Thursday, March 16, 2006

The last interval workout

I did my last interval training before the marathon, and it was a tough one, 3x1600 with 2 minutes in-between. The beautiful spring weather we’ve had over the last two days had me completely fooled, and I didn’t even check the weather before leaving our house.

It was drizzling slightly, and it was quite cold. I kept going, but thought that I should have worn long sleeves instead of a t-shirt. I was right. The wind and the rain got stronger, and soon I felt pretty cold. However, once the intervals started, I forgot all about that. It was really tough. In fact, I seriously contemplated bailing out and going home towards the end of the first interval. Somehow I managed to get going, hoping that the other runs would feel easier. Well, the second one did, but it was my fault. When I checked my heart rate monitor about half the way, I realized that I was running too slowly, the HR was around 170 instead of 180 where it should have been. I upped the tempo, and eventually managed to finish the workout. This time there was no extra interval though; I was knackered.

I’m not feeling 100%; Shea had a temperature earlier this week, and I might have picked up something from him. I don’t have a temperature myself, but I don’t feel entirely on top. I get this every time before a marathon, the last 2 weeks before the race I am totally paranoid about any coughs and sneezes. In fact, before Belfast last year I actually spent two days in bed, just 5 days before the race, unable to eat and hardly able to sleep (no, I wasn’t at my best for the marathon). Understandably, after all that training I don’t want to get sick at the last minute.

But I’m just paranoid here. In 10 days I’ll be there at the starting line, healthy as a fish in water. Honestly.

16 Mar: 7 miles, 56:29, 8:04 pace (including 3x1600 [approx] intervals)

10 comments:

  1. great job. It's always those last couple weeks where we are at our most vulnerable and you've made it without injury. Now, it's the waiting - a whole other can of nervous, twitchy worms. :)

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  2. Eat well, drink lots, and rest. If you have a little bit of something, it's far enough from the marathon to get through it and feel good on race day. Good luck!

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  3. I can't believe it's this close. Be careful these last two weeks!

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  4. take your vitamins (antioxidants rock), rest, stay hydrated, relax. Have fun with the anticipation!!!

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  5. Be careful--the last thing you want (well, not the last thing, but pretty far down on the list of things you want) to happen is to get sick just before a race. It's so easy to catch something from your kids, too.

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  6. Thomas,

    Wash your hands Wash Your hands, wash your hands!!!
    You will be fine, we're all pulling for you.

    Happy St. Patrick's Day

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  7. Don't let the paranoia get to you, but be careful out there cause they're always watching you. (Couldn't resist)

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  8. A little fear is good for you. Rest up! Remember to have fun!

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