I am happy to report that I braved the elements and had two glorious runs during the past few days. After a horrible run with heat induced nausea, I was a bit concerned about my body's ability to run at a faster pace during the hot weather. That run really played with my psyche. On Saturday I did a 13 miler with my friend Sue M, on a very hilly route. We ran at 7:30 in the morning, but it got hot toward the end of the run. I was able to maintain an effortless 8:14, the fastest I have ever ran on those hills. Yay! Today I did an 8 miler later in the day, to test my ability to run in the heat. I started out with a conservative pace and ended up with negative splits, for an average of 7:38. Another yay! I have been working on my form lately, trying to maintain a quick, stiff, short stride (I tend to overstride) and it really makes such a huge difference. Whenever I forget to pay attention to my stride, I slow down and get tired. I immediately feel better when I correct my stride.
I am debating whether to run a 1/2 marathon next weekend. The Heartbreak Half Marathon has its inauguration on the 31st. It includes mile 17 to 23 of the Boston Marathon course. The course is an out and back, which means one would have to run each hill twice. I feel a bit unprepared for this race, since I have been pretty much recovering and taking it easy since the marathon. The hills and I have a love-hate relationship; I have strong quads and when trained have a goat-like ability to hackle the hills and enjoy passing runners as I go up. However, when I am not trained (like now), I struggle up hills while everything hurts. So I am a bit torn. On one hand, it would be nice to do another 1/2 marathon (last one of Maine Half in September), and running a hilly one will be challenging and a nice way to get back into serious hill training. I could also have a baseline and compare my time with another one that I plan to do while training for Baystate Marathon. On the other hand, I can't approach a race without thoughts of PR-ing, and I know it would not be possible to run a sub 1:44 on that course and without having done any training for it. Hmmm! More thinking required! What do you think?Hope everyone had a nice long weekend!
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13 comments:
I say run it. You are in better shape than you think. Less thinking, more racing! ;-0
I'm glad you and the heat have made peace :)
As for the half ... as long as you take it easy on yourself (ie, don't beat yourself up if you don't PR!), go for it! That is, unless the last-minute registration cost is ridiculous!
Good luck with your decision - it sounds as though you have the engine to do the 1/2!
i'm glad you are beating the heat! it's being quite difficult for me:)
i'd say run it, but i know the dilemma. hard to race and be satisfied with possibly not running a pr, even though you haven't been training. i'd try to look at it as a good training/long run, and who knows you may surprise yourself with a pr ;) it's fun to have a big crowd to run with, and the little race gifts are nice too.
If you're feeling healthy, go for it! I bet you'll run faster than you think, and besides I bet it'll be fun.
I agree with everyone else. I think that if you promise to take it easy on yourself and treat it as a training run, it's an awesome idea. I'm actually doing that as well this weekend with the Brooklyn Half Marathon--race environments are just so fun; I couldn't resist! Plus, you can't help but love the bling :)
Nice work on the heat training! I'd say if you are not TIRED, then run the race - it might be fun. If your body is tired I'd skip it - you might get injured. Have fun!
oh, heat and I never get along well. we don't coexist. well done beating the heat and go for the run!
let me know if you plan to run-Tami
glad your run went well!!! it sounds like you are in great shape for a half marathon to me :) even if you dont PR races are always a good experience and its more fun!
You adjusted to the heat. Try running in the middle of the summer in snow pants and a winter jacket. Then, 80 degrees will feel like nothing.
I think you go run with an open mind and just run right at your PR pace for first few miles, then readjust based on how you feel. When I'm racing without a plan, that's how I like to approach things. Good luck!
Run it run it! Then we will get to read your awesome inspiring race reports..no matter what your time is! :)
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