feel like I have just been running comfortably for too long.

I sacrificed a little mileage this week for a better pace. Did 4 runs this week.

2.5 @ 8:53

4 @ 8:55

4 @ 8:59

7 @ 8:56

I was comfortably gassed after each. I might try and stretch them all out a little bit further this week and see how it goes.

If I can push my long run out to 10 miles @ 9:10 I'll feel like the sub 2 Half is in the bag.

 

[tri-man 47]

I'm still going against the FFA's wisdom and just pushing myself harder on runs as opposed to running intervals. I still feel like I have just been running comfortably for too long. I sacrificed a little mileage this week for a better pace. Did 4 runs this week. 2.5 @ 8:534 @ 8:554 @ 8:597 @ 8:56 I was comfortably gassed after each. I might try and stretch them all out a little bit further this week and see how it goes. If I can push my long run out to 10 miles @ 9:10 I'll feel like the sub 2 Half is in the bag.

Good to see you working hard and pushing yourself. But at some point, you should accept the science behind the long, slow runs where your body is improving its ability to utilize VO2. The 'off-season' is the best time for all of that.

 

[jb1020]

I'm still going against the FFA's wisdom and just pushing myself harder on runs as opposed to running intervals. I still feel like I have just been running comfortably for too long. I sacrificed a little mileage this week for a better pace. Did 4 runs this week. 2.5 @ 8:534 @ 8:554 @ 8:597 @ 8:56 I was comfortably gassed after each. I might try and stretch them all out a little bit further this week and see how it goes. If I can push my long run out to 10 miles @ 9:10 I'll feel like the sub 2 Half is in the bag.

Good to see you working hard and pushing yourself. But at some point, you should accept the science behind the long, slow runs where your body is improving its ability to utilize VO2. The 'off-season' is the best time for all of that.

No I know you're right, I'm certian I'll regret this some day. So with 7 weeks before the half would you suggest maintaining the slow/steady pace on the 9+ mile runs and keep pusing myself on the shorter 4-5 mile runs?

 

[gruecd]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

Green Bay on May 20. Race director is a friend of mine. Very well organized. Flat, fast course, and access to someone (me) who knows it inside and out. You get to run through Lambeau. And last but certainly not least, free brats and "26.2 brew" afterwards.

 

[pmbrown_22]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

Green Bay on May 20. Race director is a friend of mine. Very well organized. Flat, fast course, and access to someone (me) who knows it inside and out. You get to run through Lambeau. And last but certainly not least, free brats and "26.2 brew" afterwards.

I can chime in on the FLying Pig. It is a good race, but very hilly. Weather is iffy for it as well as the last couple of years it has been raining. The crowd support is amazing though and it is getting bigger every year so if you are just looking for a good experience then this is a pretty good one. The city really gets into it. I will probably be running it again this year if things work out.As far as Pittsburgh goes, I have not run it, but have heard it is more hilly than Cincy so that says a bit. That is all I know about that one though.

 

[tri-man 47]

So with 7 weeks before the half would you suggest maintaining the slow/steady pace on the 9+ mile runs and keep pushing myself on the shorter 4-5 mile runs?

With 7 weeks to go, do what feels right for you. (Recognize you've got about 5 weeks of productive training left.) I do feel as though some longer, slower runs would be beneficial. Even if it's just the mental edge to run 13 (or more) at a slow pace, knowing the race environment will help you on race day. Knowing you can achieve 13+ at any pace will help you mentally on race day - you'll be thinking 'can I maintain pace for 13?' instead of 'can I even run 13 ..and do it at pace?' If you like to push it, you could do something like 3 loops of 4 miles at a pace slower than your desired race pace, taking a short break between loops. Maybe run 15-20 seconds slower per mile than you'd use for racing.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Sho Steel and Ned: Great races! Sounds like each of you went at it hard!

JB: long and slow should become part of your mantra soon, as well as short and fast (intervals).

Sand: there is such a thing as pain free 5k, but only pansies have experienced it.

Grue: Great to hear that you are on the mend!

Tri: are you up for the challenge?!

________________________

My update:

Friday was elliptical heaven (45 minutes) with the coeds again

Saturday was a SDO though I did 400 pushups

Sunday was a 25.2 mile ride at 20.4 MPH, after doing yard work for more than 3 hours (I have 1.5 acres).

The arch on my left foot is sore, and was right after doing the elliptical. Anybody else experience this?

 

[sho nuff]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

Green Bay on May 20. Race director is a friend of mine. Very well organized. Flat, fast course, and access to someone (me) who knows it inside and out. You get to run through Lambeau. And last but certainly not least, free brats and "26.2 brew" afterwards.

I wish I could be ready for one by then (not happening with a sinus surgery coming in January)...maybe 2013.

 

[sho nuff]

So with 7 weeks before the half would you suggest maintaining the slow/steady pace on the 9+ mile runs and keep pushing myself on the shorter 4-5 mile runs?

With 7 weeks to go, do what feels right for you. (Recognize you've got about 5 weeks of productive training left.) I do feel as though some longer, slower runs would be beneficial. Even if it's just the mental edge to run 13 (or more) at a slow pace, knowing the race environment will help you on race day. Knowing you can achieve 13+ at any pace will help you mentally on race day - you'll be thinking 'can I maintain pace for 13?' instead of 'can I even run 13 ..and do it at pace?' If you like to push it, you could do something like 3 loops of 4 miles at a pace slower than your desired race pace, taking a short break between loops. Maybe run 15-20 seconds slower per mile than you'd use for racing.

From my limited experience of one half marathon...knowing that I already had training runs of 13.5, 14, and 15 miles was huge in my mind knowing towards the end I could push a bit faster or other times where I decided to speed up.

 

[jb1020]

So with 7 weeks before the half would you suggest maintaining the slow/steady pace on the 9+ mile runs and keep pushing myself on the shorter 4-5 mile runs?

With 7 weeks to go, do what feels right for you. (Recognize you've got about 5 weeks of productive training left.) I do feel as though some longer, slower runs would be beneficial. Even if it's just the mental edge to run 13 (or more) at a slow pace, knowing the race environment will help you on race day. Knowing you can achieve 13+ at any pace will help you mentally on race day - you'll be thinking 'can I maintain pace for 13?' instead of 'can I even run 13 ..and do it at pace?' If you like to push it, you could do something like 3 loops of 4 miles at a pace slower than your desired race pace, taking a short break between loops. Maybe run 15-20 seconds slower per mile than you'd use for racing.

From my limited experience of one half marathon...knowing that I already had training runs of 13.5, 14, and 15 miles was huge in my mind knowing towards the end I could push a bit faster or other times where I decided to speed up.

Thanks. This actually isn't my first. I've ran one in Jan 2010 (2:18). The mental part of it really doesn't bother me. Somewhere in the last month or so I went from "signing up for fun with a friend" to "damn, I want to run this one in under 2 hours, screw just finishing." I'm sure reading this tread every single morning has absolutely nothing to do with that mind set.

 

[gruecd]

Sand: there is such a thing as pain free 5k, but only pansies have experienced it.

 

[The_Man]

Good running weekend for me.

My wife ran a leg of the Baltimore Marathon relay. Six miles, high winds, and she had the uphill third leg of the relay, but still managed to run the whole way. This is a big accomplishment for her.

I did 10 miles at 7:26 pace on Saturday - this was a Goal Marathon Pace run and I get a little carried away.

15 yesterday at 8:10 pace.

I have my second of three 20-milers on Sunday. A tri-woman I work with is telling me I should go for 22 this weekend. Any thoughts on whether those extra 18 minutes or so are worth doing?

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

Green Bay on May 20. Race director is a friend of mine. Very well organized. Flat, fast course, and access to someone (me) who knows it inside and out. You get to run through Lambeau. And last but certainly not least, free brats and "26.2 brew" afterwards.

What have you heard about the Kenosha one? I'll read up on Green Bay. It's further than Kenosha from the Chicago suburbs, of course, but still a manageable drive.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm looking to choose a spring marathon. Early May is my preference. Three under consideration at present are the Wisconsin Marathon (in Kenosha, WI -- relatively close to home, flat course), the Pittsburgh Marathon (would be nice because I have family in Pittsburgh) or the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Any opinions on any of these three?

Green Bay on May 20. Race director is a friend of mine. Very well organized. Flat, fast course, and access to someone (me) who knows it inside and out. You get to run through Lambeau. And last but certainly not least, free brats and "26.2 brew" afterwards.

I can chime in on the FLying Pig. It is a good race, but very hilly. Weather is iffy for it as well as the last couple of years it has been raining. The crowd support is amazing though and it is getting bigger every year so if you are just looking for a good experience then this is a pretty good one. The city really gets into it. I will probably be running it again this year if things work out.As far as Pittsburgh goes, I have not run it, but have heard it is more hilly than Cincy so that says a bit. That is all I know about that one though.

Yeah, the hills are one reason I'm leaning toward Wisconsin.

 

[scoobygang]

Question for more experienced runners. How big of an impact are gusty headwinds and slightly discernible uphills?

Looking at my Garmin data, my mile pace went to pot around miles 3-5 of my run, and improved in miles 5-7, before falling again after 7 as my hip started really acting up. My effort didn't change. And I don't recall thinking, "Oh boy, here are the hills." But the data shows about a 200 foot climb over those miles. There were also pretty strong gusts. Enough that I was looking forward to turning around and having them behind me. But then it felt like I was runnning against gusts coming back as well.

Even though I advised jburb to not worry about running harder in his long runs, I have to admit I find it hard to practice what I preach. I have a hard time seeing my pace drop below 9/min miles, particularly because my heart rate isn't in any danger. But most long runs outside, I just can't keep the pace up. I just hate slogging along with the shuffle, even if I could do it for longer distances.

 

[Sand]

Good running weekend for me.My wife ran a leg of the Baltimore Marathon relay. Six miles, high winds, and she had the uphill third leg of the relay, but still managed to run the whole way. This is a big accomplishment for her.I did 10 miles at 7:26 pace on Saturday - this was a Goal Marathon Pace run and I get a little carried away.15 yesterday at 8:10 pace. I have my second of three 20-milers on Sunday. A tri-woman I work with is telling me I should go for 22 this weekend. Any thoughts on whether those extra 18 minutes or so are worth doing?

3:15 goal is beastly. So you are going to try and hit a BQ time on a trail marathon? Am I reading that right?

 

[gruecd]

What have you heard about the Kenosha one? I'll read up on Green Bay. It's further than Kenosha from the Chicago suburbs, of course, but still a manageable drive.

I've heard absolutely nothing about Kenosha, good or bad, but you can read some reviews here.Green Bay is a super easy drive from the Chicago 'burbs. Hotels are pretty cheap, too.

 

[tri-man 47]

I have my second of three 20-milers on Sunday. A tri-woman I work with is telling me I should go for 22 this weekend. Any thoughts on whether those extra 18 minutes or so are worth doing?

I'm a big, big fan of that. The time for 22 slow miles is within spittin' distance of the time for 26.2 race miles. Good for the muscle memory; good for the mind.

 

[tri-man 47]

Sand: there is such a thing as a pain free 5k, but only real racers pansies have experienced it lately.

Fixed.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Question for more experienced runners. How big of an impact are gusty headwinds and slightly discernible uphills?Looking at my Garmin data, my mile pace went to pot around miles 3-5 of my run, and improved in miles 5-7, before falling again after 7 as my hip started really acting up. My effort didn't change. And I don't recall thinking, "Oh boy, here are the hills." But the data shows about a 200 foot climb over those miles. There were also pretty strong gusts. Enough that I was looking forward to turning around and having them behind me. But then it felt like I was runnning against gusts coming back as well. Even though I advised jburb to not worry about running harder in his long runs, I have to admit I find it hard to practice what I preach. I have a hard time seeing my pace drop below 9/min miles, particularly because my heart rate isn't in any danger. But most long runs outside, I just can't keep the pace up. I just hate slogging along with the shuffle, even if I could do it for longer distances.

The wind matters a lot. A headwind of 15+ mph is going to show up in your splits. For minor hills, I think it depends on how hard you're running and where they occur. A small incline 2-3 miles into your run is no problem and you might not even notice it. That same hill at mile 18 of a 22 mile training run is way harder.

 

[The_Man]

Good running weekend for me.My wife ran a leg of the Baltimore Marathon relay. Six miles, high winds, and she had the uphill third leg of the relay, but still managed to run the whole way. This is a big accomplishment for her.I did 10 miles at 7:26 pace on Saturday - this was a Goal Marathon Pace run and I get a little carried away.15 yesterday at 8:10 pace. I have my second of three 20-milers on Sunday. A tri-woman I work with is telling me I should go for 22 this weekend. Any thoughts on whether those extra 18 minutes or so are worth doing?

3:15 goal is beastly. So you are going to try and hit a BQ time on a trail marathon? Am I reading that right?

It's not a trail marathon. It's on the North Central Railroad Trail - an old rail line that has been converted to a bike and running trail. The surface is hard-packed gravel - really no different than running on a hard-packed dirt road. Not going to go for the 3:15 this time - I just don't have the mileage base. But I think I have a shot at 3:20. I probably will shoot for 22 miles this Sunday and then see how I feel before locking in a goal.

 

[gruecd]

Sand: there is such a thing as a pain free 5k, but only real racers pansies have experienced it lately.

Fixed.

I know what you're trying to do here, old timer. Your Jedi mind tricks won't work on me....