Training for Marine Corps Marathon is going well, with cooler temperatures helping make the longer runs a lot more enjoyable. When I was considering marathons for this fall, I had looked at the elevation chart for MCM and had in my mind that it wasn’t a particularly hilly race. I starting hearing from people who have run it that it was hilly, so I rechecked the elevation and read some blogs and it turns out that there are some major hills. There is a half mile uphill finish along with a large 2 mile climb right at the start of the race. I’ve got my two 20 mile runs left, so I’ll be sure to include plenty of hills. I’m glad that I’m mentally prepared now and that the hills won’t be a surprise on race day.
Now that fall is here, I’m starting to think about next year. The first race for the year has already fallen into place. Mike and I had always planned to go to Hawaii for our 20th wedding anniversary which was last fall. Last fall was busy with medical crappola so we never made it. Looking to finally make it there in January, we noticed that the Maui Oceanfront Marathon is right around the time we were looking to go. That was just too convenient to pass up. It’s a small race along the coast with less than 200 finishers last year. Mike and I will do it just for fun and then relax for the rest of the trip.
In thinking about what to do for the rest of 2012, it’s clear that I didn’t suffer enough in 2011. All 5 half marathons and two longer triathlons went well. I’ve been training with friends which has been a lot of fun and I’ve been running pain free for the longest stretch ever. Luckily, there are always new ways to scare myself. I’ll be volunteering at Ironman Florida on November 5th, so on November 6th I’ll be eligible to register for 2012. Although it will mean deferring my NY Marathon entry for another year, the timing to train for an Ironman is right for me.
I’m guessing that there are phases of emotions that follow the decision to sign up for an Ironman. Right now I’m excited. I suspect that the minute I hand over the check, excitement will morph into pure fear. That’s okay. There’s nothing like a little fear to get a person out on the bike or into the pool on a regular basis. I have no expectations about finishing, but I hope that the journey is worthwhile.
Back to the current task at hand, I’ve got my first 20 miler on Friday and my primary goal is to take it slow and leave plenty of gas in the tank for the rest of training and the race. The night before the run I’m having a VO2 test done so that I know my heart rate zones. I’ve been making my best guess at them but the testing will help nail down exactly where I want to be during the race. I’m hoping that having it done before the last of the long runs will give me a chance to try and practice with what I learn from the test. Six more weeks to enjoy the ride.
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I think I’ve heard about that uphill finish at MCM, too. I’d like to run that one and Maui, too! And with an IM, too, you’ve got a fun year ahead!
Ironman, you say? Wow! This will be quite an adventure. I bet you will do great. You seem to have a very disciplined approach to your training, not like some people I know.
Wow! What a great year you’ve got planned…I can’t wait to follow along
An IM…just wow!
WOW running in Hawaii sounds wonderful – a lot better than running in Minnesota (or WI) during January
We just had the Ironman WI in Madison last weekend – I saw a little of it and am just amazed at people that can train and finish that race. Sounds like you will be quite busy next year . . . and we aren’t even done with this year!
Thanks for the blog comment. I’m sure we’ll run into each other at MCM amongst 35,000 of our running friends. Good luck to you – reading through your story over the last year you deserve good weather, amongst a host of other good things. I’m working hills now too – getting ready for that start and finish.
Iron(wo)man – that is awesome. I bow to your athletic superiority. Looking forward to following your training.
6 short weeks to go. Tear it up in DC!
Please write about your VO2 test. I’m curious about who does this, how much it costs, and what exactly is required.
Have a great time at Marine Corps! I didn’t think it was very hilly. The finish is up a short hill but overall the hills were non-descript. I guess everything is relative. It probably depends on the hills you typically cover during training.
You are planning a year full of important events. I think that racing in Hawaii has to be something of wonderful. You are right, fall is the best season for the workouts. Here also winter is not so cold. My first 20 miles will be oct 9 and the second on oct 30.
Have a great time at Marine Corps Marathon.
5 marathons?? You are so strong! I think you have been my most inspirational blogger friend thus far. Incredible! Now, you continue to amaze me with your goals for 2012! If your body is staying this strong and healthy, I think you should go for the Iron Man. NYC will always be there for you!
I hope your 20 miler went well. My long runs are really, really slow but I can’t believe how much faster I’m recovering, duh! Hugs and congrats! Have fun at MCM!
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