I just entered my key training phase for Ironman this week. If you've been reading this blog, you know that I'm following a customized version of Hansons' Marathon Method for my run training. If you haven't been reading, it basically spreads your weekly run volume out over the week, rather than the traditional method of saving the bulk of your miles for a weekend long run.
You may think this sounds easier. It's not. What happens is, since you are running more frequently during the week, your legs are toast by long run day. When you are running 10 miles, it's more like 16. The longest you ever run in this program is 16 miles. But it's meant to simulate the LAST 16 miles of a marathon, not the first.
In the book, the authors warn you that, during your build-up phase, the long runs will seem easy and you will be tempted to go faster than you should. And they also warn you that if you don't tone them down, it will all catch up with you in a glorious long run blowout from hell.
That is what happened last week. I was cruising along, feeling good, and then about two-thirds of the way in, I hit the wall. Hard. And limped home.
Today I was a little smarter. I had 10 miles slated for the day. I went out smarter and held back for the first 5, going VERY slowly. Then, for the final 5, I just let my body do what it wanted to do. The result was much better. I felt fatigued by mile 9.5, just in time for a nice cool-down jog.
So now I have to be much more mindful of my pacing. I'll use the rule of thumb above from now on. Hold back the first half, and then let go the second half.
I'm really enjoying the plan so far. I feel stronger than ever. My hope is that I finally finish a marathon without limping and taking walk breaks during the last hour. I just want to finish feeling good.
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