Training Log Archive: ernst

Event: Loco Marathon
 

Warm up out the rail trail and back

Newmarket Loco Marathon. Our local fun little race with 2 loops and 2 times 3.5 miles on a rail trail. There seem to be a good turnout this year. Weather was almost perfect - a bit of cold misting in the first third, temps in the low to mid 40''s. Could have used some gloves - had no feelings in my fingers for the whole race.

There were pacers for 7:00 , 7:10, and 7:35 / mile. My goal was to hang on to the 7:10 but I ended up running with the 7:00 group for the first half - falling back a bit at the end, and then stopped to pick up my electrolyte bottle at the half. I needed it. Then I was pretty much on my own with large gaps ahead and behind - I passed two guys, and kept moving, hills were getting progressively more taxing - as always. By about mile 20, the 7:10 pacer caught up and I stayed with him and his buddy to the waterstop at mile 22, then slowed for gatorade, and really slowed down for that last hill, and after that never go my umph back. So I fought the rest dropping back to 7:30 miles. Left leg wanted to go to sleep so had to support it with extra hip push - otherwise all was ok to the end.

A good run nevertheless, 6 minutes faster than last time, and my second best out of five, 25th overall out of 255. First in M60-69. I was not too crushed and enjoyed the fun of hanging out at the ballroom afterwards with soup, bread an beer, the 3 basic food groups. Chatting with Alex and friends, and with Tom and his wife - he was the second place finisher in my age group - 4 minutes behind me - for a change, I had a rival. Also with Sinthi - she is my age and this is her 147th marathon (trail or road) and ultra (trails). She is doing 3 marathons on 3 consecutive weekends. Not for me! I need a rest.

C • Loco 4

Run to work to pick up the bike. Planned to run the road but the rush hour traffic was bothersome, so turned off to the trail route. I am experimenting with arch support inserts - really just a foam pad. Seems to work and still leaves room for toes and bunion. Relaxed running pace.

Biking home via fish pickup. The usual Friday evening chore. Fall colors are spectacular now - have been beautiful for 2 weeks but now with full color spectrum. Unfortunately the trees will get a "hair-cut" this weekend.

Bike to work, all on road.

Running home via the dam, then Mill Road, then access road and loop around the hole. Makes just about 3 miles. Relaxed running pace, as opposed to jogging.

Run to work on Mill Rd. Then trail shortcut to dam and to office. My "old" route and also my bike route.

C • Sunday 2

running home with the three hills: CW, around field back side up to myhill, then solar field hill. Easy pace, no pushing it.

Around the block with loops at Surrey and Carriage. Easy does it. First time this year. Part of tapering.

Then a run around the block. Already warmed up - pace at comfortable slighty slower than racing pace.