..and none too soon!
Following the McMillan training plan has been good. I’m pretty sure I’ve logged more miles than ever before, at an overall faster pace.
The first time I did the Pfitzinger plan (in preparation for Steamtown 05, where I set an 8min PR), I felt the biggest benefit was mentally getting used to 12 mile mid-week runs. When I hit mile 14 on race day, I knew that 12 miles was nothing to complete.
With the McMillan plan, the overall pace was faster. It got to a point where I’d set out for 8 or 9 miles at an 8:15-8:45 pace several times a week and not think twice about it. I’ve simply become tougher. Last night I ran a “fast finish long run” (16 miles total – 9:19, 9:13, 9:05, 8:59, 8:57, 8:55, 8:54, 8:41, 8:42, 8:23, 7:42, 7:48, 7:34, 7:35, 7:25) at 7pm after not really eating or hydrating as well as I could have. I just set out and did it.
Yesterday I was talking to my Mom and she mentioned needing Gu for the race. I realized that I haven’t used Gu all training period! For the first time ever, I’ve been carrying a sports drink (Cytomax, orange or tropical fruit), but I haven’t been using Gu. I will come race day, which hopefully will give me yet another edge.
So mentally, I’ve gotten used to setting out at a faster speed, run after run. I believe my heart rate has adapted as well, although arguably I haven’t been doing heart monitor training. My long run last night had an average pace of 8:26, with 6 miles at race pace, and my average heart rate was 162. I’ve seen changes physically, too. My legs have always been big, but in the past few months they’ve just exploded with muscle. I’m pleased: if they have to be big, they may as well be an indication of strength.
The past week has been tough: I’m used to a three week taper and I was ready for it! Actually yesterday I wasn’t feeling well, and worried I was getting sick. Interestingly enough, my head hurt for the first 8 or 9 miles yesterday and then cleared up when I kicked it into high gear! So much for long runs negatively affecting your immune system!
So… two weeks to Phoenix, wow! As I ease back on the running I know I need to really be sure to stay healthy, and keep my ‘eyes on the prize’. I have worked too hard to let myself talk myself out of achieving what I want to!
