Qualify for Boston (4:05 for my age/gender) - or, perhaps, to use my desire for a BQ as a way to get in the hated speed work so I don't just get slower and slower over the years. This goal is "under (re)construction" right now, until I figure out whether it is truly what I want. :)
Long-Term Running Goals:
To continue learning about myself and about running, and to enjoy being a fit, happy runner for life. To always know why I am running and the best way to get the most (both mentally and physically) out of my runs. To keep a sense of humor and remain optimistic about myself as a runner. To enjoy running more and more with every passing year.
Personal:
Baby boomer generation. Jogged a little in my 20's and 30's. Started running seriously in 2002. Low-carb runner since January 2010.
I love long runs and cold, cloudy weather. I don't believe in "junk miles." I am an optimist. I adore dark chocolate, fog, my family, and knitting -- not necessarily in that order.
"As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." -- Joan Benoit Samuelson
54F, raining in 1st couple of miles, light fog. Easy pace run with hill fartleks (thanks, Dale, for the term).
I'm calling this "an early fall," and I love it!!!!!
Asics Piranha Miles: 4.62
Comments
From Dale on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 12:18:58 from 69.10.215.11
Your welcome. Hope you're doing some downhill training for Winthrop. My quads started quivering when I looked at the profile. Those steeper downhills early on will lull you in and wreck your quads if you're not careful (and trained)! But that course does look like it has the potential to be pretty fast.
I'd look at doing at least a couple of downhill sessions, and maybe a long run or two where you pound some downhills early, then hit some flatter portions with some minor uphills for the remainder to mimic the course.
Sorry, didn't mean to preach (who am I to preach?), but the White River downhill from SunTop reminded me what long downhills could do to you, even when somewhat prepared.
From Snoqualmie on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 13:09:42 from 24.18.192.33
Preach away, brother! I need all the help I can get!
I have so many hills on my daily runs, but they are relatively short. Just the same, I've been picking up my speed every time I get to one, trying to focus on a smooth, relaxed and efficient stride, with high foot turnover for less pounding. On Saturday, I'll do MP down the Leg Builder Hill (2 miles) after a 1-2 mile warm up, and then go about 19 miles total for my long run. But that means I also have to come UP the hill! lol
In general, I believe I am a good downhill runner, because I have relatively short legs and a low center of gravity, and because I am not a heel striker at all. I am especially looking forward to the beauty of the course, the relative sollitude (for a marathon) and the vacation from cooking!! ;)
From Dale on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 13:21:52 from 69.10.215.11
It does look/sound like a really nice course.
MP or MP-effort on the downhill? I think I'd go a bit overboard in one or 2 training runs on the downhill for a couple of reasons. First, your LBH (I think I know LBH from the races I've run up there) is shorter and steeper versus the longer gentler downhill of the marathon. Over-condition the quads to take more pounding, so when you get to the race even though its longer the quads will thing its nothing. Second, you'll probably want to bank some time given the course profile for Winthrop. Not too much, mind you, but enough so the little hills and flats at the end don't rob you of a BQ. Heck, if you do 2 long runs using that profile, I might go MP-effort on the first and HMP-effort on the second for the downhill, and then try blasting the uphill with whatever you have left on both runs. That kind of conditioning (physical, mental) does wonders (as long as you expect the remaining section's pace to suffer, especially at the end. Oh, you'll suffer too!).
Just my 3.5 cents.
From Snoqualmie on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 14:23:35 from 24.18.192.33
LB Hill is about 2 miles long and drops approximately 450 feet, though not evenly. I could do HMP on it. Thanks for the suggestion.
"Suffer at the end" -- that's way it goes! That's the constant. The only time I did not was at Yakima River Canyon one year when I was pacing a friend and shooting for 5 hours with her. I didn't even need more than 1 day recovery. Ha!
From DaveL on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 15:52:32 from 209.206.250.53
Ha ha! I still can't bring myself to use that term!
From SnoFlake on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 at 20:30:26 from 24.18.192.33
I love this weather, too... great for running AND horseback riding!
From Barb on Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 10:39:00 from 81.85.252.242
Boy, looks like the Winthrop marathon will be way up north in the middle of nowhere! Sounds blissful!
From Snoqualmie on Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 11:04:18 from 24.18.192.33
Yes indeed! Did you click on the photos page? I am so looking forward to this. One thing I love is Ponderosa Pines, which don't grow well this side of the Cascade Mtns. I'll see plenty of those! :D
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