2023 New York City Marathon – Week 1

2023 New York City Marathon - Week 1 Banner

Training Schedule

July 2nd - July 8th

Sunday: Long Run. 10 miles
MondayOff
Tuesday: Easy Run. 6 miles
WednesdayEasy Run. 6 miles
Thursday: Easy Run. 6 miles
Friday: Easy Run. 6 miles
SaturdayEasy Run. 6 miles

Total: ~40 Miles

Notes. Strangely, the Hansons Marathon Method Advanced Training program starts on a Wednesday. But I added a 12-mile long run to start the week. On Tuesday, instead of an easy 6 miles, I did some “speed play” at the track in advance of the scheduled interval workout the next week.

I also adjusted my paces for summer training conditions.

Training paces
Recovery Aerobic Long Marathon Strength 5K-10K
No faster than 11:40
10:40-11:40
10:05-10:25
9:35-9:55
9:25-9:45
7:40-8:10

Workouts​

Medium-long Run

Yesterday was my birthday. My boyfriend and I celebrated by staying out late.

I woke up and had coffee but didn’t leave home until close to 9 am when it was already around 78 degrees and 85% humidity.

From home, I ran to the neighborhood middle school and cut over to the Arlington Boulevard Trail. The was a terrible accident here a few days earlier. So, I’ve been particularly paranoid about turning cars.

I stopped for water on the Custis Trail. My pace was strong, even on the uphills.

First Day of NYCM Training - 07022023
First Day of NYCM Training - 07022023

On the W&OD Trail, the humidity made the air seem too thick to breathe. I sucked as much as I could through my mouth.

I ended the run before a steep uphill leading home. I didn’t see the point of torturing myself more. It was close to 80 degrees when I finished with a “feels like” of 85!

 

After the run, I drank some extend before heading downtown for my birthday brunch!

When I came home, I saw my dog had shredded the cover of my copy of Hansons Marathon Method! I guess she’s not a fan of the plan.

Birthday Brunch Selfie - 07022023
Birthday Brunch Selfie - 07022023
Meraz Opinion of Marathons - 07022023
Meraz Opinion of Marathons - 07022023

Distance=9.66 miles

Pace=10:22/mile

Speed Run

It’s been a while since I’ve visited my local track at Wakefield High School. I thought I should go over to check if I wanted to do my speed workouts there – last year, there was work done on the football field that impacted the track.

The warm-up was a little short – the track is a little less than a mile and a half from my house to the high school.

Wakefield High School Track - 07042023
Wakefield High School Track - 07042023

I quickly realized adjustments I’d made to my Garmin’s footpod settings before the workout threw off my pace. But, because it was a track, I knew my split times would be fine.

By the final repetition, more people were on the track – a high school-age-looking girl and several men running laps.

The repetitions were:

200m/400m: 0:60/2:52 (set 1), 0:60/2:52 (set 2), 1:03/2:51 (set 3), 1:02/2:54 (set 4), 1:02/2:54 (set 5), 0:58/2:53 (set 6), 0:59, 2:54 (set 7), 0:55/2:45 (set 8), 0:55/2:48 (set 9), 0:58/2:51 (set 10), 0:55/2:52 (set 11), 0:58/2:46 (set 12). 

Average 200m=0:59 (7:52 pace)

Distance=4.50 miles

Pace=10:13/mile

Clothing

Shoes. Mizuno Wave Rider 27. This shoe has been my primary training shoe for over a decade. The current model feels slightly “flat” – I don’t roll as much off my striking foot. But, they will do the job. Price: $140.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27
Mizuno Wave Rider 27

Local Running Store. On Monday, I went to my local running store to use a gift certificate they’d given me for my birthday. While one clerk was ringing up my order, I heard another clerk yell, Sir, can I help you check out? I turned and noticed a disheveled man leaving the store with shorts and sandals in his hands. The man was robbing the store! I felt so badly for them.

Media & Motivation​

News. “How to Stand Running in the Heat,” Runner’s World. The tips include some well-noted practices such as slowing down, wearing as little as possible, and drinking early and often. But one tip I hadn’t thought of was starting with a tailwind and ending with a headwind to take advantage of the cooling effect. The article also covers heat-related illnesses.

Racing Schedule​

Next race

2023 George Washington Patriot Run (10 Miler), Sunday, September 10th. Goal is 1:20:00 (8:00 pace). This time is equivalent to a 3:44 marathon – my goal for NYCM.

Future races