In 2008 the 40-44 age-group was won in 3:00:15 – poor guy just missed sub-3. And then there were another 9 guys in that age-group between 3:11 and 3:20. A 3:10 would put you about 25th place overall. I’m guessing that’s the kind of shape I’m in right about now. I’ll probably finish 4th in my age-group and then be pissed that I didn’t train harder.Either I’m so in-tune with my body that it’s scary or I just run as fast as I need to in order to meet a certain time.
While I finished 6th in my age-group, I was only 10 seconds/mile out of 3rd place and a spot on the podium. I wouldn’t say I’m pissed, but a 3:06 should be attainable for me.
Beth wanted to know what I thought about my performance. I guess the easy answer is that you get what you ask for. Or as my friend Eric puts it; the harder he trains, the faster he runs. I didn’t train hard, therefore I didn’t run fast. While I’d like to be upset at running an average marathon, I only have myself to blame given that my training during/after our trip to Disney World consisted of the following weekly mileage; 15, 80, 26, 53, 43, 8, 21. Sure there was some rollerskiing and biking thrown in there too, but not really enough to make up for that kind of training.
My last 4 marathons have been 3:12, 3:05, 3:09 and 3:10. The good news is that none of them had kick-ass training leading up to them. So I guess I’m just basically a 3:10 marathoner on normal training. If I happen to put in a very solid training block, then perhaps I still have a shot at sub-3. Whether or not that happens is anyone's guess.
Overall, the weekend was a blast. Road tripping, hanging out in my hometown, beautiful fall colors, great food, beer, music, and friends.
If you’re a stats geek and desperate for some numbers, here were my splits;
1 – missed
2 – 14:29
3 – 7:20
4 – 7:05
5 – 7:06
6 – 7:00
7 – 7:24
8 – 7:16
9 – 7:11
10 – 7:16
11 – 7:37 (including ~ :30 pee break)
12 – 6:40
13 – 7:19
14 – 7:06
15 – 7:13
16 – 7:09
17 – 7:13
18 – 7:20
19 – 7:40 (including :36 pee break)
20 – 7:11
21 – 7:11
22 – 7:14
23 – 7:33 (the switch is thrown)
24 – 7:38
25 – 7:30
26.2 – 8:54
Quote of the Day;
“Running is essentially private and, if you like, selfish, and all the more valuable for being so.” – Roger Robinson
Nice run, Chad!
ReplyDeleteHi Chad. Came across your blog via Thomas. That's a very solid marathon you've just completed. It's good to know that you can churn out 3:10 marathons on basic training, The sub 3 hour is there if you ever decide to push the training that bit harder. I'm hoping to join the ranks of sub 3:10 in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI agree that if you put your guts into training that you push harder in the race because you feel like you have so much of yourself on the line. Maybe a 3:10 with no injuries and not being burnt out is better than a sub 3, that is up to you to decide. Maybe you are just waiting for a race to get excited about. Either way, you've had 4 consistant races and that is something to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteSomeday I want to be able to say "So I guess I’m just basically a 3:10 marathoner on normal training."
ReplyDeleteNice work and glad you enjoyed the experience. Good attitude and you know what you need to do for the right race!
I know the feeling all too well, but it's better than getting an age award for a bad race just because there was no competition. I've got trophies from races I can't even remember running.
ReplyDeleteYou probably aren't any more upset than the guy who ran 3:00:15 was for not breaking three. We all look back and think we could've done better - but if we could've, we would've.