Summer of 2020 – Week 13
Rather than start another training plan between now and the fall, I decided to just focus on getting my overall pace for the week under 10:00. And, I continued mulling over whether I was fit enough to do the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon.
Training Schedule
August 23rd - August 29th
Sunday: Long Run. 15 miles
Monday: Easy Run. 4 miles
Tuesday: General Aerobic Run. 8 miles
Wednesday: Easy Run. 4 miles
Thursday: General Aerobic Run. 8 miles
Friday: Easy Run. 6 miles
Saturday: Easy Run. 4 miles
Total: ~49 Miles
Notes. I stopped short of my 15-mile goal on Sunday so my mileage was a little shorter than planned.
Workouts
Long Run
I thought a good indicator of whether I could complete the virtual Boston Marathon in a few weeks would be to finish 15 miles. But, when I walked out of my apartment building and felt the humidity, I had my doubts about being able to run that long.
I put on a podcast and ran easy through Crystal City to the Mount Vernon Trail. From there, I headed north towards Rosslyn, Virginia.
Near Roosevelt Island, the water fountain was working! I took the opportunity to take a little break and stretch my legs before slogging up the Custis Trail. Cognizant that I was halfway through the 15 route, I checked-in with how my body felt. At the intersection with Lee Highway, I gave up on the run and I walked to Clarendon, drinking the last of the water in my handheld. After the long walk break, I ran another 2-miles home.
It wasn’t a terrible run – two-hour long runs are what I’ve been running this summer – but if I can’t run 15 miles, how am I going to run 26.2?
General Aerobic Run
Technically, this was a recovery week so I didn’t plan any interval work. But, my goal was to finish this run under 10:15 pace, which would be “hard”.
It was a sunny morning but not terribly humid. In fact, there was a slight breeze!
Again, I ran through Crystal City to the Mount Vernon Trail. This time, I headed south to the Four Mile Run Trail. The view of the white birds on the water was beautiful but I didn’t want to stop for a picture. By the time I reached Glebe Road, I struggled to keep under 10:00 pace. I confirmed the thought I had on Sunday, “If I can’t run 8 miles without stopping, I can’t run a marathon.” I continued running, though. After reaching the W&OD Trail, I walked some of “Superman Hill” but actually fiishand the run under my goal pace.
General Aerobic Run
For my last “hard” workout of the week, the temperature was just under 80 degrees when I left the house.
I ran the same route as Tuesday’s run but in the opposite direction this time. I wanted to see which route had less elevation gain. I glided down “Superman Hill” and then banked left to the W&OD Trail. When I reached the Four Mile Run Trail, I was surprised that my pace was still so strong! At the Mount Vernon Trail, I turned left and made my way to Crystal City dodging the bike commuters. I exited the trail and prepared to climb Southgate Road. I made it up without stopping!
Health
Weight. This week, I started tracking my diet more closely in the hope of gradually losing some of the weight I’ve gained this year.
Injuries. Plantars Fasciitis. My feet hurt during Tuesday’s run and I worried the pain that I dealt with earlier this summer was returning. Thankfully, it subsided by the end of the week.
Clothing
Shoelaces. Caterpy No Tie Laces. When I visited my local running store last month, I bought these laces. Getting the laces just right was hard – the nubs keep them from moving at all. However, once I found a fit I liked, my shoes fit snuggly. They also come in lots of colors. Price: $78.
Media & Motivation
Movies. “Running Brave” Back in April, I ran my virtual marathon and called it the, “2020 Runner’s Run Marathon“. I realized that expression was in the signature line of a member in an online running forum I frequent. He directed me to this movie, which is how he created that expression.
Starring 1980s teen heart-throb Robby Benson, it tells the story of Billy Mills, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He was the first non-European to win 10,000m and remains the only winner from the Americas. In the movie, the actor who plays Billy’s coach says, “An Olympic runner doesn’t decide when he’s a runner. He runs every time. Either you’re a runner or you’re a quitter.”
Here is a clip of the actual race:
Racing Schedule
Future races. 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon. I got my bib number this week! Rather than feeling like an exciting moment, it was bitter sweet. A virtual event just isn’t the same. Besides, I put the Boston Marathon behind me in April. Why am I letting it back in?
Runner rankings. RunWashington’s DMV Distance Derby. I didn’t run any segments this week. My best times remain:
- Teddy Roosevelt Island – 1.4 miles. 10:08 (7:38 pace) on May 12, 2020
- Custis Climb – Key Bridge to Glebe – 3.1 miles. 26:10 (8:55 pace) on May 21, 2020
Next race: ?
I have several friends who are running the Virtual Boston. I know it’s historic and hopefully will never happen again. I’m just not sure if I could get worked up for it.
I’ve run four virtual halfs this year, and they just felt like another run.
Granted, a marathon is not any old run. And even if you are not in Hopkinton, you still have a BAA bib pinned to your shirt.
A buddy of mine qualified high enough to start in the first wave after the elites. He has bib 2,000-something. Pretty impressive and he was a little bummed not to get to start right behind the big fish.
But like you, he put in the work and I’m sure will put up an impressive time for this race.
Best of all, all of you get to start in the first wave!
Run well!
Andy