I’m writing this while I’m in the middle of tapering for the marathon. Obviously, since this is marathon #2, I’m an expert and know everything about running a marathon. Obviously, I also feel like I’m ready, since this is #2, unlike with marathon #1 where nobody seems to feel ready.
Yeah right. There’s a few issues, one is that this is my first travel race – I’m driving from Cincinnati to Toledo on Friday Evening and then driving back on Sunday. So unlike when I can nearly-forget something but have it available, I can’t forget some important stuff because once the expo closes, that’s it.
I actually do feel somewhat ready. I know after the first that the plans are good (and if anything, I know Pfitz 18/55 is more advanced than Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 1. The numbers show it – under the HHI1 plan last year, my top week was 47 miles, with an average of 36 miles/week in the non-taper weeks. The Pfitz 18/55 maxxed out at just under 58 miles. It is supposed to max out at 55 miles, but some miscalculation on a run left me nearly two miles away from my car when out for a 20 mile run. The average (again, non-taper weeks) has been 45.5 miles.
| HH Int 1 | Pfitz 18/55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Weekly Mileage | 47 | 58 |
| Avg Weekly Mileage (non-taper weeks) | 36 | 46 |
| Number of 20-mile runs | 2 | 3 |
Goals
I have four goals. The AA goal is a BQ time of 3:10 (a 7:15 min/mile pace). I don’t think I’m there yet (but I won’t complain if it happens!). The A goal is a 3:20 (a 7:38 min/mile pace). This is a substantial improvement over my current PR of 3:45, but I think it’s possible since the course in Toledo is flatter and the weather is expected to be better. The B goal is a 3:30 (around a 8:00 min/mile pace). This is around my current fitness level, per the McMillan Running Calculator. The C goal is to beat a 3:45:14, which is my current PR.
Keys To My Race
Key 1: Don’t Worry About the Hill
I’m used to hillier routes than the Toledo Marathon route. I had to take to Strava to get data about the elevation of the Toledo Marathon. The problem with this is that it ruins perspective a little, since you only have the vertical scale on the left side to use.
(Looking at the Flying Pig side, that big drop down Erie Avenue past the Mushroom House was nice…)
Anyway, I took to R to read the profiles and estimate the elevations so I could compare them easily. That “hill” in the middle of the course… it’s cute. 😂
Key 2: Don’t Forget Energy Gels (And Manage Hydration)!
I’ve used Gu and Gatorade Endurance Gels (and prefer Gatorade Endurance). They, of course, have something else on the course – Honey Stinger. I’ve never had it, and obviously won’t try it on race day. I’m not even sure if you can usually buy Gatorade Endurance Gels at a larger expo (much less a smaller one like this).
Hydration will have a little more strategy to it, but only a little – I have to remember to be ready to take from all aid stations on the last half of the race. After mile 12, the aid stations spread out to every other mile or so. That’s along the lines of my normal hydration, so the fewer stations is not a big deal… provided I don’t miss one. Hopefully the Gatorade on the course is Gatorade Endurance, the race website is void of details beyond “Gatorade Lemon/Lime”.
Key 3: Stay Calm
The want to break that A goal may get me going too fast off the start, and the lack of hills will probably get me going a little too fast off the start. It’s going to be difficult to judge, too, since it’s flat. They key will be to maintain a solid effort without going over the threshold that leaves me smacking face-first into The Wall.
That’s it. I’m on cruise control until Sunday when I toe the line for Marathon Number 2!