Training Update and Shameless Plug

I looked at the calendar today and realized that the marathon is only 4 ½ months away. The other sad realization I came to was that I am going to be training through some very cold winter months to get ready for Boston. This morning was a rude awakening when I checked the thermometer and it read 20 degrees. I bundled up and went out any way.

My base training is going really well. I am having no issues at all…knock wood. I am planning on a 16 week training plan which will officially kick off December 29th. My plan is to build up my long runs to 16-18 miles at the peak. I will taper back in late March to allow my body to recover prior to the race.

Nathan and I had to go to my local running store (PR Running) to get Nathan some racing flats for Indoor track season and to get him some new trainers. While I was in the store I met a guy who has run Boston several times. Based on our discussion, he is a sub 3 hour marathoner. He gave me some great tips on how to run the race. The most valuable in my opinion based on the five miles I covered last Sunday is to take it easy in the beginning and not get fooled by the downhill portion of the course. He did tell me that I will have a great time and that the crowds in Boston are like no other marathon crowd he has ever seen.

Rich Allen (PR Running’s owner) also has run Boston and told me that it would be a great idea to try and run at a comfortable pace in the beginning. He said the toughest part of the race is the later stages and that feeling strong with some gas left in the tank is the best place to be late in the race. Rick said if I felt good after the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill, there is no reason not to pick up the pace slightly and finish strong. Both gave me some great advice and previews of the race.

A brief plug for PR Running. They pride themselves on customer service. I have to admit I am constantly impressed with Rick’s knowledge of running and his attention to putting you in the right shoe. On top of that, he some how always remembers my size, the shoe I have been using and the races I have run or will be running. I cannot more highly recommend their store if you live out here in MetroWest Boston. I will put a link on this site if you want to know more about their store.

Here are my training totals for this week:

Nov. 30 – 10.00 miles (1:27:29, 8:44 pace)
Dec. 1 – 6.20 miles (56:22, 9:05 pace)
Dec. 2 – 3.00 miles (24:18, 8:06 pace) – Speed work
Dec. 4 – 6.00 miles (53:38, 8:56 pace) – Tempo Run
Dec. 5 – 6.41 miles (56:32, 8:49 pace)
Dec. 6 – 6.20 miles (55:39, 8:58 pace)

Total Miles: 37.81 miles
YTD Miles: 933.08 miles