Wow! I didn't realize that I didn't post at all in those 8 weeks. I am just going to do a quick update. I worked my butt off for 8 weeks! I followed Jen's plan to the letter. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The tempo runs were long and fast (usually around low 8's pace for 8-10 miles), the track work was as fast as I could run (realized I am faster than I think!) and the long run pace runs were lonely and I couldn't always do them as well as I would like. I also added in spinning and strength. It was an experiment and I gave it my all. I felt stronger and fitter than I have ever felt. My last pace run of 19 miles was amazing and I really felt I could do it. I was trying to figure out my nutrition so I stopped gatorade and went to more natural drinks- I can't remember the name right now. :-) I tried different things but ultimately didn't figure out what worked. The day of the race was July 4th and it was the hottest July 4th since 1997, in the 90's. I decided to still go for my goal. I started out at an 8:20 pace and kept it for about 15 miles. Then my body just shut down. I finished as strong as I could and ended with a 3:58. Still a sub-4 but of course was disappointed.
I figured out my age change for Boston happens in September 2016 so I think I will wait until then to try to BQ. I need to figure out my nutrition. It has been a great learning experience but my body needs a break. I am going to get in the best shape I can. I am trying to figure out nutrition.
Wish me luck!
Annie (2014)
8 years ago
