Friday, April 8, 2011

Boston home stretch

I have been ramping up my mileage the past couple of weeks.  This is actually something that I am really good at – I seem to be able to add volume very quickly.

My secret is keeping the runs relatively short (and at a comfortable pace).  Lots of short easy runs – read more here (High Frequency Running) and here (High Frequency / High Volume Running). 

If I went out and stacked on 20 milers I would be put under rather quickly.  So I have been doing most of my miles in the 6 to 8 range.  Long enough to add real volume but short enough not to break the body down and even more important to be able to recover.  I can also recover from easy 12 and 14 mile runs (just not too many in a week).

If you remember I did one of by b-2-b blocks last weekend – 40 miles in 4 days.  I then took a day off from the run (I rode the trainer easy).  After the quick rest day I’m back at it.  I have stacked on another 34 miles as of Friday morning.  That gives me 48 miles Sunday – Friday.

However, also as of this morning I have started to feel the effects of fatigue.  This morning was the first run this week that got ‘hard’.  It is probably time to shut it down a notch or two since Boston is 10 days away.  Coming off of a high frequency / high volume block last year I PR’d at the half marathon.  I am not going for any records at Boston but a bit of the ole super compensation would be nice.

It is interesting going into this Boston Marathon race not peaking (and not stressing).  It will be an enjoyable event!


finis_lap_track01

On a side note, I received the Finis Lap Track in the mail yesterday afternoon.  I won it in a contest from Austin over at Enjoy the Ride.  Now, I work in computers and everything but I was looking through the manual and – well it is like programming an 80’s edition VCR.  I am sure I will figure it out (and post a review) but it is not intuitive at all.  It does have a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck – Flavor Flav style.

flavor-flav

7 comments:

Matty O said...

LOL Did it come with a viking swim cap to match Flava Flavs hat?! Too funny man.

Yeah all my runs have been in your 6-8 mile range and only stacking heavy mileage on the weekends. So it seems we have similar plans (only 4 days a week). Well you have given me reassurance on my training that the 8 milers will provide a nice base.

Smart to back it off. I am still torn on what to do. I think I will test it out Sunday and take my bike just in case to finish up with H.

I like the Sport Count thing we bought. Simple, small, and easy, you just click the little button. We did have to buy them though... so had I won something for free... I would not have my little sport count watch haha.

Have a great weekend man!

misszippy said...

Interesting approach to the miles--all that matters is that you've figured out what works for you. Enjoy some easing off the pedal now.

That lap counter would do me in!

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

You know we're all going to want to see this lap counter around your neck now!

Best of luck with the final countdown to Boston. I can't wait to read everyone's race recaps.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Good luck in Boston

Now who in their right mind swim with that around their neck. I agree, we need a James Flavor Flav look going on

Jennifer said...

Well at least if you can't get it to work you can always wear it as bling. Flav would be jealous I bet he does NOT have one. Ginny and I are running the billboards on Monday at 5:15PM. You are welcome to join us. Have a great weekend.

Nelly said...

Flava Flav! Sounds like training is going well, enjoy Boston!

Anonymous said...

HAHAHA..U need to get a laynard and take a pic with that joker around your neck, TJ!!