Marathons
The Running Centre did a survey of a number of athletes recently who had trained with them and broke the 3hr marathon mark. They examined their 10k times, half times and marathon times in-conjunction with the number of kilometres trained over a set period. While looking at different training methods, different zones i.e. did they train mostly at tempo pace or more recovery runs, or thresholds etc. After all this analysis the end result was basically distance was the most over riding dominant factor. He who runs the longest will normally run fastest. Running is an honest sport and basically the more you do the better you get. It’s ain’t rocket science. (I wonder what people who study Rocket Science say when they’re talking about complicated matters… like Rocket Science, they have to say ‘well you know, it is Rocket Science’ or maybe ‘it’s ain’t Quantum Physics’.. ?)
Over the next 6 weeks I have 5 races planned starting next Sunday with a 10k, then the following weekend the Fremantle half, ( https://www.wamc.org.au/major-events/fremantle-half-marathon/ )a week off and then the Rottnest half. ( https://www.wamc.org.au/major-events/rottnest-marathon-fun-run/ ) Then it’s straight into the World Masters Games ( www.perth2016.com ) for a 5k starter on the 29th October before the reason behind all this high distance training, the World Masters Marathon on November 6th. I’m hoping for a podium in my age category (45-50). As I have home advantage (the course is the same one as the Perth Marathon which I have run the last 3 years ) and will be acclimatised, maybe it’ll be enough.
This will be a good test of the distance Golden Rule no.1 morphing into pace, Golden Rule no. 2. Maybe 5 races in 6 weeks is a tad testing but i wouldn’t have it any other way.
On the back of this I have changed my training to extra distance and more double-up days. Still some speed work but more 80% -20% between distance and speed. Lots of racing in-between marathons has also helped.
This year at halfway I feel great and this spurred me on to a good second half and a 2:47 and change finish. 6th place, just outside the prizes for top5 (for the second year ) Managed to grab an age group win so all-in-all a good day and a springboard for the City to Surf marathon in August.
First post on the World Masters in Perth October/November 2016. I’ve entered for the 5000m and the Marathon (you’d be mad not to really!) . I ran the Perth City to Surf marathon end of August so have 6 weeks of solid 150k a week training ahead of me. Ran a 100k recovery week last week and on for 160k this week so so far all going to plan.
The 5000m is a bit of fun really as it’s on the track and I only run track normally once a year max. The marathon is a different matter and I’m determined to try and place in my age group. This is made all the more difficult by being 49 and 10 months in a 45-50 age group ! If only they held it next February my task would have been so much easier. No worries, if you haven’t got to work for it, it ain’t worth working for.
I’ll use this category to track progress towards October 29th for the 5k and November 6th for the marathon.