Sunday, June 14, 2009

Takin' it to the Streets

Temperature 67 degrees. Splits 9:06; 9:39; 9:54; 9:52; 10:25; 10:06; 9:18; 12:10; 9:29; 9:54; 9:25;.52; 1:50:10 total for 11.1 miles; 9:56 per mile pace.

I debated whether or not to take the easy way today and run on the linear trail. I really wanted to dog it and not run on the streets. Then the reality that I'll be running 26.2 miles on November 1st on lots of streets brought me back to reality. If I'm training to run a marathon, I need to train properly. Training properly means not being a wienie, and running 11 miles on the streets. I decided that Garmin and I were going to be best friends today. I mixed up some Hammer Strawberry flavored Heed into 24 oz. of water, and stashed a package of blueberry GU Chomps in my pocket. I left the Heed at home, because if I was "Takin' it to the Streets" (Doobie Brothers: 1976), then I was going to run loops out and back from my home. This strategy proved to be great in theory, and bad in actual running, since the three times I arrived home my bladder decided to act up. So me being anal about my one mile run, one minute walk training program decided to run for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 miles before taking a walk break the last 3 plus miles to make up for my potty breaks. Good, because I averaged less than the 10 minutes per mile pace I was hoping for, and bad because it wore me down quicker and I wasn't as refreshed after my walk breaks as I should have been. Sometime in the next 4 plus months I'm hoping that I will admit to myself that the 4 hour marathon time that I'm training for isn't realistic for the NY City Marathon. I don't think that running with 40,000 other runners through the streets of NY City will allow me to accomplish it. If you live in NY, or have run the NY City Marathon, please correct me if I'm wrong. That being said, my real goals for running the marathon are to raise the required $2600 for Team Autism Speaks, be healthy enough to run the marathon, have fun, have more fun, and complete it in whatever time it takes me, providing I've made my best effort. Assuming all this happens, then no more marathons for me. The time and commitment required to train for a marathon, plus the wear and tear on my 52 year old body are my reasons for saying this. Besides, won't running the NY City Marathon as my last be a great way to end it?

5 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

great job on the run, and I think NYC will be a perfect marathon to be your last one :)

Lisa said...

I have no doubt that you can run the marathon in four hours. However, from experience (my VAST experience of two whole marathons), I will tell you that the better goal is to finish. There are a lot of unknowns, especially when you add 40,000 people into the mix. You would hate to let a time goal spoil the incredible experience that is the NYC Marathon.

That said, there is a lot of time between now and November. Happy running...

Irish Cream said...

I think first and foremost, the number one goal with a marathon should always be to finish. There are so many factors at play on race day, just finishing is a huge accomplishment in and of itself.

That being said, I also agree with Lisa's comment that there's a lot of time between now and November. As training goes on, it will become easier to set a realistic time goal should you choose to do so. But honestly, I don't think a time goal is even necessary in your situation. I think putting the focus on Team Autism Speaks and your fund-raising will make this marathon all the more meaningful! You are doing such a wonderful thing--it would be a shame to let a time goal overshadow your amazing contribution to the charity.

Okay, I'm rambling . . . but basically, just do what feels right to you ;)

Lindsay said...

i was having the same reality show in my head - gotta log the miles now so i am ready in nov! can't keep putting it off until 'next week'...

i have no idea what to expect of the crowd but you know i'll be setting a time goal anyway, lol. not sure what yet, other than my "dream" goal which i know is still a dream at this point (but that's ok).

nyc will be an excellent farewell marathon, but i can't lie, i'd hate for you to stop! i know you'll continue running and racing in shorter distances... right?

Anais said...

Can't wait to watch the next NYC marathon!!! i'll actually have a face to look out for ;)

You should put our songs in your MP3 player! :)