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| MCM 2010 - A beautiful thing |
So, my strategy will be to run for 4 hours. Period. This will be according to my original plan. I would like to test myself a little when it comes to managing my pace though. I have made the same mistake at all six marathons I have done. I do the first half way too fast. I was running sub-8 minute miles until mile 12 of the 2010 MCM. I had a ½ marathon PR in that race (at the time) running it in 1:45+. I’ve never technically “bonked.” (Bonking is a term used to describe a PHYSICAL condition caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, which manifests itself by sudden fatigue and loss of energy. I think it is an overused term, to be honest. Bonking is supposed to be physical but I think too many runners use it as an excuse when they can’t push through mentally. If you properly trained, fueled and tapered - you should not "bonk" before Mile 10. Anyhooo – that’s another post.) But, I certainly slow down the second half of the race.
My MCM 2011 race day pace plan:
My MCM 2011 race day pace plan:
Miles 1 – 3: 9:15 pace
Miles 4 - 6: 9:00 pace
Miles 7 – 20: 8:45 pace
Miles 21 – 26.2: 8:40 pace
This may turn out really bad and laughable, but this is what I am going to attempt. I just want to have fun and enjoy this race. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day!
This may turn out really bad and laughable, but this is what I am going to attempt. I just want to have fun and enjoy this race. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day!
I think that is a good plan. I don't think I could ever run such an exciting race as a training run. I get way too caught up in the fun and run faster than planned. Good luck this weekend!
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, you can run with us! I am like a metronome for pacing (seriously) so I can guarantee you won't go out too fast! You can always ditch us at mile 13 if you feel good. :)
ReplyDeleteYes - that is what I worry about. My adrenaline usually gets the best of me in any race. Kara - I may just do that!
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like an excellent plan. You're using this as an opportunity to practice certain racing skills, and that's really cool.
ReplyDeleteYou have a smart plan in place! I wish I wouldn't have raced mine last week - I'm wiped out this week because of it. Have fun at MCM!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great training run at MCM. Your 2010 MCM sounds like it was amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you all! It makes me feel better when knowledgeable/expereinced people agree with me! I am ready to have fun!
ReplyDeleteThat seems like a very smart approach. You just have to remember it when race day excitement takes over :)
ReplyDeleteNot to throw a wrench in the works, but you might also consider an "even split" pacing strategy. You could figure out your average goal pace and then make it a game to run each mile as close as possible to your goal pace. You get more "points" for less variation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm running a marathon just for training purposes I usually try to run even splits and have come to realize that my first mile is THE most important mile.
Like you, I usually go out to fast and then pay for it at mile 23. For example, if I want to run a 4-hour marathon I should be running 9:10 pace. However, if I go out at 8:40 I feel so fast and fresh that I think I can run 25 more of those even if I can't or shouldn't. So that means instead of being smart and running my second mile at 9:10 I run my next mile at 8:35!
All that to say that I believe your first mile is your most important mile for pacing. If you can be self-controlled to run that first one at the right pace it sets the tone for the rest of the run. Can't wait to hear how it goes!