Ran a 10k - Official Thread (4 Viewers)

[tri-man 47]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

 

[Hang 10]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

Damn right, tri-man! Congratulations on a great race! Helluva way to start 2016!

 

[prosopis]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

WOW!!!!!!! Way to start 2016

 

[Juxtatarot]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

 

[ChiefD]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

Sweet!

 

[Juxtatarot]

I plan running mostly easy miles until 2/7 and then I will start my 12 week plan for Broad Street.

I'm curious about your plan. Average weekly mileage, key workouts, etc.

I am going to follow the 61-84 mile half schedule in Pfitz's Faster Road Racing. The tempo runs are a little different than I am used to, they are time based instead of mileage and they are split up. For example the 1st tempo run is 10 miles with a 16 min LT, 4 min jog, and then 13 min LT. Some of the long runs are progression runs with the last 3 miles at LT pace.

I am assuming that you aren't following a plan.

Right, I won't follow an official plan. I'm still trying to figure out the outline, though. I probably should average 60+ mile weeks too. I'd like to get in a lot of mile repeats and traditional Pfitz tempos. That progression long run you mention sounds similar to the Gabriele Rosa Fast-Finish Long Run that McMillan writes about. As you probably recall, a few of the pace runs I ran this summer ending up being somewhere in between a Rosa run and a Pfitz pace run. I've thought about trying the same this winter/spring.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'll be back soon, boys. My buddy gave me the idea of running a marathon every presidential election year and it seems like a challenging yet reasonable goal. Also, after 42 years of casual slimness and low blood pressure, I've gained an inch in my waist and am approaching a time when my doctor will force me to go on blood pressure meds if nothing changes.

I think I'll run instead.

Have you decided which marathon, a goal time and a training plan?

I'll probably do a modified Hal Higdon plan, it worked well last time. My PR (and only record) is 3:58 so I'll shoot for 3:57. I haven't decided on a marathon yet but probably Long Beach or Surf City (Huntington Beach) which is actually in early 2017. Any advice? I'm open to changing any or all of the above.

Higdon plans are good. The best advice I have is to join the thread's Strava club (link is in Ned's opening post).

 

[pbm107]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

Awesome job, I am looking forward to seeing what you can do at Boston now that you are healthy and have more time to train.

 

[Ned]

Texas Marathon. Quick report - crushed it. 3:32 or so; PR by a minute. 11 minute improvement on Boston last year (my main goal ...hoping it is, in fact, Boston certified - it measured short for me). Very steady pace (8:06/mile). #8 overall in small, not-too-competitive race. Didn't get chicked.

 

[Nigel]

Way to go Tri!

 

[Juxtatarot]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

 

[Hang 10]

I think 350-400 is about right. I've gone as high as 450-500 but usually I start notice things hurting around that point. Could be coincidence but it's probably not worth it to try to squeeze out a couple more weeks.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Worrierking- You OK? I don't see any runs from you last week on Stava.

 

[MAC_32]

It may not be an option for you juxt, but I think trail running is increasing the useful life of my shoes.

 

[Sand]

End of my year - hit 3,900 miles or so on the bike plus a smattering of other stuff. About 300 hours total, which is about what I can away with. Pretty good year.

I have to share this - on the ludicrous scale and what I ride with here in Birmingham. One local rider put up these stats this year - 30,000 miles ridden on 1970 hours. Oh, and 3.3million feet climbed, or 9,000 feet climbed on a bike every day last year.

Edit: Apologies if this has been posted here - gym wildlife. Funny stuff.

 

[Ned]

I think 350-400 is about right. I've gone as high as 450-500 but usually I start notice things hurting around that point. Could be coincidence but it's probably not worth it to try to squeeze out a couple more weeks.

Yup, that's me too.

 

[Nigel]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

 

[FUBAR]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

why would you wear a specific shoe for 18 months if you're not completely comfortable in them?

I don't think I'd run a race in Hokas. I like them a lot for training but they are heavier and I don't get the same speed in them as I do other shoes. It is a marathon, so maybe the extra cushion is more important, so I guess there's value in doing so, but I'd be reluctant. Then again, I ran the 50k in Altras which weigh just one ounce less, but trail runs are a different event than roads.

 

[2Young2BBald]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

What version of the Glycerins are you running in? I skipped the 12s, but noticed a huge increase in heel padding going from the 11s to the 13. The 13s are my 7th pair as the shoe shape fits my feet very well. If the general construction of the shoe works for you and you are not in the 13 you may want to test drive a pair.

 

[FUBAR]

It may not be an option for you juxt, but I think trail running is increasing the useful life of my shoes.

do you use the same shoes on trail as road? Depends on the trail I guess (how many rocks, roots, etc), and your road shoe, but I couldn't imagine running on the trails near work in Mizunos or Zoots (softer sole). Whereas I wouldn't wear my Altras on the road.

 

[FUBAR]

side question - how many pairs of shoes do you all wear in your rotation? I have my Hokas, Altras, Zoot, once in a while Suacony, and just retired my Mizunos to grass cutting duty.

 

[Hang 10]

side question - how many pairs of shoes do you all wear in your rotation? I have my Hokas, Altras, Zoot, once in a while Suacony, and just retired my Mizunos to grass cutting duty.

Trail shoe: Brooks PureGrit 2

Race/Speed Shoe: Brooks PureCadence 2

Race/MLR Shoe: Hoka Clifton

LR/Trainer: Saucony Triumph ISO

 

[FUBAR]

side question - how many pairs of shoes do you all wear in your rotation? I have my Hokas, Altras, Zoot, once in a while Suacony, and just retired my Mizunos to grass cutting duty.

Trail shoe: Brooks PureGrit 2

Race/Speed Shoe: Brooks PureCadence 2

Race/MLR Shoe: Hoka Clifton

LR/Trainer: Saucony Triumph ISO

alright, so one fast dude races in Hokas.

 

[Nigel]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

why would you wear a specific shoe for 18 months if you're not completely comfortable in them?

I don't think I'd run a race in Hokas. I like them a lot for training but they are heavier and I don't get the same speed in them as I do other shoes. It is a marathon, so maybe the extra cushion is more important, so I guess there's value in doing so, but I'd be reluctant. Then again, I ran the 50k in Altras which weigh just one ounce less, but trail runs are a different event than roads.

The heels are a relatively new issue. The right ball, my biggest problem, has been an issue for years no matter the shoe/sock combo. It's a burning hot spot every run after five miles or so. My right big toe feels like it's "floating" with all the impact on the ball. Maybe I need to look into an insert. I've broken that ankle a couple of times and everything is a little bit out of line, bows outward.Eta, IT band issues went away when I switched to the Glycerins which is why I stuck with them despite the other discomforts.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

I've always switched to a less bulky shoe for races although it probably wouldn't matter much either way. I wore a pair of Hoka Stinson Tarmacs before but unfortunately they have been discontinued. I have Hoka Bondis now. They are OK but not as soft as the other pair.

To answer FUBARs question, I'm currently rotating the Bondis and a pair of Asics 33-M. I'm not in love with either and might try something new next time. I've recently raced and done tempos and speedwork in Asics 33-FA which I like a lot. I also have a few other pairs that I run in on rare occasion when I feel like something different.

 

[Nigel]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

What version of the Glycerins are you running in? I skipped the 12s, but noticed a huge increase in heel padding going from the 11s to the 13. The 13s are my 7th pair as the shoe shape fits my feet very well. If the general construction of the shoe works for you and you are not in the 13 you may want to test drive a pair.

12s, maybe I'll give 13s a try

 

[beer 30]

Nice work old man

 

[Juxtatarot]

I know this has been discussed before, but how many miles are you getting out of a pair of shoes these days? A few years ago, I was getting less than 300 (estimated, I only started tracking with my last few pairs that I'm rotating) but I think I was being overly cautious and attributing injuries to old shoes when I shouldn't have been. A big change came this summer when I got out an old pair of Hokas which I must have gotten over 600 miles out of before retiring (maybe...they could make a comeback) after my marathon. Anyway, I'm around 200 with my two main rotated pairs and I think they have plenty of life still in them.

Have you run a marathon in Hokas? Which model do you wear? I'm thinking of giving a different shoe a try. I've been wearing Brooks Glycerins for the past 18 months and I've never been completely comfortable in them. On my long runs my heels and the ball of my right foot are the first things to hurt, especially lately. Ruined an otherwise comfortable 15 miler for me yesterday. Wondering if the extra cushioning will help.

why would you wear a specific shoe for 18 months if you're not completely comfortable in them?

I don't think I'd run a race in Hokas. I like them a lot for training but they are heavier and I don't get the same speed in them as I do other shoes. It is a marathon, so maybe the extra cushion is more important, so I guess there's value in doing so, but I'd be reluctant. Then again, I ran the 50k in Altras which weigh just one ounce less, but trail runs are a different event than roads.

The heels are a relatively new issue. The right ball, my biggest problem, has been an issue for years no matter the shoe/sock combo. It's a burning hot spot every run after five miles or so. My right big toe feels like it's "floating" with all the impact on the ball. Maybe I need to look into an insert. I've broken that ankle a couple of times and everything is a little bit out of line, bows outward.Eta, IT band issues went away when I switched to the Glycerins which is why I stuck with them despite the other discomforts.

Hokas might help. It wouldn't hurt to try them out.

 

[SFBayDuck]

side question - how many pairs of shoes do you all wear in your rotation? I have my Hokas, Altras, Zoot, once in a while Suacony, and just retired my Mizunos to grass cutting duty.

Mostly run in two pairs of Hoka Challengers, currently phasing out one pair that has about 370 miles on them.

I have a pair of Hoka Stinson ATRs with 244 miles on them that I use for long trail runs

On the rare occasion I pound pavement I use a pair of Hoka Conquests. Got them last April and still haven't hit 100 miles on them yet.

I've got 562 miles on a pair of Hoka Stinson Trails that are still in pretty good shape, but I just keep those for drop bags at ultras as a backup pair now.

I've noticed the Challengers don't last quite as long as some of the other Hoka models, and have heard others report the same thing. I've gotten 500-600 miles out of just about every pair until these. Looking forward to the 2016 model, which is supposed to have an improved insole and more padding in the tongue.

 

[gruecd]

I think 350-400 is about right. I've gone as high as 450-500 but usually I start notice things hurting around that point. Could be coincidence but it's probably not worth it to try to squeeze out a couple more weeks.

Yup, that's me too.

Me, three.

Speaking of shoes, I just broke out a pair of the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante. I like 'em, and they're only $54.88 on Running Warehouse (and that's before the readily-available 15% discount).

 

[gruecd]

First and foremost, let me just say that tri-man is my hero. Nice work, old man.

Second, I'm currently rotating two pairs of shoes--the aforementioned Zantes and a pair of Mizuno Wave Precisions that I stashed before they got discontinued. I've also got a pair of Brooks Cascadias for trail running.

Finally, today I started my 16-week Pfitz training plan for Warsaw with an 8-mile run over lunch (7:56/mile, 164 AHR). I skipped the strides, much like I'll probably skip the 8 MP miles that I'm supposed to do as part of my 15-miler on Saturday. Just not there yet with the speed.

 

[ThreeThousand]

side question - how many pairs of shoes do you all wear in your rotation? I have my Hokas, Altras, Zoot, once in a while Suacony, and just retired my Mizunos to grass cutting duty.

Trail shoe: Brooks PureGrit 2

Race/Speed Shoe: Brooks PureCadence 2

Race/MLR Shoe: Hoka Clifton

LR/Trainer: Saucony Triumph ISO

alright, so one fast dude races in Hokas.

I'm not fast, but I run everything (all training runs, all races) in Hoka Cliftons. They are awesome.

 

[tri-man 47]

Metal Saw Texas Marathon Race Report

Pace: 8:06/mile *

HR: 159 avg.

8th of ~320 participants

* A bit of a quandary over my time. Results show 3:28:59. However, my 8:06/mi pace translates to about a 3:32 marathon. I clocked 25.86 miles, and while I was very deliberate about running tangents on the rolling trail, I don't think I was that good with it. Short course? They have a certification number, though. The key is for Boston to accept it. Assuming they do, I move from a 3:43 corral placement to this 3:29 - a 14 minute improvement! Still, I resist saying I ran a sub-3:30, which is an 8:00/mile pace. I think I'll accept some of my tangent-based efficiency and call this a 3:31. The key is that I PR'ed from a 3:33 and blew away my goal. All of this on about 7 weeks of serious training ...great training - intervals (from 400m to 2 mile repeats), tempo (from 3-12 miles), and distance (both a 21 and 22 miler). On to the report:

This was a small race of 700 runners for the HM and marathon, which makes for a relaxed environment and easy logistics. They had great give-aways: A nice race bag with 'Texas Marathon' printed on it; a long-sleeved shirt; a little squeezy froggy (sequentially numbered for each finisher); and a 3 lb+ medal ...biggest damn thing I've ever seen. We were visiting friends in Houston, and they lived an hour from the race site in Kingwood (NE of downtown). I had to behave on NYE, which wasn't really a problem, and watch my food/drink consumption for a few days. My big carbo load was lunch in Galveston the day before the race ...a bit too close, I feared. On race day (New Years Day), I got up at 5:25 a.m., had an english muffin, and took care of business. Out of the house at 6:20 a.m. Parking near the site was easy, as was packet pick-up. I did about a half-mile jog with a few accelerations to warm up. Weather was perfect - about 46 degrees and some winds.

The course was a paved bike path. It was kind of narrow (6' across?), and that made it a little tough to pass at times, but nothing too bad. The path weaved through an upscale community, generally with a bit of forest/trees on either side. The far point was along a lake and then circled a small lake. It was a 6.5 mile loop, and we ran it four times (as broken down below). That was not a mental challenge at all. In fact, it let me break the race into the four smaller segments. At none of the start-point turnarounds (just a few yards from the finish) did I get that 'woe-is-me I wish I were done' feeling. As is my pattern, I ran by HR and only looked at pace out of curiosity. Ultimately, I would have been very satisfied with a 3:35-3:38 marathon (8:15 pace or better).

Mi 1: 8:00/mi ..147 HR

Mi 2: 7:55/mi ..152

Mi 3: 7:55/mi ..154

Mi 4: 8:10/mi ..156

Mi 5: 8:01/mi ..157

Mi 6: 8:01/mi ..157

Mi 7: 7:59/mi ..157

Mi 8: 7:55/mi ..156

Mi 9: 8:05/mi ..156

Mi 10: 8:07/mi ..156

Mi 11: 8:13/mi ..156

Mi 12: 8:02/mi ..159

Mi 13: 8:17/mi ..158

Mi 14: 7:58/mi ..159

Mi 15: 7:58/mi ..161

Mi 16: 7:59/mi ..163

Mi 17: 8:06/mi ..163

Mi 18: 8:14/mi ..162

Mi 19: 8:15/mi ..162

Mi 20: 8:08/mi ..163

Mi 21: 8:07/mi ..162

Mi 22: 8:20/mi ..163

Mi 23: 8:23/mi ..163

Mi 24: 8:13/mi ..166

Mi 25: 8:11/mi ..169

Mi 26: 8:04/mi ..173

Loop 1. Goal: ending HR of 155

So I led the first 50 yards of the race! We were called to the start line ("fastest runners to the front!"), and figuring I'd be around top 15, maybe 20, I stopped about 10 feet from the line and waited for the faster runners to step up. No one did. Starter and I looked at each other and shrugged, so I toed the start line and led the charge. One woman did start next to me and asked about my pace, and I said I'd start around 8:00/mi. (spot on) Some runners caught me quickly. I hit the far-end turnaround (3 1/4 miles) in 15th place and then slowly advanced from there throughout the race. HR was running a bit high, but it was very stable, so I didn't fret it. Took a gel just before the turnaround.

Loop 2. Goal: ending HR of 160

More of the same: Just held a nice pace and steady HR. I saw my average pace was surprisingly low, so I didn't mind keeping the HR below 160. I was still in my slow breathing pattern (every third step) and feeling very good. Took another gel before the turn.

Loop 3. Goal: ending HR around 166-8

The loop started fine, and as expected, the HR started moving into the 160s. I continued to be quite amazed, though, at the average pace (about 8:02 or 8:03, as I recall). I hadn't prepared for such a best-case scenario, and I felt a little perplexed by it! Well, about the time I hit the far turn and started back on this third loop, I found myself behind a young woman who I knew was running in 10th place. So now: Do I pass her and keep charging, or lay back for a while before the final loop? I chose the latter. I just wasn't psychologically ready to make a 'race' move with the tough marathon miles still to come. Took a final gel before the turn.

Loop 4.

As she and I made the turn, the small crowd let her know the #1 female was just ahead (which she was well aware of already). I consciously switched to a quicker breathing pattern for this final loop. Somewhere around this time I acknowledged to the woman that I was obviously on her tail but not mentally ready to pass. She seemed OK with that. I didn't want to just freeload on her effort, so I did turn into a bit of a cheerleader/motivator for her and her quest to pass #1. We passed the other woman around mile 22 (and as soon as the pass was made, the other woman took a walk break, which I relayed to my new buddy). After making the far turn in mile 23 and starting for home, I let her know that if we remained in this position, I wouldn't be making the d### move of passing her at the end ...I owed her that. She said that she was tiring though, and so I passed her soon after (saying I'd take the lead heading home). I think the physical/mental effort to take the lead had drained her, and she fell off the pace (finishing 40 seconds behind me). Anyway, I was on my own for the three mile finish. No more worries about HR, which was still relatively low. I used some mantras to hold a solid rhythm and just pushed it in. These were just great miles, and I finished with a spring in my stride.

Oddly, I feel like I might have left time on the table from miles 18-23. My overall HR was definitely lower than in other marathons. I just couldn't believe, though, that I was running so well. I got a lot of positive comments from other runners - some were clearly driven by the mentality of 'wow, you're an old guy but running near the front!' (Ages of the top ten runners: 33, 38, 20, 40, 42, 40, 37, 60, 33F, 37.) But it was nice to hear one "nice form" cheer. I'm super-thrilled to run a PR on the training that I had. So yeah, let's see what happens with a few more focused months. Post-race was tough for 15 minutes, but I recovered pretty well and made the long drive home.

I'll try to post a pic of the medal ...a medal monger's dream-come-true.

 

[MAC_32]

It may not be an option for you juxt, but I think trail running is increasing the useful life of my shoes.

do you use the same shoes on trail as road? Depends on the trail I guess (how many rocks, roots, etc), and your road shoe, but I couldn't imagine running on the trails near work in Mizunos or Zoots (softer sole). Whereas I wouldn't wear my Altras on the road.

I have a rotation, but I also use heavier road shoes, which may explain why I get more mileage out of them. My shoe girl thinks it's part my foot strike too.#1 gets the road/track

#2 primarily gets the trails, but if the roads are bad ill use them instead of the good ones.

#3 is the trail reserve, they usually get used once or twice per week when I go back to back on the trails and I haven't scraped the mud off #2 yet

#4 gets the yak traks, for the especially muddy/snowy days. I'll take them off as needed too.

#5 are yard shoes.

The trails I run on are primarily dirt/mud and roots. All the roots and subtle terrain changes require each stride/step to be different than the one prior though. Different force on the shoe and I think it extends the useful life instead of the same motion on repeat. Just going based on memory, but it don't think i buy more than a pair per year. I probably get 400-500 miles as #1 before they enter the rotation. Just guessing beyond that but I'd say I easily get 300 more before yard work. I just ran 7+ miles in shoes I've had for 5 years yesterday with no issue at all.

 

[Ned]

Metal Saw Texas Marathon Race Report

So now: Do I pass her and keep charging, or lay back for a while before the final loop? I chose the latter. I just wasn't psychologically ready to make a 'race' move with the tough marathon miles still to come.

Awesome job, tri!! This was a very smart decision, IMO. I envy that...

 

[Nigel]

Great report Tri, incredible execution - an absolute clinic in precision and self control. Thanks for sharing, lots to be learned from a guy like you.

 

[worrierking]

Worrierking- You OK? I don't see any runs from you last week on Stava.

Nope, thanks for asking, Jux. Another entry in the worrierking "Oops" list.

I had some minor knee soreness after my last run of my training for Houston. By Tuesday, the knee was badly swollen and sore. The race is in doubt.

I went to the doc and he did not find any instability or signs of cartilage or ligament issues. Most likely it is Patellar-femoral Pain Syndrome, although it could be chondromalachia.

This is the fourth year in a row I have been injured over the holidays, right as I wrap up training for Houston each year. I swore I was going to stop if I felt even the slightest twinge of pain. I didn't feel anything until afterward.

Worrierqueen is unsympathetic (she just had her Meniscus scoped). She says I have a habit of overtraining. I hate it when she is right.

Sorry for dropping out of sight. I have a tendency to disappear when I am not running.

 

[worrierking]

On a lighter note, Congrats Tri-man. Outstanding! You are amazing.

 

[Ned]

worrier. Rest up, GB.

 

[ChiefD]

Great report tri!

Hope you feel better worrier.

 

[Juxtatarot]

That sucks Worrier. You still have almost two weeks to rest though. Hopefully that will be enough.

 

[ChiefD]

Been sick for a week. Finally got out yesterday for a nice 4 miler.

Formal HM training starts in two weeks, but basically decided to start now. The plan is to do the Advanced Higdon HM plan, but a little more aggressive in terms of the mileage. So where he says to do 3, I'll do 5, etc.

Also thinking I may do more faster miles. Still do the long runs based on HR, but on some of the shorter ones during the week maybe push the pace a little more. Essentially, just run, like I used to before I started thinking too much about it.

My goal is 1:45, which is what it seems to always be, but if I've learned anything in the last year I learned I am capable of this and I just need to go for it.

Edit to add:

Looks like I need new shoes. I tend to get about 600 - 650 miles out of mine, and I use the Mizuno Wave Riders. I rarely experience any leg pain (knock on wood), so I think the mileage works for me.

 

[Hang 10]

Nice report, Tri-man! What was the winning time, btw?

Sorry to hear that worrier! That blows.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Metal Saw Texas Marathon Race Report

Pace: 8:06/mile *

HR: 159 avg.

8th of ~320 participants

* A bit of a quandary over my time. Results show 3:28:59. However, my 8:06/mi pace translates to about a 3:32 marathon. I clocked 25.86 miles, and while I was very deliberate about running tangents on the rolling trail, I don't think I was that good with it. Short course? They have a certification number, though. The key is for Boston to accept it. Assuming they do, I move from a 3:43 corral placement to this 3:29 - a 14 minute improvement! Still, I resist saying I ran a sub-3:30, which is an 8:00/mile pace. I think I'll accept some of my tangent-based efficiency and call this a 3:31. The key is that I PR'ed from a 3:33 and blew away my goal. All of this on about 7 weeks of serious training ...great training - intervals (from 400m to 2 mile repeats), tempo (from 3-12 miles), and distance (both a 21 and 22 miler). On to the report:

Great race tri, congrats again! You guys continue to give clinics in how to run the marathon.

As for the distance, I know Boston accepting it is the real question, but I wouldn't sweat it. The best GPS watches are off 2%-5%, which over a marathon can mean 0.5-1.3 miles, so 0.34 miles is pretty much in line with that margin for error.

 

[tri-man 47]

Metal Saw Texas Marathon Race Report

Pace: 8:06/mile *

HR: 159 avg.

8th of ~320 participants

* A bit of a quandary over my time. Results show 3:28:59. However, my 8:06/mi pace translates to about a 3:32 marathon. I clocked 25.86 miles, and while I was very deliberate about running tangents on the rolling trail, I don't think I was that good with it. Short course? They have a certification number, though. The key is for Boston to accept it. Assuming they do, I move from a 3:43 corral placement to this 3:29 - a 14 minute improvement! Still, I resist saying I ran a sub-3:30, which is an 8:00/mile pace. I think I'll accept some of my tangent-based efficiency and call this a 3:31. The key is that I PR'ed from a 3:33 and blew away my goal. All of this on about 7 weeks of serious training ...great training - intervals (from 400m to 2 mile repeats), tempo (from 3-12 miles), and distance (both a 21 and 22 miler). On to the report:

Great race tri, congrats again! You guys continue to give clinics in how to run the marathon.

As for the distance, I know Boston accepting it is the real question, but I wouldn't sweat it. The best GPS watches are off 2%-5%, which over a marathon can mean 0.5-1.3 miles, so 0.34 miles is pretty much in line with that margin for error.

Thanks for the support, guys. And Duck, the report you link is very interesting, particularly the statement that "the accuracy of all devices is better in a straight line than on curves or twisty routes." Given my winding course with seven tight switchbacks, I guess I should just trust their certified course measurement and the time they recorded for me! Sweet!

Hang 10, the winning time was 2:55. Only 40 runners (out of 329) were under 4 hours. Like I said, not too competitive

Worrierking - Let yourself heal and see if you can give it a go. I'd hate to see you miss the race after getting your training back on track!

 

[tri-man 47]

Page 3? I forgot to mention a 'blast from the past' while down in Houston. While our hosts were at the Texans' game on Sunday, mrs. tri and I took a driving tour in the hill country NW of Houston. That got us close enough to College Station, so I left a message for pigskinliquors in case he was around. He didn't get my message until Monday, but he did call and we had a nice chat. We'll try to meet up next time he's around Chicago or if we go back to Houston for another visit. For those that don't know, PSL is a professor down at Texas A&M and a former regular in this thread. He has had a bad hip, though, which limits his running. He has become an active biker and swimmer. (We passed some bikers on the roads south of College Station, and on many Sundays, it very well might have been him!) I assume PSL can still drink and party like in the past. PSL is noteworthy for driving from Texas to Kentucky merely to join the first Bourbon Chase crew for the after-party. A good guy! His daughters are now 14 ('acts like a 13 year old') and 10 ('acts like a 16 year old').

 

[Nigel]

Week five of Marathon training is underway and the first four weeks were all solid. Six runs a week and 41M average over that span. Looking back at my training logs from last year I'm averaging a minute/ mile faster on my long runs than I was then and don't feel like I'm working much harder, very encouraging. Everything feels good but my feet, going to experiment with some different shoes.

Today I led an impromptu hill workout at work with three colleagues. Had a blast, going to make it a weekly thing. One the runners is a 25 yo girl who works for me, played soccer and lax growing up but never ran until the past couple of years. Been following her on Strava and she's been banging out 50 mile weeks just for the heck of it. It's maddening how easy it is for her. She just signed up for a May marathon in VT, no doubt she'll get under 3:30 and BQ. Nice to be young...

 

[Sand]

Page 3? I forgot to mention a 'blast from the past' while down in Houston. While our hosts were at the Texans' game on Sunday, mrs. tri and I took a driving tour in the hill country NW of Houston. That got us close enough to College Station, so I left a message for pigskinliquors in case he was around. He didn't get my message until Monday, but he did call and we had a nice chat. We'll try to meet up next time he's around Chicago or if we go back to Houston for another visit. For those that don't know, PSL is a professor down at Texas A&M and a former regular in this thread. He has had a bad hip, though, which limits his running. He has become an active biker and swimmer. (We passed some bikers on the roads south of College Station, and on many Sundays, it very well might have been him!) I assume PSL can still drink and party like in the past. PSL is noteworthy for driving from Texas to Kentucky merely to join the first Bourbon Chase crew for the after-party. A good guy! His daughters are now 14 ('acts like a 13 year old') and 10 ('acts like a 16 year old').

Cool! Sad he doesn't post here anymore.

 

[Sand]

Week five of Marathon training is underway and the first four weeks were all solid. Six runs a week and 41M average over that span. Looking back at my training logs from last year I'm averaging a minute/ mile faster on my long runs than I was then and don't feel like I'm working much harder, very encouraging. Everything feels good but my feet, going to experiment with some different shoes.

Today I led an impromptu hill workout at work with three colleagues. Had a blast, going to make it a weekly thing. One the runners is a 25 yo girl who works for me, played soccer and lax growing up but never ran until the past couple of years. Been following her on Strava and she's been banging out 50 mile weeks just for the heck of it. It's maddening how easy it is for her. She just signed up for a May marathon in VT, no doubt she'll get under 3:30 and BQ. Nice to be young...

Only words I caught were "25 year old" and 'banging".

 

[ChiefD]

Looking back at my training logs from last year I'm averaging a minute/ mile faster on my long runs than I was then ..

Funny you mention this. I was just looking at this the other day, and my pace on my slow runs is about a full minute faster vs the same time last year. Guess that HR training is paying off.

Now, I only need 5 more years of it to catch you fast some#####es.