My, oh my. Time does fly.Admittedly, I have been a touch negligent in keeping this blog updated with fresh content about my life and times. Shame on me.
In my defense, I've found it challenging to think of a worthy follow up to my jumping out of an airplane. Really... Where does one go after that?
I began by re-reading some of my recent posts and realized that it has been over a month since I have posted anything about running. Eureka! I've found some subject matter.
I'm in my 8th week of marathon training and things are going well. I've been fortunate and have not experienced the debilitating plantar fasciitis that crippled me for three key training weeks last year. I have been able to get in all of my long runs - including a couple of 16+ milers.
It's my speed, or more aptly put, lack of speed that's troubling. It happens every time my mileage ramps up. The higher my weekly mileage the slower I seem to go - even during my races, tempo runs and interval sessions my 'fast' is noticeably absent.
In terms of fitness I am in better shape today than I was just a few months ago. Yet I struggle running an easy 5-7 miles at my marathon goal pace of 8:00/mile. As a point of reference I ran a 10K in late May at a 6:48/mile pace. Right now it would be nothing short of a miracle to run a 5K at that pace.
Frustrated, I went out early on Monday morning and did some speed work - 4 x 1 mile repeats. I didn't break any records out there by I did manage to run some decent splits:
- Mile 1 - 6:16
- Mile 2 - 6:19
- Mile 3 - 6:20
- Mile 4 - 6:23
So where is my 'fast'? I am not too sure but I hope to find it this Sunday on my way from Central Park to Battery Park. I'll be sure to let you know...
PS - Congratulations to all that ran so well at the Team Championships 5 Miler! For me, the race was the middle 5 miles of a 16 mile morning. The NYRR photographers did happen to get a good photo of me... Looky, looky... I'm famous! (third row from the bottom - far right column - in the Hellgate singlet)
12 comments:
It sounds to me like you're not giving yourself enough credit.
I'm no expert but be careful increasing mileage and speed at the same time. I'm sure you know this, but you don't want to get injured by doing too much.
the speed will be there when you need it - don't worry
nice photo ;-)
I read your description of how to find your picture in that running page...
For a minute there, I was thinking, "Man, I remember him looking less Asian at Cabe's wedding."
It was only after some deep reflection that realized I was looking at the wrong photo.
hi there- thanx for stopping by! You ARE a FAST runner! and how cool you are from nyc! I'll be running the nyc half this weekend, too. Good luck - I'm sure you'll make a great time. As for me - I want to break the 1:50.
hmm, I have yet to meet my "fast". Good luck at the HM!
Don't get discouraged about your deceptively slower pace. It's pretty common for your speed to decrease as your mileage increases, and for 5-mile runs to seem as draining as 16-mile runs. With a proper taper, your "fast" will return just in time for the race. I agree with justrun: be careful about pushing yourself too hard with speed training when you are putting in high-mileage weeks. You risk injury and/or burn out. That said, you do what you think you gotta do. See you in Astoria Park!
hey man - good to see you again at the club champs! I'll be at the NYC 1/2 on Sunday too and I think we are in the second blue corral start since we run pretty similar times. Awesome, i'll have someone to pace with!
Stay injury free and cya sunday
It was great to meet you out there, and nice little cameo on the NYRR site. Have fun at the race this weekend -- I'll be interested to hear how it goes.
hurrah - you're back. I missed you. And tell Kate to post soon too!
don't know what to tell you about the 'fast', but I would say patience is key. what mileage are you up to now?
which marathon are you doing next? NY?
"Decent splits?" I'd say those are pretty damn good splits!! :-)
nice to have a little claim to fame on NYRR site...the bloggers ruled the world that day :-D (and the picture did come out well!)
i agree with what others said...the speed will be there when you need it...plus the heat has done a number on times. fall is right around the corner...i'm sure we'll see the times dropping then :)
good luck at the half tomorrow!! maybe i'll c-ya then.
Oi with vacation and the whole nine yards I totally have been out of the blogosphere the past few weeks! Congrats on being famous on the NYRR site as well:) There were some good looking bloggers, no?
Post a Comment