After my unspectacular effort at the Sayville Run to the Brewery, I came to a conclusion. Despite my twice weekly speed workouts, I did not really get any faster. On paper, I PR'd, but in reality my pace was actually slower than the previous ten miler I ran in the spring of 2013. That race, the Long Beach Mayor's Trophy Race was measured incorrectly. It wound up being 10.118 miles which may not seem like much of a difference, but my pace was actually slightly faster than this past weekend's race (7:54 vs. 7:57). I maintained my speed, but I did not improve upon it. The conclusion I came to was low mileage. Leading up to the race, I was alternating between up to 30 miles one week and less than 20 for others. Basically, my miles were halved since pre-Boston.
So what am I going to do about it? Well, I'm cranking it up, baby. I will bring my base back up to at least 40 miles per week. The best way for "Me of So Little Motivation" to do this is to sign up for future races for some incentive. I am officially signed up for the Runner's Edge 3x2 Relay Race in February, the Kings Park 15k in March, the More Magazine Women's Half Marathon in April and...the New York City Marathon. Well, I put my name into the New York City Marathon lottery...again (This is my third attempt after being rejected twice in the past. The attempts have not been consecutive, however, so I don't qualify for the now defunct Three Strikes and You're In policy). Applications are being accepted until February 15 and then the lottery will be drawn on March 3, months earlier than in the past. If I don't get in, I am going to apply to the St. George Marathon in Utah (where I already have hotel reservations...just in case). I will have a better idea of my plans much sooner in the year than I expected. Oh, and the NYC marathon happens to fall on my birthday this year. I'm not holding my breath, but that would make for a pretty cool birthday party.
Am I gray or grey?
Wednesday - 6.4 miles (untimed)
Thursday - 6.4 miles (untimed)
I will be focusing on adding miles and not speed until my official training begins. The only way I know how to do this is to run without my watch. The end.
Cute pic. Gray is correct. Three seconds difference in pace over a ten mile race is statistically insignificant. The fact that you achieved that almost identical performance in freezing conditions two years later does not support your theory that training mileage is too low. Nor do I buy that you lack motivation. Raising volume to 40 MPW will probably wring out more speed, but be careful because that also increases risk of injury.
ReplyDeleteThe conditions in Long Beach may have been worse due to serious wind. You're motivating me to prove you wrong!
Delete:) In case that came across more obnoxious than usual
DeleteNo more than usual. I'm glad I'm motivating you. I guess what you're saying is I'm an inspiration to you. So you're welcome.
DeleteWhat about the Suffolk county marathon on 9/13? Flat and fast along the south shore, starting and ending at hecksher state park, with music, beer and wine afterwards. I'm going to do it as a tuneup for Philly, if I'm healthy enough to train for it. No interest in NYC -- it sounds like a real pain in the ass.
ReplyDeleteYes, from what I've heard, it's a HUGE pain in the ass. However, the payoff is running through the best city in the world while one million of your #1 fans cheer you on. Nothing will compare to Boston, though. Except maybe Antarctica :D
Delete"That race, the Long Beach Mayor's Trophy Race was measured incorrectly"
ReplyDeleteI guess that makes him the mayor of simpleton.
Great 80s reference!
DeleteXTC right?
DeleteYep, that's them. "Dear God" is one of my 80s favorites.
DeleteNever understood why he didn't want a big reduction in the price of beer.
DeleteBy the way, the video at the top of this post is XTC. It doesn't show up on my iPhone.
Deletethe taught me how to work, but the didn't teach me how to shirk correctly
ReplyDeleteI had to look that one up. That's really super! - Supergirl
DeleteTouche!
ReplyDelete