Doesn't Get Easier

Boston Marathon

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Member Since:

Aug 10, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

Marathon PR - 3:05 (3:06 at Boston)

Completed a dozen marathons and a handful of 50 mile ultras.

Short-Term Running Goals:

Consistent aerobic and strength training.

Christie Clinic Half Marathon 4/27/24

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 1:35 in half marathon.  Then might consider taking a shot at full marathon again.

Personal:

I started more dedicated running and racing in my thirties.  Eventually I developed symptomatic bradycardia and SVT which required a cardiac pacemaker implant and a cardiac cath ablation.  It has taken a long time to get back to running consistently again.  Counting my blessings and trying to remain more balanced with fitness.

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Miles:This week: 5.12 Month: 74.95 Year: 258.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
16.8026.200.000.0043.00
Asics Bandito Miles: 26.202140 Red Miles: 3.602120 Gray Miles: 11.20
Race: Boston Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:06:45, Place overall: 2171, Place in age division: 1454
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.0026.200.000.0026.20

Not sure what to say, I'm thankful for obtaining my goal of a PR and would have ran a better race if not for a GI issue (lost about 2-3 min, had to wait for the john) and stomach cramps hitting me before Newton.  Thankfully the cramps subsided during the hills, but it was an unnecessary and avoidable mental drag for the remainder of the race.  Due to my own mistakes, the stomach was shut down for business and it felt like I was pushing it even with a few gulps of plain water.  But enough of the would've, could've, and should've stuff.  What an awesome race and one that I respect even more.  It was a blessing to run it, but I don't want to return to it until my game is straight and I improve some more.  After a better analysis I'll report some of the lessons I learned in hopes of helping others.  Right now I'm still in celebration mode!

After some further analysis I realized most ground was lost in the last 10K.  Ever heard that one before?  I ran 6:57 avg. thru 20 miles vs. 7:41 avg. for the last 6.2 miles.  For what’s it’s worth, here are the big three lessons I learned:

- Eat lighter the day before and incorporate more simple carb choices.  I have a nasty habit of munching when I get nervous.  I liken it to “cramming” for an exam so to speak.  Need to maintain focus and realize food is not a solution.

- Don’t try new stuff you didn’t try in training.  I’m embarrassed for admitting this, but I fell into the “new stuff” trap.  Examples include not drinking anything for the first 10 miles, eating a prerace meal (I trained mostly on empty), and drinking Gatorade Endurance.  Not sure why I thought these changes would not be a big deal, but they were.  By the way, plain Gatorade and the Endurance formula are definitely different.  My stomach went bonkers when I drank that stuff.  I’m beginning to think that the carb gels and stuff might not work for me any more.  I forced down two gels and they did little more than cause a tummy protest.

- Work on down hills for Boston.  Plyometrics can be considered.  I haven’t experienced eccentric contractions like those since the negative drops I did in weight training.

So I dropped the ball on nutrition, course specific training (but didn’t hear anybody mention down hill drills), and trying “new stuff”.  When will I ever learn???  That’s what I love about the marathon.

 

Asics Bandito Miles: 26.20
Comments(14)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

REST

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.000.000.000.002.00

Walked 30 min.  Both quads are sore and the right leg is going to be the laggard this time around.

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.600.000.000.003.60

Climbed back on the horse on a warm and sunny day.  Jog 15 min + Walk 10 min + Jog 15 min + Stretching.  Various parts of my right leg are still stiff and sore.

2140 Red Miles: 3.60
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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.850.000.000.004.85

Jog 20 min + Walk 10 min + Jog 20 min

Another warm and sunny day.  The legs are coming back to life.  I've began to wean myself off of my orthotics so I didn't wear them today.  They're literally a crutch I don't think I need anymore thanks to changes I've made in my form and bodyweight.

2120 Gray Miles: 4.85
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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.350.000.000.006.35

Easy run 25 min + Walk 5 min + Easy run 25 min  + Walk 5 min + Stretching

No orthotics again.  Nothing else fancy to report.

2120 Gray Miles: 6.35
Add Comment
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
16.8026.200.000.0043.00
Asics Bandito Miles: 26.202140 Red Miles: 3.602120 Gray Miles: 11.20
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