marathon pace

Strange Encounters

June 30, 2011 by Kristy 13 Comments

7/1/11
18 miles / 2:35 / 8:37 avg pace

Today I had one of those “am I dreaming, please pinch me” runs. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (no humidity) and I felt amazing. I just ran based on feel and didn’t pay too much attention to my Garmin. The result? Basically a marathon-paced long run! Woo hoo…what a great way to start the holiday weekend!

When I wrote about my 20-miler last Friday, I neglected to tell you about my “strange man” encounter. It just didn’t fit well with the whole how-to-survive-a-bachelorette-party theme 😉 Before I get into the story, let me preface by saying I’m the most paranoid and neurotic runner I know, in terms of safety. Where I do my long runs is very safe but it’s better to be skeptical than sorry.

I was nearing the very end of my run (mile 19.5) when I got a rock in my shoe. I tried unsuccessfully to wiggle it out of the way but ended up having to stop. I was directly across from my car and my plan was to run out 0.25 miles and then back to my car to complete my 20. As I was getting the rock from my shoe, another runner past me – a male in his 50s – and asked if I was OK. I told him it was just a rock and I was fine. He then proceeds to tell me that I was keeping a good pace for him and did I want to run the remaining miles together? Now, this has happened to me before so I didn’t think the question was an odd one. I tell him that I’m literally running another 0.25 miles and then turning around, hoping that he would be like “OK, see ya later, have a nice run”. His response? “OK”!

As I was tying my shoe I was debating on whether he was a killer or a kidnapper. He didn’t seem to be (from my very brief encounter with him) and my car was right across the street. It was almost 9am so there were lots of cars around (and other runners). So I stood up and started running with him.

Me and strange man (SM): Blah, blah, it’s so hot today, blah, blah…
Me: My name is Kristy.
SM: My name is Bill.
SM: Are you married?
Me: [a little shocked at the question] Yes.
SM: Me too.
Me: Well, it’s time for me to turn around. Have a good run!

With that I started booking it back to my car. Whose follow-up question to “hi, my name is” is “are you married”? WTF? Next time I see Bill, I’m doing some unplanned speed work!

Have you ever had any “strange man” encounters? On the flip side, I have met some wonderful people while running. It’s not all bad!

Weekend Fun + Week 1 Recap

June 6, 2011 by Kristy 10 Comments

6/6/11
7 miles tempo / 1:01 / 8:43 avg pace
1 mile easy, 5 miles at 8:35 (MP), 1 mile easy

Date day/night with Hawk was fun. First up was a stop at Kelly Drive.

Yes, I really am this un-tan. It’s not the camera flash.

Mr. Hawk seemed to enjoy himself.

Next we strolled around Philly and got some drinks. Guess who we bumped into? Mayor Nutter (a.k.a., mayor of Philly)! He was checking out a menu with 2 other people (staff?). Matt and I were across the street and one of his staff noticed I was holding my camera and waived us over for a picture. Mayor Nutter is always present at all the Philly races so it was nice to meet him in person. Of course, Hawk got in on the picture.

The rest of the day went unpictured: dinner, trying to find a patch of grass for Hawk to use as a toilet, sleeping in, and brunch (pancakes for me, french toast for Matt).

Lehigh Valley Marathon – Week 1 Recap
MON: 5K + 1.5 mi warm-up
TUE: 8 mi tempo
WED: rest
THU: 8 mi easy
FRI: 5.4 mi easy
SAT: 13 mi long
SUN: rest

A total of 39 miles for the week. Overall, I’m happy with how the week went. I got some hill training in and did my tempo run on a trail. I also like how I’m starting out at 39 miles, considering last cycle I maxed out at 43 miles 🙂 Fun, fun!

How was your weekend? Any good races or training runs? Are you tapering or just starting up like me?

Progress!

June 4, 2011 by Kristy 12 Comments

6/4/11

13 miles / 1:53 / 8:42 avg pace

Today was a good run. I was excited and the weather was beautiful. I swear I’m not pulling anyone’s leg when I say that I was excited. I love long runs and look forward to them each week.

I’m doing my long runs on the same hilly route I used for Steamtown last year (beginning – hills, middle – flat, end – hills). Two things really stood out after this run:

The first mile is especially hilly and last year my pace would always be around 9:50. Today I ran the first mile in 9:23.
My overall time – 1:53 – is 4 minutes shy of my half marathon PR (1:49) last September. I think it’s time to race another half marathon!

I love seeing progress in numbers. It’s so satisfying knowing all your hard work is finally paying off!

Knowing Yourself as a Runner

May 12, 2011 by Kristy 19 Comments

In the past 10 years I’ve been running, I learned the following about myself as a runner:

1. I’m not naturally speedy.
2. I have to work my ass off to get faster.
3. Endurance is my strength. In many ways, running 20 miles is easier and more pleasant than a speed workout.
4. Because of #3, I shy away from 5Ks and 10Ks.
5. I’m a morning runner; running in the evening is tough for me.
6. I run my long runs at or within 30-45 seconds of marathon pace. Long, slow distance doesn’t work for me. Practice makes perfect.
7. Although my mental game has improved, negative thoughts and self-doubt still haunt me.

It took lots of trail and error but I’ve learned so much about myself from marathon #1 to marathon #8.

Don’t compare yourself to other runners
This is pointless and will get you nowhere. Every runner has different abilities. The speedsters who make it seem so easy are genetically gifted. Trying to copy their training schedule to “be like them” will also get you nowhere. It’s important to know your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations as a runner so you can train smart for you.

Easier said then done, right? I still compare myself to other runners. Case and point: after the NJ Marathon I was bummed about my PR (yes, I was bummed about a PR) and kept reading Twitter updates of everyone’s fabulous PRs. I said to Matt, “I’m sick of reading about everyone’s PRs”. His reply, “Oh…and how about your PR?” Enough said. Thanks Matt.

Training plans are NOT one-size-fits-all
As I said above, don’t take your super fast runner friend’s training schedule and follow it to a T and expect the same results. Training plans need to be modified to fit your needs and they need to be modified while training so they continue to meet your needs.

What lessons have you learned about yourself as a runner?