A story of going from being a non-runner to planning for a marathon in three years...

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Almost There




Last night was the last track workout before the Chicago Marathon. Meaning it was the last track workout I planned to run with the group. I really didn't want to skip it. Why? Because I truly love our core track group.

So I went to track, wore my knee strap, and promised to either run slow laps around the track while everyone else did the workout or do the workout nice and easy.

I did a test warm-up mile and NO KNEE PAIN! Woo hoo!

Then it was time to decide. Run laps on my own or do the workout? I decided to go with the workout. My goal? Run consistently at my own pace. Which meant that instead of going balls to the wall and trying for an 8:00 minute/mile pace I decided I'd aim for 9:00.

Warm-up mile: 9:58

1st 800 - 4:35
2nd 800 - 4:30
3rd 800 - 4:24
4th 800 - 4:17

1st 400 - 2:03
2nd 400 - 2:04
3rd 400 - 2:04
4th 400 - 2:05
5th 400 - 2:03
6th 400 - 1:57


Interestingly, while these were my slowest 800s all season, I finally managed to get faster instead of slower on each progressive one. And look at the consistency of the 400s! I may finally be getting this pacing thing down.

My knee held up well and even today it doesn't feel achy. A little stiff but nothing bad. I might try a short jog around the block tomorrow just to keep it loose but other than that, I'm done until the big 26.2 on Sunday!

Tomorrow or Friday I'll be posting my race outfit so that anyone in the Chicago area can keep an eye out for me. I've also been writing a post in my head about things I learned while training for my first marathon. I'm trying to decide if I should post that before or after I actually run the thing. What do you think?

5 comments:

kilax said...

Yay! I am so happy you got to do the last track workout and that it went well! :) And now is the time to have pacing figured out!

I would love to read your "things I've learned" post now. Then you can write the "things I've learned from the marathon" post after! :)

Anne said...

Woohoo for no knee pain! You did great on the track workout! :)

I was going to suggest you wait until after the marathon, since you'll have the experience to go with the learning curve...but, I like Kim's idea too!

Jessica (Bayjb) said...

I'll be checking back for your outfit! Send me your BIB number too because I'll be watching from the corner near my house!

Mica said...

That is FANTASTIC news! What a relief that must be for you.

Good luck this weekend, though I'm sure I'll say that many more times before Sunday. You have put in so much hard effort, and I hope it pays off in spades for you.

Jacklyn said...

So glad you had a good workout! I can't believe the marathon is this weekend! Good luck!

I'd say write it before cause I'm sure you'll have a whole different list after :) Have a great race!

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