A few of you know that on Saturday I will be running the 5th/3rd Riverbank Run (25K). If you've read this post, you'll know that I have the goal of running under 1:50:00. I also had the goal of weighting 175 lbs.
Since I'm in the taper phase (more on that in a minute), I thought I would update any interested readers in how those goals have changed since March when I set them. First, I am down a total of 14 lbs. since February 1st. This puts me at 180 lbs., not the 175 lbs. that I was my goal. On one hand, this could be seen as falling 5 lbs. short of my goal. On the other hand, I am at least 10-12 lbs lighter than I was last year when I ran a 1:55:00. I'm happy with the weight I've lost. I did it by about one pound a week, which gives me hope that I'll keep it off.
As far as the goal of 1:50:00, I still have it as a goal, but it is only one of three goals that I have.
First Goal: stay under 2:00:00. Last year was the first time I run sub-2:00 and it took me many years to achieve this. (In 2005 I ran a 2:00:56, the closest I had gotten before last year.) This year, I get a special yellow bib this because I am in the "Sub-2:00 Club." I know my body well enough that I should be able to hit this goal without much problem. That is, unless the weather conditions on race-day are crazy and wild. Or they need to change the course because of flooding in the Grand River.
Second Goal: Set a Personal Record of sub 1:55:00. Last year I knew that I was in good physical condition to break 2:00, but I was surprised that I knocked 5:00 off my PR. This year I know that I am lighter, faster, and mentally stronger, so it might be in the cards to run a 1:53:00 or 1:52:00.
Third Goal: Break 1:50:00. This might be possible if everything comes together. If the weather is perfect. If I don't get sick from all the germs in my house. If I can find someone to pace behind for the first few miles. And if my taper goes well.
I have never been good at tapering before a race. I sometimes overeat and under exercise. Sometime I try to cram in a few extra miles even though they won't do any good. This year I'm going to eat normal portions but try to fill up on vegetables and fruits. I'm going to run, but just to keep myself from gaining unnecessary weight. I'm going to nap in my car at noon rather than going to the gym.
The taper is really the X-factor, the unknown variable in my training. I've done practice runs to attempt to gauge my current fitness, to get a sense for what I'll be able to run on race day, but they always came after a week of training. What affect will a week of recovery have on my performance? I don't exactly know.
I suppose the other unknown is the affect that the race atmosphere will have on my performance. It could destroy me if I get sucked up in the moment and start out too quickly, but it also could be a tool I use to my advantage if am able to use a pace group to pull me through the first few miles. I'm still tweaking my race strategy, but it will involve finding a runner or two (or 15) to draft behind, not only for pacing but because running behind a group can save you about 20% of your energy because you don't have to push through the air.
Conclusion: I'm excited, not only because it is a fun race, but because I've trained well. The only note of disappointment will be that, because of injury, my Dad won't be running the race this year. If you're going to be running this year's race, let me know and we can meet and high-five before or after the race, depending on how comfortable you are with sweat.
Adam,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that your training has gone so well. It seems that you have reached some momentous goals. 14 pounds is HUGE and you did it so gradually. Beautiful. Sounds like you have been able to carry through on your training plan as well. That's really awesome and I'm trusting you can accomplish your "third goal". Why don't you just run with the 7:00 pace group the whole way?
I'm a little envious of where you're at because I had to chuck my training plan out the window. I've been fighting Achilles tendinitis and it has really hampered my style. It started about five weeks ago. It was a little sore when I ran a 15K at 7:12 pace. I was pleased with that, but haven't been pleased much since. In the last four weeks, I've got a total of 37 miles under my belt when my training plan calls for almost 100. not good. I've been trying to cross-train in order to maintain fitness level, but (a) it's not the same and (b) on Saturday, I aggravated my hip in the process. I went 4.5 this morning, but had to walk on three separate occasions because of pain in my hip. Again, not good. I'm going to spend the week nursing my body and trust that this hip thing will go away. (i.e., I _should_ be there to high-five, but if this hip still feels like this, I won't be there to high five at the end of 25K)
In slightly better news, I was inspired by you to start counting calories. I was just cutting out some snacks and desserts, but that wasn't working. I started counting calories at livestrong.com and sure enough, I've dropped about five pounds over the last four weeks. that's good.
See you this weekend,
Drew
Shoot, I just had a lengthier comment going, then it gave me an error and lost it. The briefer synopsis: had missed the previous post, so just read it and this one-- 3 thoughts:
ReplyDelete1) I just read an article yesterday on how it's almost impossible to lose weight while training for a run, since your body just needs to take in more fuel to train effectively, so you don't really end up losing weight. So not surprising if you're short of your goal yet, as you've been training!
2) I just found out in the past week that I have phenomenal cholesterol, and independently decided that it is solely because I don't eat meat, so you should just try that too. ;)
3) I am impressed by anyone who can run for 2 hours (or 1:50, as the case may be). My goal for my 3.27 miles on Sunday is under an hour-- because I'm pretty sure I can walk a good deal faster than I can run. So kudos on being able to run that long, whatever the pace!