I finished my weekly training today, because I want to have a couple of days of rest before the
Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday. One two mile shakeout run on Saturday is all that stands between me and the race. That shakeout run is also the only thing left standing between me and being two weeks away from my
Chicago Marathon taper. However exciting that is, I have yet to test my race fitness. My training runs have (almost) all been above average. I feel like I am reclaiming some "powers" that I haven't had since 2011, the year of my 8k and marathon PRs. Even the training miles where I am suffering and I feel like I'm crawling, I'm actually holding pace quite well. However, like I said, I have not tested my
race fitness yet, but I am getting very excited for the opportunity to do so. That opportunity will be on Sunday.
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| Water-skier seen on my run near Diversey Harbor on Tuesday |
The
weather forecast for Sunday's
Chicago Half Marathon is for partly cloudy skies an agreeable 61° at the start. Not spectacular, but for early September it's pretty nice. I seriously doubt that a half PR is within reach for a variety of reasons. But, I've surprised myself before, so you never know. A sub-1:25:00 would be awesome as it would punch a ticket for an automatic entry for me to run the NYC Marathon next year. However, I only need a sub-1:28 for a
McMillan confidence boost that I am fit enough for an equivalent 3:05 marathon. That's really all I need to be really happy. So if I'm not feeling like I can go faster during the race, I won't push it. My world revolves around the marathon at the moment, and I don't want to sit out for an extra day or two next week trying to recover from a tough effort on Sunday.
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| Sunrise on the Lakefront Trail on Tuesday |
I'm about 95% ready for the marathon and I'm fairly confident that I will only make small fitness gains between now and October 12th. So my main focus will just be to get in my planned miles and not try anything cute which could lead to an injury such as:
- New shoes: That pair of shoes I am wearing for training runs now is the pair I will finish my training in and run the marathon in.
- Track work: The track is also off-limits for me until after the marathon.
- Extra long runs: Only one more 16 mile run is in the plan and I am sticking to that.
- Too many "fun runs": I have only one "fun run" planned: The Oktoberfest 5k, but I am using it as a training run and as an opportunity to have a recovery beer with the WRCE.
- Staying out late and drinking: I don't want any interruptions because of colds (or two day hangovers!) which could set me back. Okay, the one exception is Riot Fest. But that should end relatively early.
Time to dial in my focus for a few more weeks and see what happens October 12th. The excitement builds...
Go get it Pete! The forecast around here is for 54 Saturday morning. I hope that is true cuz I've got a 5k that's always hot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. Fingers crossed that you get that 54 on Saturday. That would be perfect for Sunday morning as well!
DeleteGood luck on Sunday! You've got this! I think the weather is supposed to be relatively cool, at least for the beginning of the race. Don't forget your hat to block out that harsh sun in the later miles :)
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping it's cool and if it is a little warm, that the sun is safely tucked behind the clouds until 11am! Thanks for the hat reminder!
DeleteI'm with you on the race fitness thing. I'm ready to put things to an actual test on Sunday. I know I've set some PRs this year, but haven't really done a goal race effort yet. It's definitely marathon first, but I want to see what kind of pacing I'm capable of. Best of luck and stay injury and illness free!
ReplyDeleteThanks. You are poised for greatness this weekend (and next month). Just take it easy in the initial stages of the race even though you are feeling good and want to jump all over it right off the bat.
DeleteI gave serious thought to running this on Sunday. Only because the half I did in July was not a confidence booster. But like you, I don't want to risk going too fast or injury at this point in the game. So I'll do my 14 on the trails here Sunday. Good luck and I'll be looking for your race report!
ReplyDelete~Wendy at Taking the Long Way Home
Completely understand about not wanting to overdo it. I skipped the Chicago Half last year for the same reasons. I am in better shape this year, so I am not as hesitant about racing it. Have fun on your 14 miler on Sunday!
DeleteGood luck!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYou are always so disciplined and focused with your training! Good for you for being cautious of all the fun runs, too. I definitely think it's better to run fewer miles that are of quality than it is to run too many "fun" miles. I am sending you positive race vibes for this Sunday and for the rest of your marathon training cycle. Can't wait to hear how things go this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, it is tempting for me to run lots of races, but then it throws my training off. For example, if I sign up for a short race on a day I should really be doing a long run it might set me back a few days. I don't like to add miles to my race except a couple of "shakeout miles" beforehand. Also, running races means running fast and running fast can lead to injury. Hopefully, I'll have good news to report! :)
DeleteWishing you lots of luck! I've done a race shortly before a marathon to plug into the McMillan calculator before, too, and it is a huge confidence boost to know you're ready for your marathon goal pace. Good luck at the race and with the rest of your training!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, this will likely be my last shot at a confidence boost. If it doesn't go as planned I have to use the 5k a week and a half later for a test. Anyway, thanks again. Good luck with your marathon training as well!
DeleteI love reading your posts because they're so motivating and inspiring. I am just catching up on reading blogs so I am pretty sure you are done with the race.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment! Yes I am done with the race. Be sure to read how it turned out in my next post!
DeleteCongrats on an awesome race, especially in that humidity! That's such a great confidence booster for the marathon. I hope everything goes well for you in Chicago!
ReplyDelete