Back in the saddle?

April 19, 2024

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Location:

Phoenix,AZ,

Member Since:

Jul 23, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Boston Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

5K: 22:15 (January 2005);
10K-48:40 (November 2005)
Half-marathon: 1:50:25 (, March 2006);
Marathon: 3:54:16 (January 2006)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Finish half marathon in January 2010

Run consistently

Lose pregnancy weight + 10 pounds

Long-Term Running Goals:

Complete an Ironman triathlon; run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa (55 miles)
Marathon: sub 3:30
Half marathon: sub 1:40
10K: sub 42 minutes
5K: sub 21 minutes

Find out what my potential is and reach it.

Personal:

I've been running since high school (mid-1990s) and do pretty well when I'm focused on a goal. My main problem is running consistently when I'm NOT training for something specific. I'm an attorney, and I've been married to my husband, also a runner, for 5 1/2 years. We live in Phoenix, Arizona. We had a beautiful baby girl, Caroline, in August 2009.

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00

Sat, Dec 29, 2007

Easy Miles	Marathon Pace Miles	Threshold Miles	VO2 Max Miles	Crosstraining miles	Total Miles
20.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00

My taper has officially begun! It was in the low 30s when I started running at 6:40 this morning. This time I wore pants, a tank top, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a hat. I felt so much better. I started feeling slightly warm at about mile 16, but at that point, heat was the last thing I was worried about! I ran solo again, with my iPod. I feel so much better right now than I did after my last 20-mile run.

Total time was 3:17:22, a 9:52 average. My average pace is almost identical to last time. My mile splits were 10:20, 10:21, 10:15, 10:06, 9:50, 9:54, 10:04, 10:01, 10:04, 10:03, 9:53, 9:52, 9:43, 9:42, 9:42, 9:35, 9:17, 9:41, 9:45, and 9:12.

This drives me crazy! I NEVER run this slowly. After the first mile, I consciously tried to crank up the pace, and I absolutely could not do it until mile 11! Obviously I can run much faster than 10:20, which shows with the last half of the run. My husband and I discussed the possible reasons: I ate immediately before starting my run (no GI issues, but it probably took a while for the energy to reach my muscles), I rolled out of bed and left from my house (no time for my body to wake up), and the cold. If anyone can think of another reason and has any tips, please let me know. I would much rather run a steady pace.

The highlight of my run was my 3rd and final Gu. It was MINT CHOCOLATE!! I bought an entire box. The packaging has green and red decorations, so it's a special "winter" flavor. It is SO GOOD. Snap them up if you can!!!

Because this is my first two-week taper, I would appreciate any tips on how much to reduce my mileage. Also, should I do strides during these two weeks?

Comments

From Jody on Sat, Dec 29, 2007 at 12:46:21

It is frustrating when it seems that you cannot get going. However, your splits are great - much better to get faster during a run than slowing down. Keep up the great work and you will have a great marathon!!

From MichelleL on Sat, Dec 29, 2007 at 13:04:30

I would do a tempo each of the next two weeks at goal marathon pace, and strides on a different day too. I tapered to about 50% mileage for two weeks out and 25% mileage for the week of the marathon. You don't want all of your taper miles easy miles, you want your body to stay in touch with race pace. I wouldn't worry about pace in a long run. The purpose of the long run is to build endurance, not improve speed. I would only worry about speed on hard days.

From Lybi on Mon, Dec 31, 2007 at 11:19:16

Wow Shauna--way to start off your taper with a bang! I'm sure that being warmed up and awake makes a big difference in pace. I can't wait to read your report of PF Changs! Good luck!

From jtshad on Mon, Dec 31, 2007 at 16:19:35

I agree with Michelle on her taper suggestions. I would suggest about 50-60% of your high mileage this week, about 30-35% next week leading up to the race. Definitely get in some speed work (even some short tempo workouts) this week and early next week. This weekend shoot for about and 8-10 miler.

Hope to run with you next week after my family and I come down for the race. Good luck in the marathon. What is your goal?

From Shauna on Fri, Jan 04, 2008 at 14:57:31

Thanks, Jeff. I'm just getting around to writing you back. Hope we can meet up next weekend. I hope to either break 4 hours (if I pace my friend) or set a PR (3:54 or better) in the race. What about you?

FYI: there is a service called the Warm Zone provided by Sole Sports Running (sign up on their website or at the expo, I think) that provides a heated tent, many port-a-potties, free food, free gloves, private bus, etc., before the start. My husband and I did it two years ago when it was $20/person. Now it is $50/person with more amenities. Kind of expensive, but might be worth it. Of course, sub-40 degrees might be nothing to people who don't live in Phoenix!

From jtshad on Mon, Jan 07, 2008 at 10:10:45

I still need to confirm with our friends on our schedule (especially now that my whole family is coming). Saturday morning might work pretty good as that is the day we are planning on hitting the expo. I will be in touch.

My target is 2:35 and am feeling pretty good right now. My backup goals are 2:37, 2:40.

Thanks for the advice on the Warm Zone, I will look into it. My friend is running the half and she might be interested too as she has a hour longer wait that I will have.

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