But to the all important matter of training. I've run my fastest kilometer splits ever this week (mind you over a 7k course it probably isn't going to do me much good for my Ultra Dream). What this does tell me though is that my plan to break out of my previously plodding running tempo over winter has been largely successful. My leg turnover has picked up noticably and my perserved effort is quite comfortable.
In the past I've been frustrated by an inability to go faster, dispite the fact that I'd finish races feeling fairly fresh. I just couldn't get my legs to turn over quicker. So post Ironman this has been a major focus for me. Now that I seem to have met with some success I'm starting to build up volume again.
The summers racing is now starting to take shape.
- Half Marathon on 12th October (this is potentially a bit of a problem, I'll explain shortly)
- Auckland Marathon 2nd November
- Harbour Crossing (2.8k ocean swim) 16th November
- 42k off road run 22nd November
- Rotorua Half Ironman 13th December
- 100k run 21st February
That should keep me busy enough.
Now the reason why the half marathon in October is potentally a problem.
This has been a bit of a spur of the moment thing, but potentially a good training day. If I truely treated it as merely a training run, then I'd train right up to the day, do the run, and keep on training. The problem is that this particular half appears to be on a very flat course which is a bit of a rearity for me. Earlier on this year I ran a personal best half marathon time of 1 hour 38 mins. I think that given the way I'm running at the moment, and given the nature of this course (the last half I did was a hilly mix on on and off road) I quite possibly have a 1 hour 30 half in me waiting to come out. So do I treat it like an "A" race and really try and nail a good time? And if I do will I have enough time to recover for the Auckland Marathon? (which I have some unfinished business with following a disappointing shoing last year - legs wouldn't turn over fast enough, see my previous comments).
Well any suggestings?
2 comments:
It is my understanding that it takes about 10 days to realize the fitness gains from a workout. I follow that assumption. I'd say that if you go out and run the half hard and recover well (massage, light cycling during the following week) you will be setting yourself up for a great marathon time.
A sub-10 100K - wow, that would be impressive!
I'd say Go For It!!! ... you've built this speed so go play with it in the Half M ... should have enough time to get ready for the M.
I wouldn't be able to do it myself cos I need a week to recover from any kind of race (old age I'm afraid!)
Good Luck with the rest of your training :)
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