We are about to finish packing and leave for Madison for the Madison Marathon tomorrow! As with every race, I made a long list of all the race day gear I needed. I just got done getting the bag of nutrition packed.
I'm trying to remain positive but after my run yesterday my inner thigh/hamstring was sore all day and it doesn't feel great right now. The idea that this is just part of the taper crazies is diminishing for me. But I will continue foam rolling and stretching.
Even if I don't have a stellar race tomorrow, I accomplished what the purpose of this cycle was for: Run more miles and jump up to the next step in building fitness and base mileage to build upon in 2019. This was the first year I have trained for two marathons in the same year. The fact that I even got through the training cycle is a big accomplishment that I am really proud of. This fall was a zoo: My kids were back in school, which creates some unique challenges for my daughter, I went part time at my "real" job and started my own business, AND I finished 17 weeks of the Hanson's Advanced Marathon training plan. I ran 843.41 miles in this buildup, which is 117.75 more miles than my previous marathon training cycle. Yes, I feel like a badass.
My other challenge is determining what to wear. Wisconsin was treated to some snow yesterday and it will be around for the race. Race weather is going to be in the 30s with some wind. COLD. I am in process of packing ALL the things.
Let's talk goals:
The first goal was always to treat tomorrow's race as a celebration, given the above. A few weeks ago I was listening to an episode of The Michigan Runner Girl podcast and they used the phrase "Joy in Movement". I decided that I was going to focus on that when things got tough in the race.
What about pace/goal time? The fact also is, that prior to this week and whatever is going on with my leg, I honestly feel like I am in the best shape of my life. And so during those rock star tempo runs, I did think that I had the opportunity to PR this marathon, despite the fact that it is a very hilly course. Maybe the stars will align and that will still happen. I am trying to keep my emotions in check. There is no sense in premature disappointment.
My marathon pace that I used for training was 6:52, which is just squeaking out a sub-3, and the pace of my spring marathon. I made this plan before training began with my friend and running mentor E, given we were increasing mileage and dealing with a hilly course. Change one variable at a time, right? It turns out that even though 6:52 was really difficult to get to in the first half of training, once my body adapted to the extra mileage, my tempo run pace started to drop into the 6:40s and my last tempo was 6:36. I am going to start the marathon with the 6:52 pace in mind and will to hold that through the first half, evaluating every 5 miles. The "evaluate every 5 miles" plan is one that has worked for me for my last several marathons so my brain is properly trained for that. This is also when I take my gels so it is easy to remember.
Once I get through the first half, if I'm feeling good, I will have to decide when to pick up the pace. At my previous marathon, I really picked it up in the miles 13-18 because I was feeling awesome and then ended up having to hang on until the end of the race. I think I may have pushed prematurely so my goal will be to get through the hilly Maple Bluff section of the course (mile 22) before letting it go.
Off to finish packing! Watch for my race recap next week!
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