2 Weeks Out - Perspectives and Changing Batteries

While some of us are already tapering in their training, and others are focused on bigger and better (and perhaps more sane) things, one of us has that last big run in front of them.

Tomorrow I'll do the obligatory 20-miler in these training programs.  I've set out my course and made plans for extra fluids along the route (thanks Vini - this will be a 10 out and 10 back, so no luxury of an extra Gatorade in the mailbox). 

I've also checked the weather and found that it will be getting hot around 9am eastern in the central Florida area, so I WILL be getting up early to get out ahead of the hot sun. 

So now I just have to run it!

My plan is to get the 20 done in under 3 hours, or under 9 minutes per mile.  Based on my 12-miler last weekend, sub-9s seems achievable.  I've not yet found my pace; I don't fall into a set pace, but my muscle memory seems to want to remember 8s, which is way too fast.

The plan for tomorrow also includes checking out the Smartphone with Endomondo that I plan to carry during the actual marathon (Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Jelly Bean and Endomondo Pro).  I know that I can run 3+ hours with Endomondo running in airplane mode (with the GPS ON using the optional extended battery) and finish with lots of battery left (like 70%).  But the real test tomorrow is Endomondo with the phone side live - so it will be communicating in real time so Vini knows when I need more Gatorade; and it will be using battery. 

My plan for tomorrow (and Philly) is to carry an extra battery I have for the Galaxy Nexus.  Changing batteries is NOT something that I want to have to do during the marathon, so I'm hoping that I get the 20 miler done in 3-hours and finish with 30% or more charge on the original battery (I think I'll be checking the charge on the phone before I look at my time tomorrow). 

Ok, for the numbers folks, yes, that means that I will be targeting to break 4 hours in Philly - but only to conserve battery, and only if tomorrow goes well working to stay just under 9s.

If I finish tomorrow with 30% power or more without changing the battery, I'll carry the spare in Philly but it will only be a fall back.  If tomorrow the remaining power is less than 30%, then I will include switching batteries in my next training run in order to get some pragmatic experience with this maneuver (ha!). 

UPDATE AFTER THE RUN - battery was at 57% remaining after 2 hours and 55 minutes of running.  Looks like the phone will last for a 4 hour marathon.  So that's my goal, finish under 4 hours.

Training Starts Monday

Looks like everyone is ready to start official training for the marathon on Monday 14Jul.  And it looks like everyone is following a program and planning to use Endomondo so we can virtually train together.

Everyone ready?

Pick a Time

I pick 10 minutes per mile.  Anyone?

Getting Ready to Start Training

Funny how you have to "train" to get ready to start a training program...  anyone?

New Shoes

I'm going to start focusing on Philadelphia, starting with "where the rubber hits the road." That's to make sure that these tired, old knees get the most cushion they can.

So, I went to see Bill to get new shoes (anyone who needs shoes needs to see Bill!).  I've been running in Saucony Triumphs since model number 2 or 3 of the shoe.  The news ones, model 9.  I guess I've found my shoe - only took about 10 years.

So far have 6 miles on them and they feel good....  As I tell Vini - "May Goo Sta".  (anyone?  phonetically...)

Registration Day

Now that registration day is here, it feels more real that sometime later this year Jer and I will be strolling through the streets of Philadelphia, enjoying a beverage every 1 and a half to 2 miles...  sounds like fun...

Decision Time

It's not what you think.  It's not a decision whether to run or not.  It's a decision on what pace to run?, how to train; like when can I fit it into my already busy schedule?, and do I follow Coach Hal?, if so, which program?  So it's decision time.

For me, it's probably simple.  I'm going to train for whatever pace Jeremy decides to run.  I'm going to get up a little earlier and get out in the morning based on the program that Jeremy picks.

For me, I'm looking forward to it - All.

Training: a month before registration, 8 months before the run

So what do you do to begin training for a 26.2 mile long run when it's still 8 months away?

Answer: you start a blog.

The Event

http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/2012/

Registration opens April 1.

As of 25Feb, Missy and Jer are both signed on to sign up April 1st.