Race Report and BQ Thoughts

I had a fantastic race last week! I am really proud of myself for hanging in there even when it was tough. I will admit that I was hoping the pace would feel easier. I still have a ways to go. The short story is that I made my #2 goal. :-) I ran a 1:52:41. That is an 8:37 pace overall. I started a little faster than I planned, running an 8:34, but I had tried really really hard to slow down and just couldn't go any slower. So, I just went with it. :-) My heart rate got into the 190's a little earlier than I would have liked but I just gutted it out. I didn't have any mile slower than a 9, and my last kick was at 7:55 pace. I was 4th in my age group out of 15. I only had to run a little slower for a couple of miles because of the wind.  Overall, I am very pleased.

So, how does this make me feel going into marathon training? Not quite as confident as I would like. BUT, I know I have time still. I am considering another marathon- the Wenatchee Marathon. I am going to stick with Yakima after studying the 2 different marathons. I just want a strong marathon. :-)

Eugene Half Marathon Plan

I am on my way down to Eugene so I thought I would process my thoughts here.
Recent Runs: I had a great 12 miler. I averaged 8:53 overall, but if I kept going at the 8:30 pace I was currently running, I would finish a half in 1:53.
I ran 4x800 at around 3:32 overall. It felt good to run that fast. Ibwas tired for my Tuesday and Wed runs, so I rested Thurs and Fri. I did play a little soccer last night. Not sore today.

My goal:
1. Finish under 1:50
2. Finish under 1:55
3. Finish under 2 hours
4. Finish strong. :-)

Heart rate plan:
I haven't had my strap for a few runs, so this will be interesting.
First 2 miles- run in the low 9's, heart rate under 175
Miles 3-10 - average 8:20's to 8:30's, stay under 190. Aim for low 180's
Last 3,1- bust out the 8's! Finish strong! Can run in the 190's.

It will be interesting to report how it goes! Wish me luck!

Week 2 of Yakima Marathon Training

It is crazy that I have really started. :-)
Monday, Dec 9th- Did not run, awful night of sleep
Tues, Dec 10th- Ran with Heather, On a time schedule- 4.87 miles 8:59 pace, ave hr-164, max-182
Wed, Dec 11th- Tempo run-
Warmup (no hr monitor)- 9:30
Mile 2- 7:55 (couldn't get my shuffle to work, had to stop)
Mile 3- 7:32
Mile 4- 7:43
Mile 5- 9:39
Pretty good tempo. It was cold, so my lungs were burning pretty good. Tougher to do a workout without a hr strap.
Thursday- 4.7 miles, 11:02 pace, pushed a stroller
Friday- watch died, normal 5 miles
Saturday- Long run, still no hr strap 11.91 miles, 8:54 pace
Mile 1- 9:28
Mile 2- 9:22
Mile 3- 9:15
Mile 4- 8:51
Mile 5- 9:00
Mile 6- 8:34
Mile 7- 8:36
Mile 8- 8:40
Mile 9-8:47
Mile 10-8:37
Mile 11- 8:42
Mile 12- 8:52 pace

I felt great this workout.

18 weeks to go

Well, here we go. Let's see what happens. I am going to just see where my body takes me. I will work hard and do my best. I have a half marathon in a couple of weeks so that will give me a better idea of my fitness level.

December 2- Low hr- avg 143, max 157  5.19 miles at 11:10 pace
Thursday, December 4- 4.27 miles 9:36 pace
Dec. 5- low hr, 4.96, 10:55 pace, ave 147, max- 189
Dec 6- 5 mile pace run- 8:48 ave 7.0 miles, hr ave- 179, max- 196
mile 1-8:27  hr ave-168
mile 2- 8:26, hr ave- 175
mile 3- 8:17, hr ave-183
mile 4- 8:26, hr ave- 189
mile 5- 8:12, hr ave-190

Dec 7th- long run, 10.55 miles, 1:38:55- 9:23 pace
hr ave- 161, max-181

Total miles- 32 ish (I missed Monday's run)