Royal Victoria Marathon (3-weeks out)

I’ve been preoccupied this week so you’ll have to forgive my sparse commentary. Given my week began on stiff, sore legs, I’m pleased with how the pins are feeling this evening.

As I mentioned in my last post, I was surprised at how tender I felt after last weekend’s half marathon. I took Monday off, and then proceeded to take it easy for the following four days. Yesterday I had some fun.

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I’d done the w/o once before, three weeks before Sacramento, and thought there was no time like the present to reacquaint myself with some fun and games. The sessions called for an opening mile at 5kP, followed by 10x300m. What’s not to like?

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With the wee one up early, we decided to the workout a family event as Ally and Cricket (Isla) joined me at the track… after a trip to the local coffee shop and park. Priorities. I began the mile feeling relaxed and comfortable but my legs lacked any snap. I split the half in 2:40 (exactly on pace) but decided that a bird in the hand was worth more and closed in 2:16, for an opening 5:16 mile. Now for the fun.

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Me running 300’s is a bit of a joke, or so it felt. I can’t remember the exact instructions Bruce gave me three years ago, so I decided to keep things under control and just “cruise” the intervals. I don’t believe I broke a sweat. The snap is back.

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:54, :53, :55, :51, :53

:51, :52, :52, :53, :49

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With only two weeks remaining until race day I feel relatively confident heading in, at least much more confident than I did in April. I’ve decided not to try and PB, but instead aim for a steady, controlled race, sub-2h45. I have most of my plans ironed out, but I’m embarrassed to say that I’m uncertain as to what to wear. Humiliated. Although I wore compression socks again during today’s long run, my right calf cramped. Typically, this “never” happens. And then there’s the shorts issue. I went down to our local running shop this afternoon, but the current stock left me… wanting more, or perhaps something that doesn’t exist. Fickle, I know.

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Two weeks and counting.

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Training:

Thursday: steady 58:23

Friday: easy 59:09

Saturday: 1:12:51 with 1x1600 (5’), 5kP + 2x(5x300m)(100m) 3kP-5kP

Sunday: easy/steady 1:51:47

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Weekly mileage: 6h20’17”, +/- 89k or 56 miles