Marathon training continues

We started week 10 of our marathon training program on Sunday. This week we ran 16 miles in 50 something degree weather. Everyone seemed to like the break from the heat, but I hated it.

The cold made my muscles and tendons tighten. There was a 10-15mph wind for the first seven miles or so. After we warmed up the wind wasn’t so bad, and it did keep the crowds down around Lake Quannapowitt.

After getting warmed up on the first mile, my next 7 miles were under 8 minute miles. When I hit 16 miles I started walking, and walked about a quarter-mile. I just didn’t feel like running in anything more than we had planned. Not this week.

My goal was to run as close to my goal marathon pace as possible. For 16.24 miles my average pace was 8:20. My marathon goal is 8:00 miles. If everything goes my way I still feel this goal is attainable.

I know that around mile 21 the wheels will start to come off and I’ll bargain with my self just to survive. By walking early in the race and keeping up with my gym routine, I hope to be able to get past this point in the race and still have some juice to push hard for the finish.

My total miles last week were 38.08. The high point of my marathon training so far. This is a step back week and my miles should be around 32.

1,000 mile goal

As of Sunday’s Long Run, I am at 736.41 miles. With about 14 weeks to go, I only need to run about 19 miles per week to hit my goal. I have four more marathon training weeks, and of course the marathon itself will more than cover my miles for that week.

505Ks@50 project

I’m beginning to line up 5K races to run over the next 12 months. While Dave McGillivray runs a mile for each year of age on his birthday, my goal is to run 50 5Ks before I turn 51. Dave is Superman compared to me.

Run well my friends.

Andy