I met with the group at Bingham. For one brief moment I was tempted to bag the workout and just go to breakfast or something, but the group kept me focused. We went to Rustic Roads and ran 3x1 mile repeats. My times were 8:43, 8:14, and 8:17. We then ran two 2-minute fast runs. It felt good. Later on in the day I felt so good that I put in 3 more miles on my treadmill. I think that may be it for me, no more running until the big marathon. We'll see if I can stick with that plan, I'll probably give in and run a little on one of the days. Nothing I do now will probably make a difference, so I think rest would be the way to go. On the other hand... I can't decide what to do! Hopefully I can stick to my rest plan.
So what time do I think I will get in the marathon? Last year I ran it in 3:35. Nothing I've done this year indicates that I will match that time. Every race, every workout, pretty much everything, has been slower this year. It all started in March when I got a bad case of sciatica, and it has taken me forever to overcome that. The only thing I have this year that I didn't have last year is a lot stronger base. Last year the longest I ever ran was the half marathon distance. This year I've put in a few runs longer than that, plus overall my weekly mileage has been a lot more this year than last. However, all that mileage has not thus far translated into faster times. So, for this Saturday, I think it's unrealistic that I'll be below 3:40, unless all the stars and whatever align, so I'll have to be content with somewhere between 3:40 and 3:45. If I'm slower than 3:45 I'll be somewhat disappointed, but not too much because there's always next year!
As for my fellow BBK members, you guys will be awesome! Everyone is running so strong, I expect to see some great PR's. Good luck to everyone. |