It should come as little surprise that I feel the most unproven in the marathon distance. I need to put in a good performance before I can comfortably go about really bucking down and going aggressively after a loftier goal. I feel that posting a sub-3:35 time will do that for me in San Francisco in late July. And after that, I can reassess my goals for a faster time in a winter marathon (CIM?).
Now San Francisco is not an easy marathon. It is hilly and there is a lack of crowd support for most of the race. But personally speaking, it's one of my favorites - in no small part because San Francisco is one of my favorite cities. And even though it's run in the middle of summer, the city usually provides plenty of cloud cover and cool temps. The early start helps. (my 2008 SFM race report)
Training for this marathon will be a whole other animal. While relatively cool now (in the low 70's here in So Cal), the mercury will invariable rise in the upcoming days and weeks so it'll be crucial to get my training runs in the early morning hours. Also going to incorporate some 'barefoot running' moving forward - will post more about this later.
With 10 1/2 weeks left, I will do an amended 12/55 Pfitz program and use the LA Marathon in a week and a half as a training run. Crossing my fingers for an injury/excuse-free training cycle (for a change).
Time to put up or shut up.
18 comments:
Looks like you have everything in order for SF. I think if you listen to your body and take care of yourself you should have an injury free training session!
You're a racing animal. At the risk of sounding like a real downer, though, I think you should shoot for a realistic yet still very challenging 3:40 at SF. That's still a kick-$$$ time, and still allows you to go for the gold if you're a rock star, but will also prevent you from blowing up at mile 20. My main concerns are the intermittent mileage you've been training with; if you did a full Pfitz 18/55, I'd definitely say go for 3:35 or even lower, but without the consistent mileage, it's better to be more conservative.
I know I sometimes lowball things, but I'm never too far off, and I'd probably be shooting for a 3:45 if I were you in your shoes now. You can save the blazing PR for CIM or another fall 'thon.
I hear ya Willis. I guess I'm one of those folks that needs the dangling carrot.
Best case scenario: I do think that I can get into 3:30 shape (in spite of the limited weeks leading up to SFM). I just added +5 minutes to factor in the hills and possible late-stage cramping.
If I run 3:40-3:45, that's fine too. I just prefer to set my sights high and swing for the fences.
Billy,
I like it! You know, I'm actually tossing around the idea of coming down and running one of the halves.
FWIW, regarding your training; tell me what you are planning on for the long runs leading up to the race. I think to get into 3:30 shape (which I believe is possible) its going to be all about consistency with endurance focus for the next 10.5 weeks. (And that DOESN'T include any 38 mile trail runs ;) )
sounds like you are ready to go for this one! train hard and smart and you will get there. sfm is a great race, a tough one but there is just something about it.
also i would like to thank you (or not thank you) for putting the full marathon idea in my head. i am def doing the half but for some reason that full just keeps popping up in my mind. it needs to go away.
SFM is a great time-- it's so beautiful and there is nothing like running over the golden gate. I think I'm doing the 1/2!
@ Seth - I have the following LR's on schedule:
15-17
26.2 (slow pace @ LA Marathon)
17-19
18-20
15-17 (12 @ MP)
20-22
17-19
20-22
16-18
12-14
And yes - no more ultras between now and then (although, never say never!)
@ aron - good. As long as the seed's planted, that's all I care about. Now, I'll just wait :)
I'd say go for the dangling carrot! That's what I'll be doing in LA! :)
Sf is a great race for sure. They've had logistical problems in the past, but the beauty of the city almost always makes up for it. Good luck, and go for it if you feel like chasing an ambitious time.
Weird to think of LA happening in May, too. I fear they're screwing around with that race far too much.
I feel like a slacker for just doing the SF half....but I'll be there with you, at least part of the way!!
yeah training in LA when it gets hot SUCKS!
That's right put out, baby! Errr put up I mean . . . :P
i wish i knew remotely where i'd be in july so i could make a decision about this race! (and whoop your butt of course) ;)
I'm doing the half along with Aron (tee-hee, unless she does the full!) and Tara, and I know Julianne is pacing the full...think you can handle the ROHOs for a post-marathon drink?
I'm like you, dude, I am totally undeveloped for longer races. I figure, just get the base period right, put in the miles, and you'll be flying when its time to toe the line for your marathon.
Training programs are for the birds. Just run 100 miles every week and run every short distance race you can find and you will PR for sure. Nothing to it.
Programs just complicate things. =)
If I haven't said it a zillion times, I'm volunteering at Mile 20.
I'll be wearing tangerines.
oh how I love SF! I say go big or go home! Train hard and you never know what will happen. I'm running the half...it's on my b-day this year, so there will definitely be some post race celebrating going on!
I'm behind in blogland. Awesome that you've decided to do SF. I'm toying with maybe doing the 1/2 or 5k.
I think sub 3:35 is totally in the cards for you. With all the trail running you do the hills shouldn't be a problem for you!
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