Anyway, the forecast is not looking too good for Sunday - with highs hurtling towards 70+ degrees during the race and winds of 15 mph coming out of the southwest. So, I figured I need some backup plans, especially since I don't run well in the heat. Here they are:
Plan A: 3:05:02 or less: Start at 7:20/mile for the first mile, gradually speed up, then lock in a 6:55/mile at around mile six. Goal attained: Personal record.
Plan B: 3:08:59 or less: Start at 7:30/mile then lock in a 7:00/mile: Goal attained: Chicago Marathon personal course record.
Plan C: 3:15:00 or less: Start at 7:30/mile then lock in at a 7:15/mile pace. Goal attained: Auto-qualify for Chicago Marathon 2016.
Plan D: 3:22:30 or less: Start at 7:40/mile then lock in at a 7:35/mile pace. Goal attained: BQ for 2017.
Plan E: Simply finish the race: Start at 9:00/mile then gradually slow down as I get trampled by fellow "A" and "B" corral runners until I am in a comfortable waddle or walk. High-five as many spectators as possible and drink beer when offered. Goal attained: Zen-like happiness and auto-qualify for Chicago Marathons 2016 through 2019 as I will be a "legacy finisher".
Which one will it be? I will have to make a game-time decision at the start line. If I'm feeling warm before the horn sounds, I will have to bid adieu to Plan A and decide if it will be a B through E kind of day. I learned the hard way during my first (Chicago 2010) - that overheating turns the final miles in the sun up Michigan Avenue into a death march. No matter what happens - post-race I will be enjoying a beer at the Weathermark on Michigan Avenue and later in the day I will be eating a hearty German meal in my neighborhood while wearing one of these:
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| My 2012 Medal |
Let me know if you're running, or where you'll be along the course and I will try to look out for you! Good luck to everyone!
YAY CARB LOADING!!!! Let the fun begin! Ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI still hope you can achieve your negative split! Even if the overall time is slower than you had hoped, cause of the weather, I think you can do it! :)
Ha, ha, yes! I'm already feeling jumpy from my carby breakfast this morning! Yes, negative splitting should be and is my primary goal. I want to at least not feel completely horrible over the last 6.2 regardless of how hot it is. Thanks! :)
DeleteCool. Maybe I'll see you somewhere before the race. Sounds like a great strategy. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDrinking whole milk sounds so awesome! I drank skim milk for years, so even switching to 2% felt decadent.
ReplyDeletePlan E seems pretty unlikely knowing you, but wow, being a legacy finisher sounds pretty cool!
I am going to keep drinking whole milk. From what I've read it's much better health-wise than skim or 2%. Plus it's delicious! Marathons are tricky and things can go downhill quickly. If things get rough I just have to crawl over the finish line to become a legacy finisher and not have to worry about running a 3:15:00 marathon just to CQ (Chicago Qualify)! :)
DeleteI'm with Anne. I highly doubt you'll be going the Plan E route but I am bummed the temps are likely to be on the toasty side this year. I have a 150-piece candy assortment on the premises as well. Thank for reminding me. You'll find me with Erica on the right between 13 and 14. Have a great race!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcia. I think the early October Halloween candy purchases are destined to be eaten by us and not the trick-or-treaters! Yes, as you probably recall, I had to stop in front of Erica last year because my HRM fell off. So, I'll know where to look! See you Sunday! :)
DeleteI like your E goal. Maybe then I can run with you and we can have that beer together at the finish. Anyways, look at it this way. The wind out of the southwest is going to blow you up Michigan Avenue and up Mt Roosevelt. Be grateful that wind isn't off the lake! And I'm staying optimistic that it won't really heat up until after 12.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Beer at the finish is what will motivate me through those tough miles on Boul Mich. Yes, the wind will help us right at the end - just hoping I have some juice left to take advantage. Good luck!
DeleteGood luck Sunday Pete! Those are some awesome goals. Which ever one you attain, you're going to have an amazing race! I wish I was running but I may be out in the crowds!
ReplyDeleteThanks Meghan! Maybe I'll see you out there. :)
DeleteYay carbs!! My main diet for training this year was fat focused (like fat as fuel) and I felt pretty amazing through the 6 months of training. Good luck with making your decision on race strategy!
ReplyDeleteYes, the fat focused diet seems to be the way to go. Thanks! :)
DeleteGood luck! I'm sure you'll do really well, given your training! Also, I ran Chicago in '12 as well. Small (running) world!
ReplyDeleteThanks Austin!
DeleteEat all the carbs!!! ;-)
ReplyDelete