Every Run is a Great Run!

You are in so much better shape than you are giving yourself credit for. Your plan looks solid. If you are bored, you can check out this weighted pace calculator for SGM and compare the two: http://www.xmission.com/~abx3/sgm_pace.php

Andy thanks for the encouragement and the link to the Zimmerman calculator. I've seen this one before but wasn't sure where to find so good to have this for comparison.

Comparing the 2 pacings, this matches what I remember about the Zimmerman pacing being a bit more even than the course tool (i.e. faster on the uphills, slower on the downhills). I know some people prefer running this way especially runners that are good uphill runners.

I on the other hand seem to do much better on the downhill and I tend to like to charge the downs a bit more than most runners, but also take it easy on the uphills.

I just posted my data in the sub-3 discussion forum but maybe I'll go and post Zimmerman as well.

Looks like a good plan, Tom! I also tend to charge the downhills a little more, so the Zimmerman pacing never worked very well for me. As far as the HR monitor, I think you're taking the right approach. I just used it to collect data for a few races before using it to adjust my pace. I've noticed that during the marathon my HR would jump up suddenly and stay fairly high without any feelings of distress. I learned that I needed to bring it back down right away or really suffer at the end.

Tom, Thanks for the table, it looks like a good guideline, and saves me having to generate one :).

I agree with Andy that you are in much better shape than you might believe. I also relate to feeling like I struggle relatively speaking when running on anything not downhill.

I've also decided not to wear my heartrate monitor at SGM. In the past I've relied too much on them and freaked out when my heartrate elevated, especially on uphills.

Tom, looks like a good plan. I agree with the others that you are in great shape and seems like the ing aches and pains are getting better so hopefully race day you will feel great and hit that Gold goal!

I like your new goals! I think it's good to be realistic, which we are both having to do right now. But the thing is....I believe you are going to reach a gold plus! I just feel it in my bones! (and you know when I feel it in my bones it is truth!) I think you are going to have a much better experience than you have been anticipating! Only 9 more days till we find out.....it's coming so fast...and... yet....so.....s..l..o..w.....

I like your plan, too, Tom. I have used the Zimmerman pacing chart before as well, and he seems to have a good formula developed specifically for SGM. I'm with you on the uphills - I plan to take Veyo and Dammeron Valley easier than indicated on his chart - probably closer to 8:00 pace on those two. I will probably be about a minute or two behind you at the half - I think I am going to try to hang with Paul and shoot for right around a 1:32 for the first half, and try to negative split. I am sure you will do well.

Looks like there are a lot of runners trying to break the great 3 hour mark. It sounds like a lot of fun running with this group and I plan on running with the group until I cramp up and have to slow down.