Well trip to my Lou.
I’m at stage three, which is the sneezing stage. Stage one was fever, stage two cough, now I’m sneezing with valves open. I did run today, and it was tough.
Last week I pushed past the 50 mile mark pretty comfortably in only four days. On Friday I logged 22.5, with a 6.5 miller in the morning, 16 miles around the Farris Park loop after work. I was a little under-fueled, but I felt pretty good. Then that night, not so much.
It’s a good thing I haven’t been trying to stick to a plan, because I’d be pretty worried about how these interruptions would affect my performance in the Charleston race. To tell the truth, I’m not really worried. I’ll run as well as I can. If I suffer or finish slower than I predict, that’s an argument for the importance of the last weeks before the taper.
Speaking of prediction, let’s make this official. I’m going to finish the Charleston Marathon some time between 3:12 and 3:35. It really depends on how the flatnees works for me. Do I need hills to mix it up? Or will I be able to zone in on a pace and lock into it for the duration?
I’m hoping I feel 100% in a couple of days, when I plan on going long one more time before the race. If I don’t, I don’t.
So here’s the contest: predict my marathon time. Go ahead, look at my training log. Keep in mind I haven’t finished an official marathon anywhere near my predicted time-frame. I did run the distance by myself at 3:34ish, though.
Anyway, you have until Jan 14th to make your prediction. The closest prediction (over or under) gets some art. DNF and DNS are acceptable predictions, although they must be accompanied by an exciting and entertaining explanation.
PS I won’t be offended at slow predictions (relatively speaking, etc etc etc) if you make it funny, ie, “You’ll finish in 4:43 after a painful collision with a sailfish.”
3 hrs, 19 mins +/- 5 mins. Get some rest, feel better.
3:09, and it’s going to feel sooo easy.
This assumes you go into it well rested. Otherwise 3:22, and that’s carrying the sailfish the whole way.
I would like to say 4:29:31 so I am faster than you…but I will accept that I am only better looking in my fabcy VFFs. : )
…that would be “fancy”
I assume you have seen this?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-robert-a-kornfeld/barefoot-running-shoes_b_801781.html
My brother sent it. The best part is the last paragraph:
“So let’s get real. If you are a serious runner, you need to see a podiatrist who is also trained in functional foot typing, as developed by Dr. Dennis Shavelson to find out if barefoot running shoes are for you. If not, you can safely wear conventional running shoes manufactured by companies who have spent years on research and technology with the addition of a proper running orthotic.”
Nice conclusion…VFFs are dangerous, shoes are better with “years on research” but not so great I don’t also need to buy an orthotic?
Gazing into my crystal ball, I see a 3:17:23. My hallway needs some art. Make it happen!
@everybody: I won’t hold you to any prediction made before Jan 14. A lot can still happen to make you want to adjust your time.
@Kelly: I should be resting, right? I have a feeling I might be pushing the long run a little closer to go-time. Or I might skip it altogether. Sheesh. One of these days I’ve gotta train for these things properly. Of course, that’s when I’d get hit by a sailfish.
@ac: Aside from being *sneeze* sick, I’m feeling rested now. Timing, timing, timing. Thanks for the nice prediction, by the way. I didn’t do any sailfish carrying training, though, so in that circumstance I’d be pleased with a sub 4:30.
@Vibram Chris: I don’t think I would fit in your vffs. My feet are the size of a bunny rabbits’.
Re article, I haven’t read it yet. I did enjoy Neinast’s smackdown, though:
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: these podiatrists have never seen feet that have not been damaged (and had that damage perpetuated) by shoes. They have no idea what a strong foot looks like, or what a strong foot can do.”
Read the whole thing here:
http://societyforbarefootliving.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/huffpo-huffpoo/
@Dena: Looks like you commented at 10:26 – your crystal ball is an unreliable time-telling device. Will it be better at predicting the future? Time will tell…
Although, you live right down the street from me. If you want some art, you could probably just come over and take some. Not now, though. I’m sick. cough and sniffle.
Recovering Josh: Got the Scream. He (it) was in one piece, thanks to all the nice cushioning you provided. I love it, looks even better in person. Thanks so much.
OH, forgot one thing. Thanks Iris for shipping.
I’ll make my prediction official here per your Jan. 4 post. 3:50 due to going out too fast and hamstring cramping. Sure, it sounds pessimistic, but December was rough, and it’s still about 30 minutes faster than your marathon PR.
My prediction is sort of like on the Price Is Right when one contestant guesses a price that $1 more than the other contestant’s.