Wednesday, September 21, 2011

"What's Next?" & Calling All Marathoners

After reading my Ironman 70.3 WC Race Report, AJH  over at Age Groups Rocks asked me a very welcomed question...



If you know me, you know it's never too soon to ask "what's next?"  Despite plenty of friends continually yelling "Kurt, slow down and take a rest!," I've always got a part of my mind focused on the future.

The next race I'm focused on is my first marathon, the ING Hartford Marathon.  The ING Hartford Half was my first half and I loved it (even given my collapse at the finish).  This year I'm going to take on the bigger race. 



To be honest, I'm not sure what to expect.  I've only ever done 13.1 miles at a time.  Granted I've done it three times and two of those were at the end of Ironman 70.3 races.  Maybe my body is better prepared for further distance running than I think.  My intuition says that the full 26.2 miles is going to be a trial.  I have just over three weeks to get as prepared as possible.  I will focus on slow distance since I don't feel I have the luxury of time to do speed work or much of a taper.  As much as I would have loved to be in a position to be within range of a BQ, I know that trying for it now is asking for major race day trouble. 

If you have any suggestions, 
warnings, 
advice, 
or the like 
for someone doing their first marathon, 
I would greatly appreciate it!

Beyond the marathon, I have no racing plans for the remainder of the 2011 year.  I might always do a 5k if I feel like it, but nothing I'm going to train for.  I've resigned the remainder of the year to two things: making my way through the NASM personal training book and building up my running base.  While it's still early to have any real set plans, I'd like to start next year's triathlon training with a larger base, not to mention I'd like to attempt an ultra if my body allows it.  hehe

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note, I went for my first run with the Pearl Izumi Streak II shoes and they felt wonderful!  I only went 3.5 miles and I can tell that it will take time before I can run any real distance with them (a bit of adaptation to go through), but I was happy with today's run.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions
1.  Are you finished with your 2011 season or do you have more races to go?  
My final race is the ING Hartford Marathon.

2.  Have you started making plans for next year's training yet or is that too far into the future?
I know my plans will always change, but I have some general changes I'll make before starting next year's training schedule.

3.  Any advice for a first time marathoner?
I'm shooting for a 7:30-8:00 pace (under 3:30 finish).  I have 3.5 weeks for specific training and my half mary last year was 1:35 (I've done 1:54 and 2:09 in 70.3 races).


Stay fit.  Stay healthy.  Stay safe. 

13 comments:

Matthew Smith said...

Wow, only three weeks? That's pretty soon. I'm looking to do my first marathon in December, and like you, I've only done 3 half marathons. Good luck, and enjoy the new shoes.

Runners Fuel said...

My last half for my season is on the 2nd. Kinda sad. This was my first "season". I'm still new to running.

Anonymous said...

3 weeks is pretty short, but you're already in shape from the half irons so you should be ok! Marathons, though, are a different beast...I have done 4 and they are a lot tougher than they appear. I think your goal is great, but may be a bit fast - you need to really take it slow at the start. Miles 20-26 are awful and they sneak up on you when your legs are like concrete.
Email me if you'd like more info!

I have a half marathon October 2nd...beyond that nothing planned! Not sure of 2012 yet either!!

Karen said...

Three weeks might be the shortest training plan ever! If you can work up to it, definitely run as close to (or more than) 20 miles in one of your long runs. Mentally that will help when you get to that point in the marathon. I would concentrate more on getting the long runs in at this point rather than any kind of speedwork since time is limited.

When you get to race day, I will second what Erika said - don't start out too fast. Even though people might be whizzing by, stick with your planned pace. Those last 6-7 miles can be brutal so don't add to it by taking it too fast in the beginning. Have a great race!

Aimee said...

Like others have said, 3 weeks is pretty short to train for a full marathon. Usually, your long training runs would progress from 13-15-18-20...something like that. I don't think you'll have time to get up to a 20M, especially if you don't want to risk injury. So, maybe do your next long run at 16, then your longest at 18 before the marathon??
Just know that a marathon is a beast and the hardest part for me was after the 20M mark. Like others have said, try not to start out too fast...it's really hard b/c of the adrenaline rush, but it will come back to haunt you! Just try to keep a steady pace, keep up with your nutrition/hydration, and just enjoy it as much as possible!!

My Boring Triathlon Blog said...

Three weeks??? Yikes!!

ummm why don't you pick a later marathon or a spring marathon so you can train properly?

You might be risking a serious injury that wrecks next summer's race season

btw congrats on Vegas

Michael said...

I wish I had some advice, but no marathons under my belt yet. I'm training for my first, but it's not until Jan 2012. In the meantime I'll be doing 2 halfs in the next month as "training" runs...gotta love a half marathon training run!

Good luck!

Coy Martinez said...

I did a full without training for it 2 years ago. I had run a couple halfs in a month and felt that I could be somewhat ready. Everything was fine up until mile 19 and the wheels kinda came off. Slow your pace from the beginning, at least by 30 seconds per mile AND fuel, fuel, fuel!

ajh said...

First - have fun! Don't worry about the time. I have to think you're prepared with the 70.3 you did.
I have considered the Hartford Marathon many times but I am always late and I hate paying a lot more because I am registering late. I will be anxious to hear what you think of it.
Races left for sure - a half this weekend. A 5K on the ocean in Oct. and a Santa run in December and there will be others.

Unknown said...

I didn't know when that Marathon was and I expected it would be in 2012, so when I clicked on the link and saw Oct 15th I was shocked! Good luck! I thinking of doing my first marathon in April 2012 :)

Courtney said...

I forgot to mention I have 2 full marathons, a half marathon, and a Tough Mudder coming up this fall. I'm sure I will do a 5K here and there. Big season ahead of me but I love challenges!!

Courtney said...

I think if you can get in a 16-18 mile run before the race you will be fine. You have been putting in a lot of running and cross training for your half ironman. You will be ready! Good Luck!!

Mudrunner said...

Wow, only three weeks ?? Great ! Well, good luck and be ready for your next race. Thanks for sharing this to us.