Let's Talk Numbers.
Okay, campers. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I hate numbers...they make my head spin. So I'm going to try and make this as dizzying-free as possible, if only for my own sanity. But when it comes to talking about marathon game plans, you have no other choice but to talk numbers.
Let's take a look at my training season...
My best 5k time was 31:04 (YAH! I RULE!).
And my best half mary time was 2:42:50 (Boo, stupid course marshall on the bike).
So I took these numbers and went to visit my good friend McMillian and here's what he had to say...
Based on my 5k time (which I claim was a fluke), I could run a 5:02:52 marathon.
And judging from my half mary time, I could run around a 5:42:53 marathon.
What do these numbers mean, you ask?
Yours truly is going to aim to finish between 5:02:52 and 5:42:53.
Oh who am I kidding, it's not that simple. Somewhere within that 40-minute time range is where I'll likely end up...or at least I hope to end up (if I'm not in that range I'm gunna cry, that's fo' sho'). But it's a bit more complex than that.
For the first half...I'm going to try to keep my pace between 11:30 and 12:30...which could be a challenge for Ms. Inconsistency When She Runs (that'd be me). I can maintain a consistent pace about as well as I can cook--and considering I screw up frozen pizza, jello and toast...oh hell, you do the math. But I'm really hoping to stay within that range. Then, in the back half, do everything in my power to keep my miles under 13:30 (this is where I'm a little nervous...but it'll be okay, right?). It's all a mental game. I know if I run 13:40's the entire way through, I'll be right around 6 hours (which, while not ideal...I'll take it because I just want my time to start with the number 5.
Can she do it??
Only time will tell.
So here's the game plan break down:
A) Barb, in her infinite awesomeness, maintains a sub-12:35 pace during the whole race (insert laugh track here) and comes in under 5:30...the crowd will cheer, Nike will come running with a multi-trillion dollar contract and the Kenyans will hoist her in the air in jubilation.
B) Barb will finish in under 5:55:55 (number picked at random cause well, it looks cool), an average pace slightly over 13:30 (smile and nod here, cause this is the realistic sucker)...the crowd will cheer, Barb will thrilled for breaking the 6-hour barrier and she'll make her parents and the OOSG hoist her in the air in jubilation.
C) Barb will simply aim to finish the damn thing, blaming the extra bone in her foot for the hardship and frustrations she dealt with on the course. The RBFers will hoist her spirits in the air reminding her that there's always next time where she can come back with a vengence to kick the crap out of the marathon.
Is there a better way to go about this whole race plan thing? Because honestly...I'm clueless. I just kinda go out there and run...and when I make it to the finish line, I stop. There's typically little rhyme or reason for my pace. Yah...I know, that's bad. I should really know better by now. But that's what next time is for...right? Consider this a solicitation for better, more appropriate race plans.
So...for posterity sake...let's take a look at my Phoenix Results from January (and please, refrain from laughing):
10k: 1:27:49
Half: 3:08:19
20 miles: 4:53:55
Pace: 15:07 Time: 6:36:13
I mean...I can't do much worse...I guess that's the best part about initially sucking at the whole running thing...life is full of PRs.
Let's take a look at my training season...
My best 5k time was 31:04 (YAH! I RULE!).
And my best half mary time was 2:42:50 (Boo, stupid course marshall on the bike).
So I took these numbers and went to visit my good friend McMillian and here's what he had to say...
Based on my 5k time (which I claim was a fluke), I could run a 5:02:52 marathon.
And judging from my half mary time, I could run around a 5:42:53 marathon.
What do these numbers mean, you ask?
Yours truly is going to aim to finish between 5:02:52 and 5:42:53.
Oh who am I kidding, it's not that simple. Somewhere within that 40-minute time range is where I'll likely end up...or at least I hope to end up (if I'm not in that range I'm gunna cry, that's fo' sho'). But it's a bit more complex than that.
For the first half...I'm going to try to keep my pace between 11:30 and 12:30...which could be a challenge for Ms. Inconsistency When She Runs (that'd be me). I can maintain a consistent pace about as well as I can cook--and considering I screw up frozen pizza, jello and toast...oh hell, you do the math. But I'm really hoping to stay within that range. Then, in the back half, do everything in my power to keep my miles under 13:30 (this is where I'm a little nervous...but it'll be okay, right?). It's all a mental game. I know if I run 13:40's the entire way through, I'll be right around 6 hours (which, while not ideal...I'll take it because I just want my time to start with the number 5.
Can she do it??
Only time will tell.
So here's the game plan break down:
A) Barb, in her infinite awesomeness, maintains a sub-12:35 pace during the whole race (insert laugh track here) and comes in under 5:30...the crowd will cheer, Nike will come running with a multi-trillion dollar contract and the Kenyans will hoist her in the air in jubilation.
B) Barb will finish in under 5:55:55 (number picked at random cause well, it looks cool), an average pace slightly over 13:30 (smile and nod here, cause this is the realistic sucker)...the crowd will cheer, Barb will thrilled for breaking the 6-hour barrier and she'll make her parents and the OOSG hoist her in the air in jubilation.
C) Barb will simply aim to finish the damn thing, blaming the extra bone in her foot for the hardship and frustrations she dealt with on the course. The RBFers will hoist her spirits in the air reminding her that there's always next time where she can come back with a vengence to kick the crap out of the marathon.
Is there a better way to go about this whole race plan thing? Because honestly...I'm clueless. I just kinda go out there and run...and when I make it to the finish line, I stop. There's typically little rhyme or reason for my pace. Yah...I know, that's bad. I should really know better by now. But that's what next time is for...right? Consider this a solicitation for better, more appropriate race plans.
So...for posterity sake...let's take a look at my Phoenix Results from January (and please, refrain from laughing):
10k: 1:27:49
Half: 3:08:19
20 miles: 4:53:55
Pace: 15:07 Time: 6:36:13
I mean...I can't do much worse...I guess that's the best part about initially sucking at the whole running thing...life is full of PRs.
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 8:35 AM
12 Camper Comments:
I think your game plan sounds awesome. I think it's probably a good idea to aim for a faster first half. (although all those negative split folks will disagree). I personally am uncapable of running slow to start out and finishing faster...I just get too damn tired.
I think it's great that you've set a series of goals (ideal, realistic, and last ditch). I did the same thing.
I'm going to hope for the best case scenario and plan to accomodate the worst. So much depends on how race morning itself shapes up...
Life is so full of PR's.
I think you said it when you wrote this: 'It's all a mental game'
You'll do great, trust in your training.. that's what we all have to do!
i have a feeling you'll do great and fall in that 40 minute range. no matter what, soak up the fun and run like the runner you are!
Barb, I did ONE MINUTE worse than you at Phoenix...so don't feel bad. I think you will do fine. I have give my vote for B or C. Anyways, you will definitely PR.
I put $10 on option (A). You'll be fine. The slower you are, the more people around at the finish line to cheer you on!
I think you've got a 5:30 in you. That's right at the 12:35 pace and well within your potential based on your 1/2 mary time.
Keep in mind: Minutes off of a first marathon time are like pounds off of a really fat person who starts dieting. They come off in bunches.
So I know I am guilty of not RSVP'ing, but where is the get together planned?
I've heard the Chicago tri is a special experience. Because there are so many spectators the athletes get a constant shot of motivation. Soak it up and I bet you'll be close to you 5:30.
Good luck.
Stay tuned...
PR's....they're wonderful! And, it sounds like you know what you are doing! Good luck this weekend!
You'll do great! I'll probably be running fairly close to you, praying that my lungs are much clearer in the next couple of days -- count me as your personal cheerleader on the course.
I'm sure you have it in you to score a sub 5:30, extra bone and all. Remember, had it not been for that course marshall, your best half time would have been minutes faster.
I can't help much with strategy, however. I kind of figure out what pace I think I can maintain, and then try to stay as close to that as possible. Usually, I fail a lot for the first 3-6 miles, and then finally settle down into something which reasonably approximates my goal pace. (I'd recommend a pace group, but it looks like the only two options are 5:15 and 5:45, no 5:30s.)
(And I know I haven't RSPV'ed either - I'm hoping to attend, have some logicstal details to hammer out, since my sister-in-law had her first baby on Sunday, and the in-laws are now out of town, so I need to worry about a babysitter.)
Hi Barbara-
You are soooo going to have a finish time that begins with a "5". I just know it!
At the Osaka airport now... now less than 14 hours away from Chicago!
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