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Keep It Simple Stupid

September 9, 2011 by Kristy 20 Comments

9/9/11
3 miles easy / 28:04 / 9:21 avg pace
*And with that, training cycle #9 is complete!

My college chemistry professor always used to say K.I.S.S. or Keep It Simple Stupid.  When answering a test question, he told us the answer (or the way to go about solving it) is usually simple but we often make it more difficult than it needs to be.  The first time he said this in class, I thought he was speaking directly to me since I have a tendency to make things harder than they need to be.

So how does K.I.S.S. apply to my marathon?  It actually applies to my strategy and goal for the race.

Strategy
Keep my average pace between 8:30 and 8:35.  This is exactly what I did during my 22-miler and it worked out well.  Keeping a more consistent effort throughout is the way to go.  That also means no speeding up and doing 8:20s during the middle miles!  I’ll have a pace band, a usual, but will only use it to compare my total time against a 3:45 marathon time.

Goal
I have no A, B, or C goals.  My goal is run a 3:45 and qualify for Boston.   Plain and simple.

Mother Nature is being a bitch again and is bring historic (weather.com’s words) flooding to Philly and also the Lehigh Valley area.  To say that I’ve been freaking out about maintaining MP on 12 miles of flooded towpath is an understatement.  The LVM has been great about updating us on course changes.  The latest and greatest:

The LVHN Marathon is scheduled to go as planned.  Due to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, our region has received more than 10 inches of rain in the last 10 days.
*The first five miles of the marathon and relay course have been redesigned to place runners on hard surface roads….
*The race surface will be damp, wet and possibly muddy in some areas.

My guess is about half the marathon runners are attempting to qualify for Boston.  At least I’ll be in good company.

So that’s it my friends.  I’ll post a quick update on Sunday (you can also follow me on Twitter).  Thank you for all the well wishes this week.  I will recall many of them during the race for motivation!

There is 1 day left to vote for Run The Long Road!  Please click here to vote!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Boston qualifier, CBS Philly Most Valuable Blogger Awards, mental game, NJ Marathon, via lehigh valley marathon

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kara says

    September 9, 2011 at 7:22 am

    Stupid rain! I hope it doesn’t create anything that will slow you down from your epic marathon finish!

    I can’t wait to read your recap (or read that you’ve won that contest since I’ve been voting daily! :P)

    Reply
  2. Alyssa says

    September 9, 2011 at 7:48 am

    I love the plan! You have trained so hard, I can’t wait to see your triumphant recap on Sunday! Can we follow you in the race? Not that I’m a stalker or anything…..

    Mud might make it more memorable, but it won’t keep you from Boston!

    Reply
    • Kristy says

      September 9, 2011 at 7:53 am

      Thanks Alyssa! No runner tracking 🙁 It’s a small race. I would love for people to track me though. Accountability is a powerful motivator!

      Reply
  3. Meredith says

    September 9, 2011 at 8:26 am

    Good luck, Kristy! I know you’ll kick butt & surpass your qualifying time!

    I’ve been reading your blog every morning as I’m training for my first full using the FIRST training plan & you have been such an inspiration so thank you for that!

    Can’t wait to read your race review!!

    Reply
  4. Amanda Kenney says

    September 9, 2011 at 8:45 am

    I am so excited for you! I’ve been thinking of you all week. Know that that you have so much support behind you. Good luck!

    Reply
  5. Julia says

    September 9, 2011 at 9:11 am

    LOVED this post. I overthink EVERYTHING! and it definitely messes with my running at points. But I am SO excited for your marathon. I have enjoyed following you through this training cycle and can’t wait to hear more about the race! good luck!

    Reply
  6. LeeAnn says

    September 9, 2011 at 10:35 am

    You are going to do amazing!

    Reply
  7. runningismagical says

    September 9, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I like the breakdown! It’s a good way to keep your eye on the prize~

    Reply
  8. runningseal says

    September 9, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Good luck!! I am rooting for you!!! Hope the rain doesn’t mess up too much, but I am sure you will triumph over it! Just remember the last few miles are going to feel hard, but don’t forget how much you want it. Also relax and enjoy it you will run much better!!! 🙂 Can’t wait to read your BQ recap!

    Reply
  9. Alli @ alli learns life says

    September 9, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    Good Luck!! you’re going to rock it! 🙂

    Reply
  10. runninfromthelaw says

    September 9, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    You are SO ready for this! Don’t let thoughts of muddy conditions deter you from your goals. You’ve trained in worse than a little bit of mud and done awesome! Think of how strong all of your 20+ milers have been – even that one in the horrible hot humid conditions. Focus! And relax! And do what you are trained to do!

    Reply
  11. Stephanie says

    September 9, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    I love the strategy. I can’t wait for you to qualify and you better bet you are staying here. We have a room all ready for you lady! i know you have got this. 🙂 :). The environment, is what it is, don’t get wrapped up in it, just go with it. You’ve got this. Dig deep and don’t deny your awesomeness! Tell me more about your pace band. I voted btw. lol

    Reply
  12. Numberz Runner says

    September 9, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    After 8 previous marathons, an awesome training cycle for #9, tons of miles and prep and speed work and everything else, you’re so ready to smash your goal. Best of luck on Sunday, and happy speedy miles.

    Reply
  13. Jen says

    September 9, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    good luck! sending BQ positivity your way. and that stinks about the road conditions and flooding. i really hope it doesn’t impact your race in any way!

    Reply
  14. Kelly says

    September 9, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    my high school biology teacher used to say that too! haha. I never thought to apply that strategy for racing, but it totally works. And, you are going to kick large amounts of ass on Sunday. Good luck lady! I am sensing a BQ in your near future 🙂

    Reply
  15. thethinksicanthink says

    September 9, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Good luck! I know you will do just fine — you’ve been diligent and consistent in your training, even with the heat. Can’t wait to read how awesome it went after!

    Reply
  16. Pink Runner says

    September 10, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Good luck!!!!! I’ll be thinkin of ya all weekend! I hope it’s nice and cool for the big day!

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    September 10, 2011 at 9:08 am

    Good luck tomorrow! You are going to rock it!! I feel a BQ coming!!

    Reply
  18. Kara says

    September 10, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    I already commented once, but I wanted to comment again so I can say GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!! You have earned that BQ!

    Reply
    • Kristy says

      September 10, 2011 at 6:52 pm

      You’re awesome! Thank you!!

      Reply

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