If you break it all down into endurance running terms, there are only 4 kinds of people. I’m happy that I am in the 4th category! They should add a 5th kind; “People who have run all Marathon Majors.” I hope to get there someday.
Race week is here. It will be a super-easy training week capped by the race on Sunday:
- Monday (today): Rest and relax
- Tuesday: Easy 4-mile run
- Wednesday: Easy 4-mile run
- Thursday: Easy 3-mile run (fly out on the redeye to NYC on Thursday night)
- Friday: No training but a hectic, busy day in NYC
- Saturday: Easy 2-mile run, rest and prep for the race; heavy carb meal in the evening
- Sunday: The New York Marathon
The stiffness on my leg remains. It feels about the same as it did yesterday but it will subside in a day or two. I rested today!
My race plan is taking shape. It is not finalized yet but it is getting close. It goes something like this:
- First Mile (uphill): run very relaxed; it’s okay to run the first mile at 10-minute pace
- Miles 2 to 6: relax some more; try to make sure that heartrate stays below 144
- Miles 6 to 13: stay relaxed and smile, but pick up the pace just a bit; high-five a few folks at the half-marathon mark; let heartrate flirt to 150
- Miles 13 to 18: don’t get over-excited by the crowds; manage a smooth cadence and pace; heartrate below 155
- Miles 18 to 24: it’s okay to run a good pace but gauge your effort to make sure you are still poised; don’t worry about heartrate
- Mile 24 to finish: bring it home; give it all you have and enjoy Central Park
I’m giddy with excitement. I can’t wait…