Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Last workout

4d 13hr and counting and feeling like time is running out.

Everything seems to be creaky, stiff, tired and there has been a hint of an impending cold or sore throat for a few days now. This lethargy is typical for me and it's the same story when I look back though my old logs. I never seem to feel on top of my game the week before and often not even until reaching the starting line on race day. So things are normal...

Just a couple of easier runs this week. On Monday it was just 5 miles at lunch-time with a few strides thrown in for good measure. Avg pace around 8:00 despite feeling tired and slow.

Today was the so-called dress rehearsal 7 mile run with a couple of miles at marathon pace where I was supposed to gear up with all my race day gear down to shoes, socks, shorts etc. Didn't happen. At least the wearing of The Shorts didn't happen today as I didn't want to scare the locals too much. Instead it was just my normal running gear including long pants and shirt for a cool but sunny day. Despite again feeling tired and slow the run went well with the MP miles in 6:52 and 7:14 with heartrate around 140. One thing that I will have to watch is going out too fast in the early miles with all the excitement. This is the classic marathoner's mistake which burns up his precious stores of glycogen early on before the muscles get properly warmed up. A good thing about Boston is the crowded start that should hold me back for the 1st few miles. I'm also planning on doing a progression buildup over the 1st 4-6 miles. This worked out at Wineglass and should be even easier to do with the downhill miles at the beginning of Boston. I'm rambling again... time to sign off and watch the hockey playoffs.

Don't forget to follow the Chasing Kimbia site as they prepare for Boston.

Oh, and my race number is 6678 so you want to track me on the BAA website on raceday, with splits about every 5k. Be patient as it sometimes gets swamped with all the hits.

Carry on!

20 comments:

Jamie Anderson said...

I'll be following you and a few other friends for sure! Very excited for you guys. Kick some butt!

Andrew said...

Good luck Mike. Be prepared for the heavy rains they are predicting.

Michael Jay Dotson said...

Based on the lastest cold, wet & windy forcast, you might not be able to brake out those fancy shorts. On the other hand, based on your previous posts, you will probably end up feeling like right at home.

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Thanks MIKE for the BIB Number and site to watch your progress...this is going to be fun on MOnday, as I sit and drink my coffee, maybe some pancakes & hitting the REFRESH button on the site--haha

Your prepared and YOU will DO Awesome!!!!!

Phil said...

Mike .. relax, you are in fantastic shape. You'll do great at Boston and suspect you'll continue to accelerate from beginning to end without issue.

Thomas said...

Good Luck in Boston. You know the course too well by now to get sucked into silly mistakes at the start.

Your training was great with all those 20 milers. I confidently predict a great race.

Michael said...

I'm flying out for London tomorrow morning, but I'm hoping to follow you from over there. You've done all the hard training, now it's time to race. All the best, I'm cheering for you... just think of a 30k warm-up and a 12k race.

MB said...

will be seeing you at the Boston Marathon, good luck speedy!

Olga said...

Mike, best to you, please stay warm (you know, short can be worn over tights, right?) and don't get blown away by wind and bad feelings! I can't believe the weather prediction, damn it! Be well, have fun and just work by effort. Soak in the Boston, on yet another time!!

FreddyBeachPete said...

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the well wishes left on my site. All the best to you also. Perfect weather for us Canucks, eh?

Peter

FreddyBeachPete said...

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the well wishes left on my site. All the best to you also. Perfect weather for us Canucks, eh?

Peter

Anonymous said...

Have a great race. Looks like you're ready for the weather

Legs and Wings said...

Show them who's boss Mike. Have a great race!

D said...

Have a great race Mike. I can't wait to see those infamous shorts in person (next year.)

Dubs said...

Good luck - we'll be cheering you on!!!

Eric said...

Have a great race, Mike! The weather forecast looks tough, but you've trained through your share of it this winter. Get after it, and have fun!

DawnB said...

Have a great race Mike!!!I can't wait to read your report!!!

Love2Run said...

Thanks for all the kind wishes. I'm off to Boston on Sat and the shorts are already packed. As Olga suggests I'll wear them over the top if need be. Have a great weekend!

Dallen said...

Good luck. I'll be following along and looking forward to the report.

kyle65 said...

Michael, Good luck and have a great race! I think the conditions are going to be pretty good. I just hope they can keep the water from flooding in the streets.
Cheers! -Kyle