Friday, May 14, 2010

Finish Line in Sight

Inspiration

Last night we had our final official clinic session before the Mississauga Marathon. We had an excellent guest speaker, Predrag Mladenovic, a local champ as well as a well-respected runner both nationally and internationally.

Predrag shared with us some of his own experiences in tackling the marathon distance. He in fact won the Mississauga Marathon in 2007, which was his first marathon at the time!

I found it fascinating to hear from such an elite runner and while I may never know how it feels to break the tape, I could relate on many levels. It was interesting to learn that he experiences pre-race nerves just like we do, and battles those physical and mental challenges late in the marathon just like we do. Whether you're racing in the top 3 or back of the pack, a marathon is a marathon. Predrag said many times that "42 kilometres is 42 kilometres!"

Final Run

I opted out of the group run last night in favour of running some errands and turning in early, so I headed out this morning before work for my final pre-marathon run. It was a nice and easy 5K around the neighbourhood. Everything appears to be in good working order...

And that about wraps it up!

Training by Numbers

# weeks: 16

# runs: 84

distance: 1035KM (~647mi)

average weekly mileage: 65KM (~41mi)

highest weekly mileage: 77KM (~48mi)

highest monthly mileage: (April) 319KM (~198mi)

# runs 25K (~15mi) or more: 10

# runs 30K (~18.6mi) or more: 6

# runs 32K (~20mi) or more: 4

races: 5 (HM and 30K PR) + 1 virtual


And it all comes down to 26.2 miles on Sunday...


Goal!

I do not have A, B and C goals like I normally would. This time around I have only one time goal and it's no secret around here:


sub-4:00:00



Other goals/plans/thoughts:

  • Start smart! I will not go out too fast. I know what pace I need to run, I know how it feels and I know I can hold it.


  • I will not try to "bank" time. Starting conservatively has worked best for me on long runs and I have almost always succeeded with a negative split. The plan is to run a 2:00 first half and shave some time off the second half if I can (or hold on for dear life).


  • My fueling/hydration/electrolyte replacement plan is in place and I will stick to it because I know it works. (Gu every 5 miles, 1 Gu Chump in between on the 2.5, salt cap before the race and half way, water in my Nathan handheld to be refilled as needed.)


  • My race day outfit has been selected (pictured below) and I've started laying out gear. Our dining room is starting to look like Race Central!




  • Possible pacing from my former clinic instructor/coach (Don) from 14K-28K (hopefully timing will work out); it would be nice to let someone monitor my pace for me during this 'middle section' of the race.


  • Hubs will be out on the course (with my orange wedges!) at various points - I know seeing him will give me a boost! I want to make him proud.


  • 3 of my girlfriends have arranged to show up from out of town and will also be out on the course (WITH COWBELLS) to cheer me on. This means the world to me!


  • Countless friends and running companions will be racing or cheering... there will be no shortage of support.



  • I will TRUST my training and BELIEVE in myself. I CAN DO THIS!



Live tracking will be available at Sportstats.ca - Search for bib # 197 under Mississauga Marathon.

2 more sleeps!

69 comments:

Anonymous said...

First!!! :)

Anonymous said...

First!!! :)

Anonymous said...

oops, didn't mean to do that twice...haha

I have NO DOUBT that those legs have a sub-4 in them....Secretly (or, not-so...) I think you have 3:50 in you and I can't wait to follow you and see how you do!! Wish I could be there with an extra cowbell to cheer you on :)!

lish said...

What a great plan! Believe in your training...Congratulations on a very tough 16 week plan you did a great job! Have a great race and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Karen said...

Go Marlene! Love the top you have picked out for the race! Sub 4 here you come :)

dawn @ running the dawn said...

Good luck to you! I'm going for my sub-4 in three weeks, and I'm already shaking with nerves. Sounds like you've put in the hard work and now you get to enjoy the results. Can't wait to hear about the race!

Indi said...

Good Luck on Sunday!!

teacherwoman said...

Wow! Look at all the training you have done! You are so ready for this, girl! Good luck this weekend! I can't wait for the full race recap next week!

Unknown said...

you will do so well!! it sounds like you are ready and i think your race day strategy is great. oh and i totally love the outfit!

Unknown said...

Run, Girl, run! I can't wait to follow you and I love your plans...you've worked so hard for this! I can't wait to hear how it goes.

I Run for Fun said...

All the best, Marlene! I will be following your race and rooting for you. You are ready for this and will rock this race, no doubt about that!

Unknown said...

How exciting! You seem so well organized! Have a wonderful race and here's to that sub 4 time :)

misszippy said...

You are smart to stick to the conservative start; I'm like that too--banking miles does not work for me! Go out there and have a fabulous race--get your goal!!

ShutUpandRun said...

You have SO got this!! Sub four is yours. You ran way more miles than I did in 16 weeks. Wow, impressive. Yeah, banking time is risky. I only did it b/c there was so much downhill the first half. You are smart and strong and I can't wait to hear about your success.

Michele said...

Good luck this weekend! You've got a sub 4 in the bag.

Claudia said...

You are going to do amazing, I just know it!!
Love your race outfit.

YOU CAN DO IT!

No Longer Using said...

grrr i posted a great comment and it didn't save. my computer is having connection issues.

i just wanted to say good luck!!!! there was much more to it than that :) lemme try to recreate:

SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH! just do it!! your legs know what they're doing and you have a fire inside so both of those things will carry you from start to finish. let everything go and just run. have fun! and work hard- like you always do. good luck!! :)

happy friday!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Sounds like you got it under control. Good weather headed your way, I hope. You don't need any luck, so give em hell...

Jamie said...

Yea!!! I'm so excited for you! Good luck on Sunday, kick some marathon butt! I'll be thinking of you while I'm battling my own 26.2 :) Can't wait to hear how it goes!

Stephanie said...

sounds like a great plan..you will do awesome!

Thanks for the fueling breakdown..might try this during my training for my 1st marathon in Oct.

H Love said...

man you have put in the time and miles!! good luck! you are going to rock.

Anonymous said...

looove the race outfit. the blue-ish/purple looks really good on u!

good luck and u can do anything u set your mind too. ill keep my eyes open for u!!!!
LETS GO 197!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

You are so ready, and you will absolutely kick this goal's ass!

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you! Can't wait to read the report!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

I can tell from this post that you are 333% READY!! So excited for you Marlene.. OK off to email you and pester you all day..

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

WAIT my bib for Eugene was 797 and you are 197... Hmmmmm could PR's/Dreams end in 97??? I think so

Marky Mark said...

I will be tracking you-do your best and enjoy it!

Badgergirl said...

You are so ready! Good luck this weekend and can't wait to read all about it!

Bethany + Ryan said...

i dont think you will have any trouble running sub 4! i really think you got it. will u update your fb status right after the race? i hope so! i'll be watching! my parents just crossed the Canadian border this morning, they are making their way from cape cod MA to Alaska via your beautiful country!
BEST OF LUCK!!!

Steel Springs said...

Woohoo! How exciting! It's great that you'll have so much on course support from family and friends. Good luck this weekend. You'll get that sub-four!

Unknown said...

It sounds like you have a great race plan and you're going to do awesome. GOOD LUCK!

Stacey said...

Marlene, you are my hero! You will do awesome and I know you will get that sub 4:00!!! Great race plan, can't wait to read about it! Have fun and good luck!

Robin said...

Good luck to you. I'm sure you can do it. Based on those training numbers, for sure a sub 4:00. I'll be there as well, it's my first full marathon!!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck to you! It sounds like you have your plan down! Sub 4:00 all the way!!

Aron said...

alright girlie, YOUR race is here!!!! you KNOW you have this in you, we all do, now go out there and get it! your race plan sounds perfect, i think you will have some left in the tank with a 2:00 first half. play it smart, get to the 20s, then lay it ALL out there. SO excited for you!!!! i will be cheering you on from cali and anxiously awaiting a post on facebook :)

<3 <3 <3 ahhhhh! hehe sorry i am excited.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

GO GET IT!!! :) You'll rock it Marlene!! Kick ass-phalt!!!

Carly said...

Good Luck this weekend! You are going to do great.

Amy said...

Your training mileage is amazing. You've got a plan, you've done the work and most importantly, you've got the outfit! You're ready!

Good luck in Mistersauga!

(Oh, and a Mississauga fact: Streetsville is named after Timothy Street, the founder, not because it's a town with streets in it as my university roomie thought!)

Felice Devine said...

You WILL do it!!! Sub-4!!!

What great training you've had -- I know it will pay off big time.

Have a great race and tons of fun!

Heather said...

Good luck! You are going to do awesome!

Heather said...

Good luck! You are going to do awesome!

Laura said...

I am so excited for you! Have a wicked race...don't forget the sunscreen as it is supposed to be amazing out!

Teamarcia said...

You are pure DYNAMITE in that top! It's my absolute fave color!
I am so proud of you, your hard work, plans, preparation, everything you've done this cycle.
Have a great (waaaay sub 4) race and have a blast out there!

Anonymous said...

I am rooting you on Marlene. YOu are going to be amazing tomorrow. Sounds like you are all ready to go! YAYAYAYAY!!! I wish you well and will be thinking of you while I run in my race. LOL! :) It is going to motivate me to finish. Good luck!!!!

X-Country2 said...

GOOD LUCK!!! You're ready.

Toni said...

Good luck! Sounds like you are ready and I think you can beat 4 hours!

J said...

You are going to do Great Marlene!! Enjoy the race and have fun! Good luck! I will be thinking and hoping your are doing well all Sunday!!

yumke said...

woo hoo, sub four, here ya come! now that i know what you're wearing i'll look out for you

MCM Mama said...

You are going to rock it!!! Good luck!!! I'll be thinking about you while I'm out there running.

ajh said...

Yes you can do it. Your pre marathon post is outstanding. I hope to learn from it for my next marathon! Can't wait to hear how killed the four hour mark!

Anne said...

You are so ready and you have a great attitude! You are going to rock that sub-4h marathon...CAN NOT WAIT to read the recap :)

Unknown said...

Just remember to try to have FUN! Can't wait to hear how you did. Loved the outfit too - sure do wish I could fit into something like that. Maybe for Denver in October.

Nicole said...

Good luck this weekend!

Char said...

All those stats are impressive. You ARE ready to do this! Good luck (but you don't need luck when you've done all that hard work)

Kerrie said...

Gooooood luuuuuck! Can't wait to hear all about it!

RunningLaur said...

You're going to kick so much marathon butt! Your training has been awesome and you've got it all behind you, just waiting to back you up on race day!! Good luck - can't wait to hear all about it!!

Runner Leana said...

Best of luck!!!!!

Mark said...

Marlene, you are so ready! Trained so well, you no doubt have the mettle to achieve your goal. I am soooo pulling for you and will be cheering you on from the sidelines here in Ozark. You are an awesome young lady and I can't wait to hear the report!!

Running Kiwi said...

Good luck, although with your great/hard work training, I don't think you need any luck!

I look forward to reading your race report :)

runwuf said...

Base on all your race results and training you have done, I have no doubt that you will crush sub-4 goal! Enjoy your marathon tomorrow. :-)

Unknown said...

That is one thought out plan. I will have to remember to be half as thorough as you for my next marathon.


Good luck on the sub 4.

N.D. said...

wow I hope it went super well!

I Run for Fun said...

Go Marlene, go! You are doing so well so far...am tracking you...they just posted your half marathon time. This is so exciting! I feel like I am there, cheering you in person.

Jess said...

By now, you're probably done, but I hope it went awesome and I can't wait to read your report!

yumke said...

Let me be among the first to say "sub 4!". U looked strong in the last 300 metres. 3:58:56. Kick. Ass!

Marky Mark said...

YOU DID IT!!!

Q said...

YEAH MARLENE, YOU DID IT!!!!!

Unknown said...

congrats on the sub 4.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congrats on the sub-4! Achieving a big race goal is such an accomplishment. Enjoy the bliss!