Okay, so today was a new first for me in training, the 22 mile practice run. Now to back up, last summer, I followed the "novice" training schedule since it was my first major long distance race. Since then, having run several half marathons, I felt I could handle the "veteran" training schedule. The novice training maxes at 20 miles; the veteran schedule at 22.
Several factors were rather against me today with the run, actually, probably only one factor, the weather. I had made arrangements with some TNT friends to meet at 7am instead of 8am to get some miles out of the way. As I am driving to Antrim, I am greeted to torrential rain and lightening. It actually managed to stop by around 7:15 but that meant that the rest of the morning was really humid, warm, and with little wind. Now, these conditions make it hard to breathe; also sweating does little to cool a person down, yet you sweat more when it's that humid. My running partner was sweating so much his socks were drenched; his feet were swishing for most of the run.
The other problem at this distance is "hitting the wall." (I put in a link for those interested learning more.) Yes, it is a phrase coined by runners when one is completely spent and depleted of all energy. I distinctly remember hitting the wall last year at around mile 21 during the marathon. I wouldn't say that I completely hit the wall today, but there were a few moments where I thought I might break down. Having a running partner though makes it much easier to get through that rough patch.
So, with now only 5 weeks til the big day, the long milage goes down from here (meaning it'll be 18, 20, 16, and 12 miles). I know that sounds like a lot but I'm relieved that I have now maxed out. I've finished running for a few hours now, and I basically feel a dull ache from my hips downward. In the end, I know that all of the pain and suffering is for a great cause. During the tough runs, I am reminded that my pain and suffering in that moment doesn't compare with those who have survived cancer.
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to all of you that have shown your support, in words and/or dollars. I am happy to say that I am only $40 from reaching my fundraising goal of $2870! If you haven't donated and had intended on donating you can go to this link http://pages.teamintraining.org/coh/nikesf08/mnarui or e-mail me at mnarui@gmail.com to get info about mailing a check. Even a few dollars would be much appreciated.
Hope all is well as the summer winds down with you all.
Mitsu
ps. In case anyone wanted to know, I ran for 3 hours 45 min and 30 seconds this morning ;-)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
7 weeks to go!
Hi all!
So, yes, there is indeed only 7 weeks until the big day! The training has been going well. I ran a 1/2 marathon a couple of weeks ago in Dublin. It was about 90 degrees, sunny, with very little shade or wind along the way. I finished in 2 hours 59 seconds (9:15/mile). I had aimed to finish under 2 hours but with the weather conditions, I was grateful to finish as I did. Today, I ran 8 miles in the heat and humidity. (It was nearly 90 degrees.) 8 miles is now considered a "short" run, and I'll be running 19 come this Sunday. In a couple of weeks, I will hit 22 miles and eventually 9 miles for the short runs. My body is starting to feel the effects of this as well, as I am finding that my legs are in a constant state of contraction. It's hard to believe that San Fran will be in my future before I know it!
I have been frequently asked if I have a goal in mind this time. My primary goal is to just finish. I have repeatedly heard that there are several killer hills along the way. The course, however, appears to take a very scenic route. (If you are curious, the following link should work.) I will likely be carrying a disposable camera along the way. In addition, by finishing I will receive a special Tiffany & Co. finishers necklace that will be handed to me by a San Fransisco firefighter. So, indeed there will be no time goal, just to finish in one piece. I am also going to take an extra day to actually enjoy San Fran. While we have all of Saturday free, being the day before the race, I need to take it easy, so I won't be able to enjoy the city as I would like.
Finally, I am amazed at how much more fit I am compared to this time last year. It's now not uncommon for me to run 7 or 8 miles under a 9 min/mile pace. (And still be standing afterwards!) I have shaved nearly 30 seconds/mile off my "slow" run pace, which means I can now talk comfortably while running about a 9:20 mile. I know that I hear many comments about people not sure they can train for a marathon but let me reassure you that it is possible and if you stick with it, you'll be much healthier as a result!
Okay, enough reflecting for now. I'll likely send one more update before the big day!
So, yes, there is indeed only 7 weeks until the big day! The training has been going well. I ran a 1/2 marathon a couple of weeks ago in Dublin. It was about 90 degrees, sunny, with very little shade or wind along the way. I finished in 2 hours 59 seconds (9:15/mile). I had aimed to finish under 2 hours but with the weather conditions, I was grateful to finish as I did. Today, I ran 8 miles in the heat and humidity. (It was nearly 90 degrees.) 8 miles is now considered a "short" run, and I'll be running 19 come this Sunday. In a couple of weeks, I will hit 22 miles and eventually 9 miles for the short runs. My body is starting to feel the effects of this as well, as I am finding that my legs are in a constant state of contraction. It's hard to believe that San Fran will be in my future before I know it!
I have been frequently asked if I have a goal in mind this time. My primary goal is to just finish. I have repeatedly heard that there are several killer hills along the way. The course, however, appears to take a very scenic route. (If you are curious, the following link should work.) I will likely be carrying a disposable camera along the way. In addition, by finishing I will receive a special Tiffany & Co. finishers necklace that will be handed to me by a San Fransisco firefighter. So, indeed there will be no time goal, just to finish in one piece. I am also going to take an extra day to actually enjoy San Fran. While we have all of Saturday free, being the day before the race, I need to take it easy, so I won't be able to enjoy the city as I would like.
Finally, I am amazed at how much more fit I am compared to this time last year. It's now not uncommon for me to run 7 or 8 miles under a 9 min/mile pace. (And still be standing afterwards!) I have shaved nearly 30 seconds/mile off my "slow" run pace, which means I can now talk comfortably while running about a 9:20 mile. I know that I hear many comments about people not sure they can train for a marathon but let me reassure you that it is possible and if you stick with it, you'll be much healthier as a result!
Okay, enough reflecting for now. I'll likely send one more update before the big day!
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