March Update

Feel like I’ve somewhat lost my way with regard to training since the Rocky Raccoon 100, so as March comes to a close, it’s probably time to get things back on track. After Rocky I treated myself to almost two weeks of down time, with both the legs and the mind appreciating some much needed time off. The following week I managed to string some enjoyable easy runs together, and rounded off the 67 mile week with a surprisingly fast 20 at 6:38/mile pace.

Another 60 mile week closed out February – highlights of which were a 5k solo time trial in 18:05, and a lung-busting 16 mile effort with good friend Andrew Hoffer. With just over 2 weeks until the Shamrock Marathon, I decided to keep the weekly mileage in the 60s and log one more confidence-boosting weekend long run. The week went well with some treadmill elevation work on the nasty weather days, 5 swift 1000m efforts in my new Newton Running Distance IIIs, and a better-than-expected 20 miler at 6:29/mile pace (again, in the Newton Distance IIIs.)

Newton Distance III
Newton Distance III

Things seemed to be coming together nicely, so as we rolled into race week I decided to add the Saturday Shamrock 8K to the already-planned Shamrock Marathon which would take place on Sunday morning. Looking back, my last short race took place in September 2013, which for someone who enjoys racing as much as I do, is far too long ago. Anyway, aside from some Tuesday afternoon 1000m efforts, I eased back on the mileage and treated myself to a mini-taper week.

Saturday morning soon arrived, and although I felt quite one-paced during the race, I was happy with my 28:55 finish time and 2nd place Masters placing in the typically blustery Virginia Beach conditions.

Heading north on the Boardwalk. Photo courtesy John Price.
Heading north on the Boardwalk. Photo courtesy John Price.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, looking forward to the marathon, and was capped off by an enjoyable Baker’s Crust dinner with friends. Back at the house, however, I didn’t feel quite right, and headed to bed hoping the queasy feeling would not amount to anything. No such luck – I woke early on Sunday with a sore throat and full of aches and pains. The throat I could deal with, but there was no way I’d be able to run 26.2 miles.

Long story short, it’s taken just over a week to feel anywhere close to normal again. I did manage to log a few easy miles on the weekend, but my strength was low and even 4 miles was a real effort. The plan this week is to get back some strength, keep logging the easy miles and kick off April in a more positive light than I was able to close out March. I still hope to run well at next month’s Virginia 24 Hour Run/Walk for Cancer, but the clock is ticking and the odds seem stacked against me.

3 thoughts on “March Update”

  1. Steve, you have a bigger picture to look at these days. You could set a different goal for the 24 hour VA run and focus on training in fueling, clothing, etc that you’d need at WS100. And your time off, I now understand. I want to run, but really the thought of it is not that desirable. But knowing in time, new goals will come around. So take it easy as WS100 is your goal.

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  2. It is ironic ’cause as I running and thinking your 8-K race it is all the more amazing how well you did considering you were on the cusp of some big bug that debilitated you, Ally and your house guest. Fortunately you have the time and the know how to build back up and I expect you will be churning out satisfactory mileage soon … take care and thanks for the continued inspiration.

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