Yeah, I'll just go out in 6:30 and see how it goes. I don't think I'll go with the walking breaks though. I was thinking of pouring water over my head at every water station. Afterall, I never get hot swimming. Hopefully I'll be safe with a sub 3hr qualifying time.
Speaking from experience, if the weather is indeed going to be what you predict, then yes get ready for a tough last 10 miles. The guy talking about dew point was right- that is the ultimate indication of how difficult those conditions will be. However, if you've got your heart set on the race, then you need to practice drinking during your runs these last couple of weeks to figure out how well your body handles the extra fluids WHILE RUNNING. Obviously hydrate like crazy the 5 or so days leading up to the race.
In terms of pace, it should be fairly obvious:
forget about your ideal goal time of low 2:40s. Set out at 2:50 pace and see how long you can hold it. If it feels like you're starting to labor to keep 2:50 pace by 10 or so miles, then re-adjust and start running your Boston pace. I'm assuming you just need a sub 3:05 or so, which should be cake if you're legitimately in low 2:40s shape.
Good luck. And view it as a challenge, not an obstacle.
August marathon and you're concerned about the weather, eh? Not sure how that one slipped past you at registration.
Sorry, but who said I am suprised by this? Nice try though. I'm just seeking some advice as we get closer. Other posters are suggesting I skip it, but obviously that won't happen because I WAS expecting these conditions. I never considered this. I was hoping to get luck and end up with cooler weather, but I wasn't expecting it.
Also, I don't think I said my goal was low 2:40s. I think I made it clear that I'm in low 2:40s shape (on a good day), but that I was shooting for a BQ only. I never expected to run low 2:40s in this race. People are so quick to criticize they don't even bother reading carefully.
So...I have this marathon coming up and it's going to be hot. Since I've trained for 4 months and got that part figure out, do people have advice about how to best approach race day based on the forecast? This is not that complicated.
Thanks to those of you who actually got the point though.
Here is a piece from this month's Runners World which you may find interesting/helpful. It is a story about a runner from LI running the Hottest Half in Texas. He is followed by a hydration specialist and discusses his approach to handle the heat.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-238-267-269-14027-0,00.html
Dude, you could WALK a marathon in less than 2 weeks. That's not even 2 miles a day. Good Luck.
Someone can't read past the title (editorial staff). Don't worry buddy, in a couple years you'll be reading whole books if you keep up the hard work.
Thanks Jeff.
[quote]OP wrote:
Sorry, but who said I am suprised by this? Nice try though. I'm just seeking some advice as we get closer. Other posters are suggesting I skip it, but obviously that won't happen because I WAS expecting these conditions. I never considered this. I was hoping to get luck and end up with cooler weather, but I wasn't expecting it.
Also, I don't think I said my goal was low 2:40s. I think I made it clear that I'm in low 2:40s shape (on a good day), but that I was shooting for a BQ only. I never expected to run low 2:40s in this race. People are so quick to criticize they don't even bother reading carefully.
So...I have this marathon coming up and it's going to be hot. Since I've trained for 4 months and got that part figure out, do people have advice about how to best approach race day based on the forecast? This is not that complicated."
Um, what are you still wondering about? You've already got your answers:
-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate during the week before. -Practice drinking a lot of fluids during your upcoming runs to see how much you can handle during your run.
-see how easy/hard 2:50 pace feels through 10-13 miles. If it's manageable, then keep it up for as long as you can. If it feels like you're beginning to labor, then back off and you should still be able to break 3 fairly easily. Assuming you really are in low 2:40s shape.
Dew point was 80 here tonight. Try running in that!
Due some heat acclimatization: shift workouts to the hot time of day, or wear clothes to simulate the increased heat /humidity.
2 weeks of this is ideal for physiological changes but even 1week will help increase your blood plasma volume, improve vascularity near your skin (to radiate heat), you'll start sweating at a lower body temp, you'll sweat more, and you'll lose less electrolytes in the sweat.
Some pros wear ice vests just prior to the start; try eating a Popsicle just before a run and iceing your head/neck