Training Log Archive: ebuckley

Event: Heart of America Marathon
 

Parked at the finish and jogged to the start as a warmup, plus a few minutes more.

Heart of America. Dreadful. At least it was a truly nice day for a long training run, because as a competitive effort this one sucked. Took it out easy and then settled into roughly 7:15's (though the course is so undulating, it's tough to make much sense of mile splits). Got to the half in 96, which is OK for this course, though the conditions were so good I was all the way back in 30th. Figured no big deal, run negative splits pass a bunch of folks who took it out too fast, and all is good. Except that I couldn't even hold the pace much less drop it. Not sure what the problem was (other than the obvious, that I'm fat and slow, but I had already adjusted for that with the easy 1st half pace). Certainly felt fine the first half, but there just wasn't any engine for the second half. Did move up to 22nd, but missed the 50+ win by a frustrating 26 seconds. And, the knee is toast, so I'm not sure any training value will come of it.

Sigh.

Marathon - Splits

Easy jog round Columbia from the hotel to the start, then to the finish. Followed by a walk back to the hotel (not counted in time) to see if it was feasible to leave the car at the hotel for the race. Answer: yes, but not really the most fun use of post-marathon time so I decided I'd drive (and have to carry my car keys; which is what I was trying to avoid.)

Easy jog round the hood. Still fiercely hot.

Restin' up for Monday.

C • Sweet! It not til MONDAY! a... 1

Warmup (though, again, I wasn't really hurting for warmth).

Alpine Shop Trail Series #4. With the 50+ title locked and the marathon looming, I took this one out just a little softer. This week's course ascended the steps and I passed a bunch of folks there. Then cruised it in for 11th overall and the AG win, albeit by a scant 8 seconds to sweep the series.

I was concerned about steps up the cliff messing up my knee because just regular walking up and down stairs seems to be the worst thing for it. In a running stride, it seemed OK. I guess you don't bend your knee as much when you're on your toes. Anyway, as of this writing (5AM next morning), there's no indication that I've hurt myself for Monday.

Quite the haul afterwards. Aside from the usual free food & beer, I got a running hat and a pair of trail shoes as door prizes as well as a really nice Columbia jacket for winning the 50+ series. Sweet.

In to work in the 60. Knee felt OK again. Who knows what's going on there?

Home, mostly in the 60, but with a bit of pace.

In to work on roads. If the weather is like this on Monday, I'll do well to break 3:30. Glad I'm riding home.

C • Marathon? 6

Home, mostly in the 60. My knee was hurting pretty bad at work. Not sure what set it back.