ok, so in my COMEBACK QUEST, my return from patellafemoral pain syndrome to hit my second marathon this year, my beloved Chicago Marathon, here's my schedule for long runs for the remaining weekend leading up to Chicago, including the taper...note the highlighted on, b/c I will be asking a question and gathering opinions on it.
August 16: 10 miles
August 23: 12 miles
August 31: 13.1 Half Madness (half marathon)
September 6: 16 miles
September 13: 18 miles
September 21: Ready to Run 20-miler "pace race"
September 28: 12 miles
October 4: 8 miles
October 12: Chicago Marathon
Ok...so how important is that 18-miler? There is another half marathon that weekend in Chicago, the one I ran last year, and it's now in my neighborhood. (I moved, the race didn't.) I really want to somehow fit it into my schedule. Do you think it would be ok to forego the 18-miler? Maybe I will need a cutback week anyway? How much can I rely on my training earlier this year to go from a 16 miler, up to a 20 miler 2 weeks later? Am I plain nuts? Should I just forget the half marathon that weekend and focus on the bigger, more important goal? What do you think????
4 comments:
I think you should play it by ear. Banco is not going to sell out. I think you see how the 16 miler goes and then make the call. If the 16 miler is fantastic, then maybe you run the race. If the 16 miler is not fantastic and you feel like you need a little more confidence before the 20 miler, then do the 18. Or if you have pain, racing -- even if it is a shorter distance -- is not a good idea.
On another note, I got your text yesterday. I could potentially be up for one of those races depending on how the next week or so go. Either one would fit nicely into my schedule. My sticking point is that I can barely walk today I'm so sore. I don't want to be barely able to walk a week before the R2R (and yes, I'm totally up for doing that together, already signed up).
I know this is a long comment, but one more thing... as far as my "new pace," I'm dropping back to the 12 min mile group and targeting a 13 min mile pace for the marathon. Should bring me in under 6:00:00 if ... you know... it's not 90 degrees.
Ah---but the CHM did in fact sell out in 2006. Regrettably so, I might add, as I looked at it one night online and said "I'll register in the morning when I get to work" and boo-ya, the next morning it was SOLD THE F*&% OUT.
I agree with Lou on the "playing it by ear" idea. It wouldn't be worth ruining your marathon, the big goal, to do the other half in September.
And per the CDC:
1. Thanks :) It helps not having mono on race day!
2. I thought the CDC course was alright. But if the weather had been ANY hotter/more humid, it would have been terrifying. Plus, running in the same direction as the cars made me feel like it was a death trap.
What about running a really slow 2 mile warm-up before the race, and then a slow 2 mile cool down after (even if you are walking)... that way you would mostly (17.1 miles out of 18) get all of the distance covered and still be able to run the Chicago Half Marathon.
Are you planning on running the Chicago Half all out? Or just enjoy the race and take it at a slower pace?
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