New British Record As Paula Radcliffe Tunes Up For NYC Marathon
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Paula Radcliffe warmed up for next weekend’s New York City Marathon with a fine performance and new British Record at the 10 mile BUPA Great South Run.
Radcliffe, competing for the first time since her disappointment at the Beijing Olympics, won in 51 minutes 11 seconds; 30 seconds faster than the 17 year old record held by Jill Boltz.
Actually, at one point, the 34-year-old looked set to break the world record, but narrowly missed out by 21 seconds.
Now Paula will attempt to win the title for the third time in her career and judging by her post-race comments, she’s pretty hopeful of a good showing:
Sometimes, at the end of a race, you feel really sick when you are warming down. I don’t feel like that today, I can run a decent time and still come away feeling that there is more in the tank. I eased down for this race and I’ll ease down more for New York, so, hopefully, I’ll be even fresher then.
McMillan Custom Marathon Plan: Week 18 Day 3
Phase: Marathon
Workout: 65 to 75 minute Easy Run
Purpose: Build Endurance
My legs are feeling it tonight and I’ll need to spend some time on the foam roller to ease away the aches and pains. I guess 46 miles in 4 days will do that to you…..
McMillan Custom Marathon Plan: Week 18 Day 2
Phase: Marathon
Workout: 15 to 30 minute Warm-Up + Stride Workout: 8 to 10 times 20 seconds with 1 minute recovery jog between + 15 to 30minute Cool-down
Purpose: Build Sprint - leg turnover and lactic acid tolerance
I warmed up for about 30 minutes in which I covered just over 4 miles. The wind was strong (gusting to 30mph) and it seemed to be against me no matter which direction I ran. Tremendous….
The workout called for 8 to 10 times 20 seconds with a 1 minute recovery jog between each “strider”. I felt so good I decided to do a dozen of them instead. I even kept a fairly good pace during the 60 seconds jog recovery.
I took full advantage of the cool down period and ran another 4 miles back home.
So, another 10 miles in the bank (250 for October so far) and another workout successfully completed. I just hope it’s not as windy for the next one.
McMillan Custom Marathon Plan: Week 18 Day 1
Phase: Marathon
Workout: 45 to 60 minute Easy Run
Purpose: Build Endurance
Hard to believe there’s only 3 weeks until the Richmond Marathon. I still feel like I have some work to do before I’m ready to race, but overall I think I’m happy with how I’m feeling. At least I’m not overtrained…
The treadmill run was also a good opportunity to try out a new pair of shoes I picked up on the weekend; the Asics Gel Cumulus 10. The Cumulus 10 turned out to be a really cushioned ride which provides greater impact absorption than it’s predecessor the Cumulus 9.
The two-piece midsole and extra GEL® cushioning does make the shoe a little bulky, but you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for comfort. I wouldn’t recommend the Cumulus 10 if you’re a “rigid” shoe fan - you’ll probably find it far too spongy. Each to their own I suppose…
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McMillan Custom Marathon Plan: Week 17 Day 7
Phase: Marathon
Workout: Long, Steady Run: 20 to 24 miles
Purpose: Build Endurance and leg resistance to fatigue
Nice way to end Week 17. Just 3 weeks to go….
For the record:
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 2:36:33
Pace: 7:50 per mile
