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New Training Cycle Has Begun!
By Kevin | January 25, 2012
Yesterday marked the beginning of a new training cycle, with a specific stretch goal in mind: to qualify for the Boston Marathon in time to register for 2013! Since registration opens on September 10th, it means I need to get my qualifying time in the books before then. Right now, I’m eyeing up the Salmon Marathon in Idaho as my target race.
The training will definitely be new and different for me this time around, given that my PR is 4:26 (Shamrock Marathon, Virginia), and I’ll need to finish in under 3:15 to qualify for Boston. Yes, I’ve got my work cut out for me…drop at least 71 minutes from my PR!
Despite having finished 10 marathons in the last 9 years, I’ve never done any focused or purposeful speed work or training with a time-goal in mind. My training and racing has always been quite relaxed and focused on enjoying the experience. So, to help me with this new training approach, I’m very fortunate to have partnered with coach Craig Howie, of the Howie Endurance Project.
Workout #1 last night was a short run (3mi over distance) with 4×100m repeats thrown into the middle. Although I don’t have a clear idea yet of what my HR zones should be, I estimated based on perceived exertion and pace. I surprised myself by running my speed-up sections at a sub-5-minute-mile pace…kinda didn’t know I still had that in me! Granted, it was only maintained for 100 meters at a time, with the knowledge that I was only going 3 miles in total, but still a good confidence booster.
I’m hopeful for a solid lactate profile and fuel test soon that will give me (and Craig) more indicators of the best training zones and goals, as well as some nutritional strategies. More to come on that topic.
For now, I’m just glad to be “engaged” again, with a race in my crosshairs, and a big, hairy, audacious goal of qualifying for Boston! Stay tuned!
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