Kent, Wayne, Kevin and I started at 6:00am at the top of South Fork and ran the "10 fast miles" down to the mouth of the canyon. It was still pre-dawn, but we enjoyed the light from the big full moon overhead. In past years we've pushed hard on this run, as fast as averaging 7:00/mi, even though it is only a week out from the marathon. This year we decided to back off. At least that was the plan. We started off at an 8:00/mi pace, but by mile three the downhill had enticed us down to 7:32/mi, and then down to 7:02/mi for mile 4. I finally just decided to try to hold that effort to the end. I ran a little ahead of the others for most of the rest of the way. Wayne and Kevin made pit stops and fell back, but every once in a while I could hear Kent not far behind. The last mile he pushed past me. My mile splits were: 8:07, 7:49, 7:32, 7:02, 7:17, 7:25, 7:04, 7:28, 7:45, and 7:21. Avg pace: 7:29/mi. There is no way I could have continued for another 16.2 miles at that effort. It was definitely faster than marathon pace effort. I know tapering, altitude, and race day magic will help on race day, but it also looks to be hot this year. I think I'll back off to 7:45 pace at the start and see how I feel after Veyo hill and Dammeron Valley. I hope to be able to keep up with Wayne and Kent to at least this point.
I still think last year's 3:18 would be a real stretch for me this year. I suspect I'll be closer to 3:30. I just hope I can keep the wheels on to at least pull out a BQ of 3:35. It will also be interesting to see how I come out relative to Wayne and Kent. They have both been out training me this year. It will be an achievement if I manage to finish ahead of either of them. One thing is sure...every race...especially marathons...is an adventure!
| 