The past few runs I have really slowed down in the pace. I felt like I was running a bit faster than I really was. So this evening I wanted to make sure I could push my pace up. I headed out and decided to run Thompson Lane on the bike lane. I was pushing my pace a bit harder than normal to show I could do it a bit faster.
It was humid! I was sweating like a dog about mile 2. It was probably the most humid it has been while I have been training for this race. The humidity was really bad and it was actually pretty hot for the evening (around 9:00).
Since I am tapering off, today I am scheduled to run 5 miles.
5.00 miles approximately 42:30 minutes, 8:30 minute mile pace
That's what I'm talking about. I do have it in me to keep the pace up. That was a humid run. I guess that is the way it will be until Memorial Day. I am hoping the Madison, WI is not as humid as Murfreesboro was tonight. But, Madison is surrounded by a few lakes which could add to some humidity.
I spent some time this evening and read through some comments on the Madison Marathon from last year. The main thing I am getting is dealing with the challenge of the course. Many said it was too hilly and the hill around mile marker 17 was tough. I wonder how hilly the course is in comparison to the Music City Marathon.
I came up with my plan for Memorial Day weekend:
Friday - Drive up to Iowa (whole family)
Saturday - 1:00 - Leave for Madison, WI
4:00 - Madison, WI (Expo) - Pick up my number
After the Expo go check in at the Hotel
6:00 - Eat Dinner (have Heather fix some of her spegetti I will take with me and warm up in the hotel room)
After I get done eating, Drive the course so I see where the hills are so I can conserve energy as necessary and plan my pace accordingly.
8:00 - Hit the sack
Sunday - 5:00 (am) - Get up, get ready - eat breakfast (bagels, toast and scrambled eggs)
5:45 (am) - Leave for the race. In my research some have complained about the traffic and parking. I want to leave early enough I don't have to worry about it.
In between the leaving time, I will be parking, relaxing, mentalizing the course and finishing, stretching (same as I have done for my long runs), locating where I need to go for the start.
7:00 - Marathon starts (the marathon starts before any other races) - The half mararthon starts at a different spot.
11:30 - 12:00 - Finish the race
12:00 - 2:00 - Relax, get the masauge, eat as necessary
2:00 - Plan on Leaving to Davenport
5:00 - Arrive in Davenport, IA
Now I know what I am going to do and I have a plan.
10 years ago
