Tuesday, November 17, 2009

(Long) Overdue Running Update!

So what have I been up to running-wise the last month and a half? After the half marathon I switched gears and jumped back into marathon training. Since it worked so well the last time, I decided to stick with the same Runner's World plan I used for the San Francisco Marathon.

I did re-input the numbers so that the goal pace for all the runs was tweaked, but the mileage and workouts are all the same this time around as the last time. If you take a look back here, I am currently on Week 10 and just finished up the Tuesday run (today's stats: 10 miles, including 7 miles at an 8:58 pace).

So two things...

One, I am in peak week for CIM training. How that happened, I have no idea because the training this time around has been flying by so fast! I guess that is a great thing because I am finding myself much less mentally exhausted this time around than I was during San Francisco Marathon training.

Two, I am finding myself running these training runs at paces which are incredible for me. About 3 weeks ago something really clicked and my pace for all types of runs dropped dramatically. As a comparison, today's run the last training cycle was done with the 7 mile pick up at a 9:29 pace. The last few times I've gone out I actually wondered if Garmin was broken and was playing some cruel trick on me.

I don't know if anyone ever looks at the sidebar -->

For a few weeks my biggish news has been plainly posted there. I scheduled a trip home to Hawaii in early December. I figured I'd beat the expensive holiday plane prices by going home before Christmas. A few days after I booked my ticket I thought maybe there might be a nice 10K I could run for fun while I was home. Lo and behold, I found out I was going to be home for the Honolulu Marathon.

So against all injury prevention wisdom, I'll be running back-to-back marathons. It actually worked out pretty well. I never really had much interest to run Honolulu. A lot of family members back home kept asking if I was going to do that race. I always said it was on my long list of things to do. There is something about running 26.2 miles in Hawaii's heat & humidity which is just not appealing to me. I could never imagine training for months knowing it would be a lackluster performance on (what I consider to be) a pretty drab course.

But since I'll be "fresh" off of CIM there is no additional training required! Honolulu also gives discounted rates for Hawaii residents. I had my parents' addy for a mailing address and my passport still says "Honolulu" in it, so I registered at a reduced rate, too (I missed the dirt cheap price.... My friend back home once told me it only cost $35 for Hawaii residents. I ended up paying a fair bit more than that). I am hoping to slam down a PR at CIM so will probably be pretty beat up for Honolulu. But even if I have to walk the last 10 miles I figure I'll carry my camera and have a fun time with the race.

So that is the news in a nutshell. I apologize for the long running silence. I'll try to keep up better!

The above was taken after my recent 20 miler the week before last. Michael B. and I share a love of Goldfish crackers and I brought my 2 lb. carton along for the ice bath ride. Yes, it long gone. And yes, after seeing this photo I'm planning on buying another one tomorrow :)

11 comments:

Hef's Mom said...

Now i'm planning to buy goldfish crackers as well. I am always amazed by your running stats. I can barely run the whole block! I'm trying to work on it though.

Michael B said...

a tasty pic, my friend. congrats on signing up for honolulu...and going for the back to back! happy crunching.

Marlene said...

Ohhhh exciting news!! Hopefully Honolulu will turn out to be a great victory lap after your big PR at CIM!

Mica said...

That's great you're going to run Honolulu! (Even if the terrain and climate sound wholly unappealing.)

It's also great that you're running speedier times since you last blogged about running.

I want Goldfish crackers right now. Mmm, salty goodness!

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

It sounds like you've got some fun events on your calendar! I hope you take lots of pictures on the Honolulu course. Just take it easy and enjoy - you won't get hurt.

Aron said...

ohhh honolulu too!! you are one crazy girl :) loooove it! CIM is going to be a blast - PRs for everyone!

so i bought that huge box of goldfish for my friend to have during her get ready day of her wedding at her request. well i left it at home, so now i have become addicted to eating goldfish :) haha soooo good!

cody@codywestheimer.com said...

I love goldfish crackers too! :)

Marathon Maritza said...

back-to-back! Whoo! How fun! Just definitely take it easy on that second one and you should be just fine.

Can't wait to see you at CIM!

Alisa said...

Yum yum gold fishes! I haven't had them in ages but I should!

Drab course...haha...only a Hawaiian could ever say that and get away with it. Enjoy the heat and humidity...maybe bring some back for me?!?!

You are rockin' your runs lately...whoa...speedster! I really really need to work on pace runs. I think I just get too worked up that I won't be able to hold a certain pace that I hold back or get too anxious. I have issues! I need to commit to a RW type plan and just suck it up. =) Thanks for letting me pep talk in this comment.

Looking forward to hearing all about your awesome CIM race!

RG said...

Holy cow ... you are becoming down right inspirational!!! It'll be fun to say we knew you when you were just a slug!

Train for marathon ... eat whatever!!!!

Geeze that looks cold ... don't your feet get numb?

Runner Leana said...

Back to back marathons - that qualifies you for rock start status! (And marathon maniac status too, eh??) So glad to hear that your training is going so well. Keep up the great work!!!

:)