I've got to admit it folks. I'm getting excited. By this time on Sunday, I will have started and should be a couple miles into my second marathon. Yesterday I received the email with my bib # (1644) and starting instructions. I have a decision to make - I'm targeting 4:45 as my finish time (I keep on telling you guys I'm old and slow). That puts me either at the back of starting wave 4 at 7:15 for 4:26 to 4:45 finish times or at the front of wave 5 at 7:20 for 4:46 to 5:20 finish times. This is an interesting conundrum. Do I start at the back of a wave and deal with the crowds (marathoners and half marathoners start together), or do I start at the front of a wave and risk going out too fast?
I also will be re-reading parts of Glover's book (The Competitive Runner's Handbook) today to review race day and race strategy. I am *not* going to repeat San Diego. In that marathon, I felt way too good and went out way too fast for way too long (pretty standard for a Marathon Virgin). I need to figure out how to hit my goal pace and maintain it for almost 5 hours. Yikes!
Here's an idea. Maybe I'll give Jobu cigar and rum and ask him to take fear from feet:
As far as yesterday's run - 7 easy miles. My legs were heavy, so I did some strides over the last couple of miles to knock the rust off. That pushed my average heart rate to 77% of max, and I'm a little sore this morning, but with three days until the big event, I'll recover.
Actually 3 days 8 hours 45 minutes and 42 seconds.......
Good luck on your 2nd marathon on Sunday Glenn. By the way, took heed of all your advise, which were the best out of many for a runner trying for his first marathon. Can't wait to hear your race report. I'm thinking of doing my 2nd marathon in the Ottawa marathon in May of next year. I know you'll do great because you trained hard for this race. Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Sunday! Looking forward to reading the race report!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha! You know how I love Jobu myself. I am sure you are going to do great. Don't push to the front of the group. Folks will fall off and give you room and you won't have to expend extra energy weaving and or going out too fast.
ReplyDeletePhotos and dogs for sure!!!
can't WAIT to hear about it. Do they have live texting so I can see your splits???
ReplyDeleteROCK IT!
If you find yourself going too fast in the marathon, especially in the first mile or 5, take some walk breaks to slow your average pace down. That's what I do. I walk the water tables if I'm going too fast and need to slow down. Sounds like you know what to do. Good luck! I will be doing the L.B. Half and apparently will meet you at the Tweetup dinner on Saturday. See you then...
ReplyDeleteYou will do well! You know you will. Have fun and meet lots of new friends.
ReplyDeleteI like the new pix.
Good luck for Sunday Glenn. Sometimes the 2nd marathon is more difficult than the first one because you know what to expect. Don't fear it, embrace it ! ;-)
ReplyDelete"Start off slow, then taper."
ReplyDeleteI saw that on the back of a t-shirt at my first marathon. Seems like good advice! Haha!
Here's the address for the RRS clearance center:
San Diego Clearance
5553 Copley Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 974-4455
It's off of the 52, a bit east of La Jolla, just in case you should be in the area. It's behind the main store. Honestly, it's sort of hit and miss. Sometimes I'll find nothing, other times I'll find tons. I just lucked out this last time.
I started with the 10-minute pace group, which was smack dab in the middle of the field and was perfect. It cleared out quickly yet you were always surrounded by people on the course. I think it really helps that walkers start about an hour earlier and people there usually seed themselves well.
ReplyDeleteGood luck out there and make sure to update us on how it goes!
ReplyDeleteI can't the marathon is almost here! I will be thinking of you on Sunday! Hope you have a fantastic Race!
ReplyDeletebased on the results of the last marathon, I'd say start at the front of the slower group. I'm sure your legs will feel fresh and awesome, and it would be way too tempting to take off with the quicker pace group. I'm sure you're going to do great, and can't wait to read the full report!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, it's almost here! I wanted to mention that I did LB last year and it was SOOOOO crowded and almost dangerous towards the front of the start. With the half and full runners starting together, it was CRAZY. Be careful...people just crammed themselves into the corral and didn't pay attention to the announcers. I definitely think you should start out slow and make up the time after the first three miles, it gets better at that point. Have fun! When you are running on the boardwalk, remember I'm cheering for you to finish strong and happy! That was my favorite part of the race, besides CSLB!
ReplyDeleteWOOHOO! It's here! ;)
ReplyDeleteI have no advice for you. I always start in the back because I feel better passing people up than being passed.
I love "Major League." That movie is just filled with wonderful quotes!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you, Glenn! I hope you have a fantastic race this weekend. Enjoy the experience, and I look forward to the report!
The only advice I have is from something I read:
ReplyDeleteRun the first 50% of the marathon with your head (don't go out too fast). Run the second 50% with your legs (you've trained for it just get in your rhythm). Run the last 50% with your heart (Dig deep!) 150%? Yes because a marathon is just that long.
Have fun and good luck, Glenn! Oh, and "old and slow" does NOT include you. :) Enjoy the weekend!
ReplyDeletei feel like even if you pick the 2nd wave (starting in the front) you'd catch up to the previous wave which would slow you back down in the event you go out too fast. so, i don't know that either would be a bad choice?
ReplyDeletegood luck and have fun this weekend!!