Sunday, July 08, 2007

Train Smart, Work Hard!!! or Truth in Recording

Well, this evening was just downright pleasant as I nailed my long run of 8 miles. I was reading an article in Runners World about mantras and self talk that runners use to get through a tough training session or race. Tonight, on the 4 miles out, I kept hearing Steeeve saying, "Train SMART!!!" The mantra kept me steady and patient for about 6 miles. I was feeling pretty good after 6 but much of the return trip back to Memorial Park is uphill and I was fighting the urge to start walk breaks. So, I started hearing SteveS and June in my ear saying, "Work hard!!!" I actually said it out loud several times on the way back. So, that pretty much describes this awesome workout for me. Train SMART!!! Work HARD!!!

My route took me out of the park from the tennis center and east on Memorial Drive. Then, to the goat trails until I hit 4 miles, then back. I stayed conversational and steady for the whole run and had plenty in the tank to pick it up a bit the last 1.5 miles. Here's what it looked like:

Total distance - 8 miles
Venue - Memorial Park to the Bayou and back
Splits - 14:30 / 14:39 / 14:55 / 14:54 / 15:11 / 15:28 / 15:10 / 14:03
Average pace - 14:52

Yes, those are some slow splits but those times are true. I would have included walk breaks but I didn't take one single walk break. I did however stop briefly for water just about every chance I got but kept the clock running through the water breaks. I believe in truth in recording on these long runs. When I looked at more granular splits like quarter mile splits (you can do that with SportTracks), I could see that for the most part, I kept a pretty consistent 14:25-14:40 pace.

So, tonight really came together for me and so did week one of marathon training. In case anyone misunderstood, I never said I was cutting back to 4 days. I said I was going to be get through the week and see how I felt, then possibly adjust to 4 days if I was too run down. Well, I did my 5 days. I was only short 1.7 miles from my Friday turned Saturday turned 3.3 mile 5-miler. Confused? I must say that after tonight's 8 miler and subsequent ice bath, I don't feel too bad. I'm feeling pretty good about the 5-day a week plan but remain flexible as I continue to listen to my body.

5 comments:

TX Runner Mom said...

Great job Vic! I'm with you on keeping the watch running...the timer doesn't stop at the marathon. :-) BTW, I used to have a mantra too..maybe I need to start doing that again. It really did seem to help!

Anonymous said...

For some odd reason I took to saying "Be the Deer" when I needed to crank it up a notch...

Pony and Petey said...

Ohhhh...that explains why Faithy and I never saw you on the loop! We kept looking for you and John didn't see you either...wondered what happened to ya = )

GREAT run...very good job!

By the way...my mantra is the song from one of those kids' Christmas programs..."just put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking 'cross the flo-o-or" I start singing that to myself when I get tired. hahahahaha

J~Mom said...

I was just reading in one of my tri books about positive messages. There is something to that! Great job on your run!

Robert Barker said...

Great job. I found your site and find your efforts inspirational. I am doing much of the same here in Philadelphia.