WINTER/SPRING MARATHON TRAINING UPDATE November 28

bump

My training has been really weak as I finally caught my kids' colds (my poor kids; they've had one cold or another for almost two months now).

I was able to get in an 18 mile long run last week. I finished the last 6 in sub 6:30 and the last hard mile right at 6:00. Tired initially but legs felt recovered by lunch.

I'm planning to run a 2:45 at Houston. I think this is achievable given the times I've been running lately during training. I don't think twice about running 6:15-6:20s for 12 miles. That pace feels really comfortable right now.

I did 8X800 at 2:40 pretty easily a few weeks back as well. So that pacing felt fine as well. Now, I just need to put in the long miles.

I will add that I have been moving towards running all my faster and longer stuff in flats. My Streak XC/T4s/Brooks Mach 6.0 all feel great. I had huge reservations about doing so initially, but my legs/feet just feel fantastic. I initially was going to run out the two pair of Radius (I guess it should be Radii), but I can't/won't put them on for a run. They are so rigid and heavy. Running in them feels like drudgery.

The minimalist stuff rages on these pages, and I don't believe it's for everyone. I can certainly say though that they work very well for me.

I'm shooting for 2:40-2:45 for Boston in April. Hopefully the temperatures will be cooler for a change. I think I'm also gonna enter Vermont City which is 6 weeks after Boston.

Hit 50 miles last week with a 12 miler on Monday. Was supposed to get 10 in on Thursday at a Turkey Trot but the weather fouled it up. Ran some 400's at 10k pace on Saturday. Feeling pretty strong at this point of the year. Hopefully can build off the summer miles and redeem myself for Chicago.

Hope everyone has a good week.

I managed to get over a brief achilles scare a couple weeks back quite nicely, and I think the rest from a couple days off did me some good. Felt fresh and springy all week last week. Tuesday I did 2400 + 3 x 1600 at a little slower than 10k pace, and then an easy aerobic work session on Saturday, with about 67-8 miles on the week.

Have a great week, everyone!

I've just started my buildup towards Austin in February.

I ran 65 last week including a 17 mile run and a crappy 5K on icy roads.

I did manage a 14x200 workout on the track the day before the snow arrived.

I think most of my speed workouts will have to move to the treadmill for the winter.

Running Austin in Feb (12 weeks out)

Goal: 2:34

Ran 65 for the week with a 20 miler and 14 miler but lost a day midweek. Not a bad week, and had the Seattle 1/2 on Sunday, running 1:15:13 on a moderately hilly course. The uphills in the second half weren't as bad as the downhills (my calves are screaming at me!). Wasn't an all-out effort; felt controlled for the most part.

Notwithstanding, using your flats for the longer, faster stuff is a good call. If you expect to race in them it only makes sense. My long and fast stuff is in my cubato's, a little sore the next day but not too bad.

phanson wrote:Notwithstanding, using your flats for the longer, faster stuff is a good call.