Philly Bound

This last week has been all about work and the markets, while ignoring the fact that I'm running a marathon in a few days. (It's funny how this happens to me). As the casino has been a whirl wind, I've unconsciously shut out what I've spent months trying to build up.

I can't avoid it any longer. Thoughts of miles of trials and trials of miles are over coming me. I'm starting to obsess.

I leave for Philadelphia in few hours.

On my back is a ton of training. Not very orthodox, nor the way I would've liked it. I started marathon training back in August only to blow up with my skiing accident. I changed plans/races and finally committed to Philadelphia. It wasn't easy to go from 80-to-zero, and then roll back up as quickly as possible.  In the end though, I pulled together a respectable streak. Five big weeks that culminated with 15 days in a row of living above 100 miles. What's more is that I felt great at the end of it. I've never successfully packed it on like this before.

I know my speed is there, but untested. I've had good workouts recently, but my only attempt for a time trial was blown to bits in the wind... I ran a 5K on the track the other night, and just couldn't overcome the weather. Way too windy to manage solo. (I couldn't have done it at a worse time too... a front was literally blowing through during my 2nd and 3rd miles, flurries included).

No prior races means that I'm having to wing it. I feel good though. I feel fresh and healthy.

Call it the Philadelphia Flyer. Call it Marathon XV - The Rocky Run. Whatever this race may be, here's me in less than 48 hours...

Getting speed

I've been slowly dropping my mileage in the last week. As of today, I'm officially in taper mode.

I'm always worried about what kind of "speed" I have going into a marathon. I usually get the chance to test myself with a few smaller races. That hasn't worked out for me this time around. There's a chance I can do a 5K this coming weekend, otherwise I may have to wing it.

Along with a bunch of big boy miles, here's what I have in the bank:

Last night's 20x 400 workout was my final workout. I averaged 72.5 with 80 seconds of recovery.

Reps 1-4 avg 73.7

5-8 avg 72.7

8-12 avg 73.4

13-16 avg 72.3

17-20 avg 70.6

Ironically, that's a hair faster than I've run 20x 400 before. Prior to CIM, I averaged 72.6. Importantly too, the workout didn't break me. I was strong the entire way though and gradually picked it up. Final two splits were 70.2 and 68.2.

Monday night's final 10 miles of big boy tempo. I averaged 5:47. Aside from being in a race, that's a great pace for that distance. Again, I felt strong all the way through it. No harm or help from any wind here either, just steady speed. I could've easily banged out three more miles to give me a half marathon.

Split recap:

1- 6:05.9

2- 5:49.7

3- 5:50.3

4- 5:47.7

5- 5:43.6

6- 5:45.3

7- 5:46.0

7- 5:50.0

9- 5:44.9

10- 5:36.0

Total- 57:59.4 / Avg- 5:47.9

The prior week's tempo was 8 @ 5:40 average. It was a little unfair though, as I had a big headwind early and then tailwind for the last 5 miles. I also did 20x 200s last week, w/ 200 recoveries. I averaged 34.5 with the final handful hit down to 31-32. Considering I'm anything but a sprinter, that was about as fast as it gets for me.

At this point, my training is done. I have a week and a half to recover. A 5K would certainly help boost my confidence and I'd love to burn a fast one. I'm not sure if I'll get the chance though... weather looks hairy for the coming weekend and the last thing I want to do is waste my time in a fight with the wind.