Thursday, August 10, 2006

Easy Does It

It’s Puck Fair in Killorglin, and the whole town is going bananas. Apparently it’s the one event sponsored by Guinness where the most pints per head are consumed. As Puck Fair and marathon training are incompatible (as I've learned the hard way last year), I’m doing the unsociable thing (again!) and have so far managed to stay clear of temptation. It’s a shame, because the weather is just gorgeous.

I’ve finished a sequence of three easy days in a row. After Tuesday’s recovery run followed 8 miles with 10x100 strides yesterday, and another 6-mile recovery run today. Niamh and the kids have gone to Valentia Island, about 30 miles from Killorglin, where her family have had a holiday house since the 70s, and when the weather is as nice as it is now it could be mistaken for a holiday in the Mediterranean (ok, maybe not quite). I spent the night there, which meant a run in less familiar scenery, but I’ve run in Valentia before (in fact, I started my first ever marathon training there, two years ago). I’ve taken next week off at work, and we’ll sneak away for the weekend towards Baltimore (the one in County Cork, not the one in Maryland, obviously), and leave the kids with Nana and Gaga. If the weather stays like this, it should be heaven. I’ll still keep my training going, I promise.

9 Aug: 8 miles, 1:05, 8:07 pace, including 10x100 strides
10 Aug: 6 miles, 55:15, 9:12 pace

9 comments:

  1. Thomas,
    I can't comment on this from a personal level, since this is my first marathon training, but only from observation of the many marathoners I am surrounded by. From what I've seen, it's okay to give yourself a break on vacation. Many still run, but shorter distances, some get their long runs in and some don't, and it all seems to work out in the end. I think there is a benefit to the rest and relaxation that shows up later in the training. Regardless of whether you get your runs in or not, have a wonderful time and enjoy your family and your vacation!

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  2. No rest for you Thomas. Michelle is just playing devils advocate and trying to get you to cave in and deviate from the plan. If you do it you'll always be wondering what would have happened if you just stuck to the plan. I'm just trying to save you the agony and anguish you will cause yourself if you listen to Michell's "just go with the flow" advice.

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  3. I never had doubts about your consistency in training!! Certainly you will enjoy your running even more.

    Have fun and enjoy your holidays!

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  4. The trick is to run to the fair and back, especially if it is some distance away. If you arrive all sweaty then most people will give you the idea that you shouldn't stay much longer than the first pint, then they'll send you on your way home ;-)

    Don't forget about the rest part of training.

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  5. I'm with Jack--run ot the fair and back. In addition to everyone trying to convince you to leave soon, you'll appreciate the beer more while you're there.

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  6. As someone who used to run with a group that had a beer van meet us periodically along our route for "breaks," I'll vouch for beer's fantastic carbo power -- it's great fuel. So, I wholly endorse the running to/from the fair plan. It'll be the best run. (And if the second half's not, you won't care!)

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  7. I agree with Jack. By the way i am teetotal so the beer is not the right topic for me.

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  8. No matter what the others say, I think a vacation sounds grand. I'd take a break in a heartbeat.

    I've been staying the last few days in a campground about 30 minutes from home. RunningWife and the boys are camping while I commute to work...it's sort of like a vacation but not quite. I've been trying to get the runs in early in the morning before I head for the office but it's a bit strange in this new setting. I've been a little slack about it...but feel no guilt. You shouldn't either for taking a rest.

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  9. Yep - I'm with Jack too on this one! I like his style!

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