Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Race Decisions

I don't know if anyone but me pays much attention to the sidebar of the blog on the right.  I only add races to the sidebar when I've actually registered.  I pretty much have the entire 2012 year planned out, but I'll save the big reveals for much later.

As far as races I've recently signed up for:

  • Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2012:  I was sent a wicked coupon code which made the price of this race a good deal (RnR events are notoriously expensive).  Can't say I ever had a desire to do this race so it was a total spontaneous move.  I went from not even thinking of this race to being registered in a matter of 30 minutes.  I coerced a handful of friends to sign up, too, so it should be a fun trip.  I love Seattle and can't wait to go back for another visit.  I am willing to strike this off the docket if things don't work out, but I'm hoping they will.
  • Big Sur Marathon 2012:  I consider this race to be the marathon I plan to run every year for the rest of my marathon running life.  So I bit the bullet and signed up on opening day.
  • ET 51K:  A slight change of plans happened.  I got cajoled into upgrading from the marathon distance to the 51K distance.  It wasn't like they had to twist my arm too much, though, for a few reasons.  First off, I'm flying out to Nevada for this race. The bigger of an event I can make it the better.  Two, it is a road 51K.  Road ultras are pretty rare and being a total trail weenie this may be one of my few shots to get an ultramarathon finished.  Three, the race is run near Area 51. To do a 51K out there appeals to the number geek in me.
In order to make room in my running schedule for a 51K I have slightly readjusted my goals for Half Moon Bay.  I was leaning more and more towards going for a PR at Half Moon Bay.  My paces have been consistently faster for all types of runs in this training cycle versus my Texas training cycle.  So I feel as if I probably have a good marathon in me if I can keep it up.  However, I don't want to force myself to do too much too soon after the 51K.  I want to have the option to lay low a week or two to recover.  I am not planning on setting any speed records at ET, but I'm sure the endeavour will set me back a bit.

Two Cities was always on my radar as a PR attempt (November 6th) so I've decided to declare that my next A-race.  I will be setting a semi-aggressive time goal for Half Moon Bay and who knows?  Maybe my legs will bounce back and I'll decide to go for it.  But I needed to free myself of that idea to make the 51K palatable.

So yeah, I'm going to do my first ultramarathon in 2.5 weeks!  Uhh...


I was asked what training plan I use.  I've been using a plan that Runner's World Smart Coach spit out for me back in 2009.  It has me running only 4 days a week which has kept my injuries down (I struggle, even now, with a few chronic issues).  Even though I'm only running 4 days a week, there are no low mileage days. As you can see I run a fairly moderately long distance every time out plus a long run.  Recently, I think Smart Coach retooled as I can't get the same plan to come out inputting the same info I usually do. I can try to get a post up showing the whole plan soon.

Oh, and yes, those shorts from my 20 miler are from Lulu (speed shorts).  I love them!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe this time I'll see you at Big Sur! I'm doing the 9 mile.

Becka said...

I didn't do anything different training wise for my first 50k than I did for my first marathon.

Kristen said...

Big Sur is our race!!

2.5 weeks!! I know you will rock it!

Angela said...

Awesome! I wish I could plan races that far out in advance! I always worry about big, unforeseen life things coming up & causing me to have to choose between that & forfeiting my race fee. :P

Good luck with the ultra! That race looks like a ton of fun.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

eeee. an ultra!! that's so exciting. and crazy. and crazy exciting :) i'm interested to see how you like the longer distance. and i can't wait to see the medal!

Alisa said...

WOOOOOOOO HOOO on the ultra! You're in amazing shape and I know you can do it!

RG said...

That 51K will just be a loooooong run tune up for the Half Moon Bay Marathon!

Rachel said...

i like the new schedule! seattle rnr was my first marathon actually, so it holds a special place in my heart. as far as races go, it's pretty fun, too! i was planning on doing big sur in'12 as well, but not sure if it will fit into ironman training...but i've been wanting to do it for years! as for the 50k i think it's an awesome idea! the race is such a fun and unique one, and honestly 50k is not too different from a marathon. can't wait to hear about your e.t. experience!

Courtney (Pancakes and Postcards) said...

That's so exciting! A 51K!! So excited.

I'll be at Big Sur every year for forever, too. I'm glad we share that passion :)

Marlene said...

I think I'd need to find a road ultra if I was ever going to do one. Sounds like a good choice, you crazy chick!!!

naomi said...

I am so excited for your ultra race! And I think you'll really like Seattle. I have it on my radar.