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March 24, 2006
Good Advice for Every Runner
I have been stewing in nervousness the past couple of days. I am on Spring Break (well, not really - the work never ceases), and all I have done is think about the marathon. I dream about the marathon too. Last night my dog woke me up at 2AM - I was at mile 24 of the Boston Marathon. I wish I could tell you how I finished, but I never made it back into the race once I fell asleep again.
I found out my bib # and that has made this entire experience suddenly very real. I emailed Tom from GBTC and he sent back the following words of wisdom:
Present yourself to the starting line as fit as possible, then stop thinking and run.
Go ahead and go out fast. It is wicked downhill so go as fast as you'd like. Then slow down a lot on the first uphill. Thereafter yield to all the uphills. Let it roll on all the downhills.
Read the 1990 chapter. Bordin won because he did not race the crazy guys up every dinky hill.
Steady effort is important not steady pace.
Do not constantly use your watch to get even splits.
Do not have a time goal except as a lie to shut up people who ask you such a stupid question.
You are going to get what your fitness and the day give you.
It is what it is and you can neither succeed nor fail.
Once the training is done;
just go along for the ride.
I don't think I could say it any better than Tom has already said it . . . I am going to read his email everyday for the next three weeks!
On the running front, things are going well. I did 12 miles yesterday with 3x2.5 @ 6:40-6:53 pace. I was dead on 6:53 pace for the first two sets and finally cruised to 6:35-6:45 on the last set. I felt a little more fatigued than usual, but I think that is to be expected. I have never been a high mileage runner - mid 50s - 60s is pretty high for me. It will be interesting to see if this consistency pays off =) I sure hope it does.
I ran easy this morning, and I am going to the gym in an hour to do some strength work. I have been doing strength work the past few weeks, twice a week, an hour each time. I can already feel the difference in my upper body strength and core stability. My glute is getting stronger too. It's about 85% right now.
I am planning to run 22 miles on Saturday, but I am going to move at a much more relaxed pace for most of the run than I did last week!
Happy Running =)
Posted by bridget at March 24, 2006 12:14 PM
Comments
I have enjoyed reading your postings leading up to the Boston Marathon. Your dedication and motivation are inspiring. My most recent marathon was in 2002 and I didn't think I was going to run another one, but reading running blogs such as yours has got me seriously considering another one this fall. Keep sharing the positive thoughts, and best of luck!
Posted by: Jodi at March 24, 2006 02:18 PM
Tough workout, great job!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Meghan at March 24, 2006 09:16 PM
thanks for the advice; will think about tomorrow at Rome marathon. Bests, corrado
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at March 25, 2006 05:38 AM
Wow -- that IS awesome advice. Thanks for sharing. :)
Enjoy the 22 miler. Where are you going to do it?
Posted by: alweiss at March 25, 2006 09:28 AM
"Present yourself to the starting line as fit as possible, then stop thinking and run.
Do not have a time goal except as a lie to shut up people who ask you such a stupid question. "
Great advice!
I love reading your blog because you show such passion for so many things (family, friends, running...). Good luck with the last bits of Boston training.
Posted by: Paige at March 25, 2006 10:30 AM
What great advice! If only we could just go out there and run without thinking about it. Go out and have fun at Boston, don't worry about anything!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at March 26, 2006 07:39 PM