"You can never be sure. That's what makes the marathon both fearsome and fascinating. The deeper you go into the unknown, the more uncertain you become. But then you finish. And you wonder later, 'How did I do that?' This question compels you to keep making the journey from the usual to the magical."
-Joe Henderson
-Joe Henderson
60 days until I run my very first marathon...
I haven't had any problems completing my scheduled runs, but I'm having doubts every time I lace up my shoes...that's why I love that quote...right now I feel like I'm caught in the "usual" but I have hope that my marathon journey will turn into the "magical".
'How did I do that?' seems to be a question I'm asking myself a lot lately. As my long runs grow longer and my "easy" runs grow a little more difficult, I seem to be struggling with my ability as a runner.
Sunday, I completed my first ever 16 mile run. I know that's small potatoes compared to all you super marathoners, but for me it was huge! I was absolutely proud of myself for completing it and being able to cross off another marathon training run.
| Distance:16.1 Mi / Time: | 2:32:47/ Pace: | 9:30 |
I was surprised by my pace which was faster than I anticipated but felt pretty comfortable the whole time. Here is where I am uncertain. My goal for the marathon is or has been 4:30 which would be an average of a 10:18 pace. Everything that I have read says to run long training runs 30-60 seconds slower than my marathon pace...so do I need to slow down? or do I need to maybe move my goal time up?
I feel a little irrational discussing it with friends especially if they aren't runners(though, I'm training to run 26.2 miles for fun...not exactly rational.) ;)
Another thing I am uncertain about is the so-called "easy" runs. What does that mean? I have 3 easy runs a week on my training schedule anywhere from 4-8 miles. What does "easy" mean? If I run it too slow I feel like I'm just getting in junk miles...
I still have about 8 weeks to experiment with my training...at least this is what it feels like, an experiment. I'm pretty sure that Joe Henderson had it right when it comes to the marathon....'You can never be sure.'
I still have about 8 weeks to experiment with my training...at least this is what it feels like, an experiment. I'm pretty sure that Joe Henderson had it right when it comes to the marathon....'You can never be sure.'
If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments and feedback!
Grace and peace,
Grace and peace,
6 comments:
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Good luck with marathon training
I'm leaving my unsolicited advice for you:
Easy runs: simply run at a conversational pace. In other words, you could hold a conversation during the run. Don't push the pace even if you are up for it
Long runs: I typically don't worry about pace. Just finish the required miles. Some of those runs might be better and faster and some not. Try to maintain an even pace throughout
Congrats on the 16 miler. It's not an easy journey to a marathon, but totally worth it in the end!
i wouldn't adjust your goal time....or slow down. i mean, if it's comfortable then its fine. but if you sense your heart-rate is rocketing or you feel a pain somewhere then back off. but if you feel that its sustainable than you're doing great.
as you venture into longer and longer runs you'll realize what a different ball game the long-distances are. it's not just "another two miles" it takes a toll on your body and your spirit. keep your goal time reasonable (which i think you have) and keep your long runs enjoyable (which you are). after you get one marathon under your belt you'll be able to adjust your training for the next one.
hope that helps!
The Mcmillan running calculator is a great tool to figure out training paces.See http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm
This will give you target paces for various types of training runs and give guidance on race pace too.
Typically, though, most athletes make easy too hard and hard too easy. Easy should almost feel silly easy and hard should feel like you are trying to breathe through your eyes.
I love marathon quotations. That is a good one!
Congrats on your 16 miles! What an accomplishment. And, no matter what distance you're training for, I don't think there are any "junk" miles. They all are there to help build a strong base.
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