5.14.2009

Marathon Training -- Week 6

I had a breakthrough in fitness this week. It seems like once you break 20 miles per week for a few weeks, the gains are huge. I did a 5 plus mile training run tonight at 8:45 pace. I haven't been able to run this pace at that distance as comfortably as I did tonight since the latter weeks of my first marathon buildup. Going into this buildup, I must have been fitter than I was going into my first buildup. I bet the shoes--Nike Lunar Trainer+--have something to do with it, too. I have much stronger feet. My turnover is solid. Everything feels even, comfortable, and I'm up on my toes and flying the whole time. I'm going for eleven miles this weekend. I've made a vow not to race during this buildup. I think that it really threw off my first marathon buildup. I did three races and it only further injured my foot. I know that my foot is healed now, but I don't want to jeopardize this solid buildup thus far.

2 comments:

Em said...

Sounds like a smart plan, Ryan. I'm glad it's going well for you and you're feeling strong. What marathon are you doing again? When is it?

I'm running the Rockford Half Marathon this Sunday, so check in on me if you have the chance!

Ryan said...

Hey, Em. Thanks for checking in! Hope you're well.

I'm doing the San Francisco Marathon on July 26th. I haven't done any of the high mileage, hard training yet, so it's hard to say where I'll be come race day. But as of yesterday, compared to my first buildup, I'm running a lot faster at the same effort and without any aches/pains. Things look good so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Good luck on the half! I'll be the first to check the results.

Ryan