Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Up and Downs of Boston Preparation

Tuesday, I decided at the last minute to go to the track after work. The weather took a nasty downward turn, getting very cold and very windy. I met Barb and Elizabeth there, and we went for a two and half mile warm up around the neighborhood. I was hoping that would help me loosen up, but it did not. When we returned to the track, my Achilles was barking and I decided not to try the 3x1600 at 6:00/mi pace that I had planned. I was afraid that trying to run hard in those conditions could exacerbate my leg problems. I ended doing five easy miles...not exactly a Boston-worthy workout. I suck, and I will be an embarrassment at Boston. The BAA will expunge my name from the records. They will issue a public apology for allowing someone who sucks as much as me to participate in the race.

Turn the page. New day.

Wednesday, I ran home from work, as I have done for the last three Wednesdays. Further, as punishment for not doing my speed work yesterday, I decided that I needed to maintain my target marathon pace, no matter how much my Achilles complained. It was hurting, but I have learned to redirect my attention so it is not on my mind...much. I ended up with 10.5 miles, with an average pace of 7:21. Not bad considering the hilliness (1269 ft/ascent - 1015 ft/descent). I am most pleased with the steadiness of my pace despite the hills. See the graph below and note the elevation changes in green and my pace in blue. (The spikes are due to stops at intersections.)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nice job, Frank. Hope your Achilles finally realizes that it is pointless to coninue its protesting and will quiet down a little.

LilSis