Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Running Thoughts

As for any other racing updates, I will be running Philly this Sunday. The Philadelphia Marathon was supposed to my back-up marathon in case of a NYC fiasco. I've been through the 2006 NYC disaster and took me awhile to recover from it. I honestly dont think any 2008 races can top NYC. Having my parents and friends along miles 17 through 25 and executing my best NYC result was great. I actually reminisced on plenty of what-if scenarios. What if I didn't take the risk to pass andre of TRD on mile 12 and 24, what if I mentally gave up on 5th avenue, or what if I stuck with Cass longer than miles 7 through 12, would I still finish with a 3:09? The result at NYC went better than expected and I just don't think I'm capable to go on full speed throttle in Philly.

I have to admit that I'm a bit physically and mentally drained. I've even toyed with the idea of withdrawing from Philly. However, I'm sticking to my guns since I've registered for this race and won't be backing out; yet who's to blame? Myself :). Racing 6 marathons (5 pavement marathon & 1 cross country) and PR-ing the 5K, 4M, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, BQ-ing twice and racing back to back marathons within a 2-3 week timeframe - I'm really happy with my 2008 results and already looking foward for the new year. I also never thought of BQ-ing this year as I don't realistically see myself BQ-ing until I was 35! Look, I don't own a Garmin, execute double-doubles, never log consistent 50+ mpw as opposed to my 35-45 and sometimes a 52 or 62 spike, or a 'droid that follows the Pfitz-Phucker plan or whatever that is. Hey it is what it is and it just works for me. With all the modern running technology (except the ipod), the structural running plans or whatever that is...it just makes things too complicated and not fun at all as running should only be a leisurely hobby and the only huge reason to eschew from a thromboid coronary attack. Afterall, I do have a life outside of running!!! Then again, it is a grey area with the fact you do strive to keep improving without compromising the aspects of having fun. My take is, I will still work hard on my running, but if I start obssessing over my mileage and let it consume the social aspects of my life, then it is not worth it.

Sometimes I DO ask myself, should I be purchasing a garmin, logging 60-80 miles, analyzing my V02 threshold (analyzing splits is fine), changing my running regimen and following others...Is it worth it? Not for me. It's probably the same deal with ipods, people may not like it, but it a personal preference. As such, same goes for Garmins, Polar Monitors, or the diehard Pfitz-Phucker followers. I'm happy with my results and I'll just leave it at that for the moment.

Hence, I'm running Philly with no pressure and no expectations; I'm really going to have fun and enjoy it out there. I'm not even putting a goal-time in mind. If there's a goal, I would like to run at a consistent pace with minimal fluctuations from miles 1 through 26. On the other hand, if I'm flying out to another marathon, I'll definitely shoot for a PR because the costs of flying out to a destination marathon and not putting a 100% effort is a waste. However, Philly's registration fee was already a sunk cost, no airfare and with an easy 2 hour drive (gas is 2.69 a gallon-- helllz yeah), the lower than expected cost is the only way I can rationalize running Philly. :)

During my consulting days at EY, I remembered working in Philly for a client near Conshohocken for 3 weeks and Radnor for 2 weeks and done minimal sightseeing. Maybe this marathon is a great way for me to see Philly. Philly will definitely be my last big race for 2008 while I just need to gear-up, stay rested, prepare for more consistent results and pavement/trail damage for 2009. I have several marathons on my list with Miami, Boston and NYC as my definites with an ultra or 2 more destination marathons on the east coast. We'll see ;)

As far as the weather goes, again it is a moot point. You just have to adapt to different conditions 'cus Philly you are next and holla to 2009!

Cheers,
Moz

5 Comments:

Blogger jbetanoff21 said...

Wish you the best of luck in Philly. Just enjoy as you already reached your goal in 2008.
I agree with you, as amateurs let's keep running simple. You just need shoes and go! Don't make it complicated with garmins and plans, blah blah blah blah. No need for such obsession and be stressed out about every run you make. There is nothing better than to run everyday and to run by feel without following any specific plans but you own. It's good to have time goals but as long as we don't see ourselves in the Olympics I don't see the need to have running taking over so many aspects of your life. It's better to live a balanced life.
Enjoy Philly

Stay safe.

12:27 PM  
Blogger DawnB said...

have a great race this weekend wish i were there!!

8:14 PM  
Blogger Caoimhin O Loingsigh said...

Good Luck in Philly Dude!!

11:38 AM  
Blogger Caoimhin O Loingsigh said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11:39 AM  
Blogger chicopea said...

Good luck! I'm glad you decided to take it easy this time, you deserve it, enjoy!

3:54 PM  

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