Pool Running is Fun

This was the last tune-up race for Philly and it was just that: a good tune-up. The most important thing was that I competed and raced against guys today and put together a decent performance. 

While technically a PR, I feel I have much greater capability in the 10K than what I ran today. This is not surprising because I am in marathon shape, and fine marathon shape at that. I found it difficult to run much faster than 5:10 in the wind of Haine's point but I feel I could run forever at 5:25 pace. I'm not that tired from the effort. Even at 5:10-15 pace it did not feel hard but my legs were accumulating lactate at a faster rate than I could clear it at the end and they were shot going down the homestretch. I could still feel Wednesday's heavy workout in my legs. It also probably didn't help that I went out so fast (it felt so easy!)

Basically I'm in great marathon shape but my legs aren't all there for the 10K which is ok since the marathon is the main goal. I'll have time to attack the short races and add additional VO2 and speed training to a lighter mileage load during the winter/spring and it's going to be a lot of fun not having to put all my eggs in the marathon basket. 

Results

AM: 7 easy + standard core routine, stretch, foam rolling

PM: 7 easy

couldn't sleep last night until after midnight. I'm all wound up with stress from buying a new car last night and I have plenty to do today to make sure I have my finances/insurance/etc arranged. I couldn't get out of bed until later so could only get 7 in.

AM: 2.5 WU 400, 800, 1200, 1200, 400  2 CD

PM: off. too exhausted and not feeling well

Had to cut the workout short since I am not feeling recovered well. This is because I barely slept the last two nights worrying about my new car, saving money, and getting my student loans paid off. My legs did not feel well. On top of this I'm alone at work and under more stress.  I need to chill, relax, and recover soon because the marathon is looming.

AM: 9 easy + alternate core routine, stretch, foam rolling.

PM: 5 easy

finally a relaxing stress relieving run this morning.

AM: 7 easy + standard core routine, stretch, foam rolling

PM: 5 easy

AM: 2.6 WU 5K tempo 2 CD  (5:28, 5:18, 5:12, 38 = 16:36)

Did not crush the tempo since it makes no sense to do so. I have no short races coming up and only the marathon to worry about and I won't be going any faster than 5:25-5:40 pace the whole time there. Taper is proceeding alright but I hate marathon tapering. In fact, I don't care much for the marathon but I'm going to destroy this race once and for all.

AM: 10 easy

Drove up to Carderock for a lovely fall run by Great Falls. It's nice to get awAy from the city. Taper is proceeding as planned. My easy pace is faster with no change in effort level