It's time. Time to get disciplined. Time to get busy. Time to get up early and run. Time to shed a little dead weight. Marathon training begins next week. 18 weeks to Memphis. It finally came down to Honolulu and Memphis, and Memphis won out. I was already in Hawaii this summer, and it just seemed a touch too far away to fly to go run one race. It'll always be that way, but maybe in a different year it won't seem so bad. It's a wonderful course, and I really would like to run it eventually.
Memphis is close by. It was my first out-of-town project when I started working many years ago, and it still has some sentimental appeal. Southern hospitality. Memphis charm. Beale street blues. I'll only need 15K frequent flyer miles to get there vs. 35K to get to Hawaii. Does Corky's BBQ qualify as pre-race carbo-loading?
With all the frequent flyer miles I save, it's almost enough to get me to Orlando, which is good because I just signed up for Disney. The half is already sold out, and with it the Goofy challenge. The full is at 85% capacity, which prompted my early registration. I'll have 6 weeks from Memphis to refresh and recharge.
I'm going to try and have fun with Memphis and use it as a tune-up. I won't worry too much about time in Memphis (famous last words), but it would be nice to PR at Disney. The old training plan from last year has been dusted off, and new run times have been calculated. I'm toying with a 13 minute improvement goal - that's only 30 seconds per mile - and then "rounded" that up to an even 15 minutes improvement goal. Does that sound reasonable?
11 comments:
YEAH MEMPHIS! Excellent choice! I love that race. If the St Jude kids don't make you cry around mile 8 you have no soul. And you get to meet US!!! We're "just doing the half" but will be there in full force!!! We're staying at the Doubletree which I highly recommend. Right across from the start and finish and very nice - free cookies don't hurt either!!!
Is your family coming with?
You'll have so much fun! Sorry you won't be at the Honolulu Marathon, but I'll tell you all about it. Peter had a great time at Disney the other year, when he did the Goofy. Just be sure to get near the beginning of the start line - otherwise, you'll be doing A LOT of weaving through slower runners and walkers.
15 minutes off? totally reasonable!!! if you're a machine! which you are!!
so you're repeating the two marathons in two months routine you did last year? watch out, this could be habit forming.
so jealous you get to meet rae and brent!
Given your improvement during the last marathon series, I think shaving 15 minutes is do-able. Just focus on staying healthy, especially with only a six-week gap. Disney is a good place to PR, provided as Bex said you get an early corrall. It's very crowded on the course elsewise.
A meal at Corky's BBQ sounds like it would qualify for ANYTHING.
Ahh, Disney. Flat. It's also flat. What's good about it is that it's flat. If you "enjoy" Memphis and take it easy, you could take off 15 minutes at WDWM. There's excellent support at WDW and running through the Castle at MP 10, just when it's getting light, is nice. Then after the "dog days" of the course, a 10K slog on service roads enroute to Animal Kingdom, there are three theme parks to run through to finish off your marathon. It's wonderful. Did I mention it's flat?
After your race in Memphis, Cher will have to change title to the song; instead of "walking in Memphis"...."running in Memphis"!
Are you ready for the PR?
I love Memphis. My parents grew up there. Make sure you stop by Rendezvous Ribs (http://www.hogsfly.com) for the best dry rub pork ribs anywhere. And grab a sandwich at Top's BBQ. Oh, and don't forget the pulled pork BBQ pizza from Coletta's (http://www.colettasrestaurant.com).
And, lastly, have a nice marrathon.
I love Memphis!
I think you're goals sound very reasonable. Just don't go for too much in Memphis. Save it for the Mouse House!
are you doing the tour de fleur 20k in Sept?
I did Disney last january and I think you'll like it. God luck with the training!
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