KenZen - Running Alone Ain't So Lonely

I would say you are ready, Kenny!

Weather sounds perfect - we had rain early, but it cleared out beautifully, and I think was similar - hoping you get that for Hartford.

Michael Enright wrote:I would say you are ready, Kenny!

Weather sounds perfect - we had rain early, but it cleared out beautifully, and I think was similar - hoping you get that for Hartford.

Yes low 50's would be nice even upper 40's to start. To early to start looking at weather lol

Sounds like a great run! Only 2 more weeks? Your training has been so good and I am looking forward to a great marathon for you in Hartford!

Julie wrote:Sounds like a great run! Only 2 more weeks? Your training has been so good and I am looking forward to a great marathon for you in Hartford!

Julie - If weather is good and I am healthy I see lots of potential to go 3:15. Thanks!

Looking over some data my last 5k PR was Jan 2011 of 20:23 past sat unofficial 19:55. So big improvement. Past 2 race HM and 5k race both point to 3:15 marathon.

Kenny B. wrote:Looking over some data my last 5k PR was Jan 2011 of 20:23 past sat unofficial 19:55. So big improvement. Past 2 race HM and 5k race both point to 3:15 marathon.

Kenny B. wrote:Looking over some data my last 5k PR was Jan 2011 of 20:23 past sat unofficial 19:55. So big improvement. Past 2 race HM and 5k race both point to 3:15 marathon.

Excellent Kenny!

Everything is there Kenny. You're ready to rock and roll.

Tuesday

Cool weather 46 degrees had dry throat last night and this morning. Possibly cold or just from forced hot air. Humidifier coming out today and taking my magic potions to ward off any demons.

9 miles @ 7:51 (GA pace) w/ 8 x 100 strides. Body and legs felt great smooth and comfy with no issues what so ever. HR was low again 159 so that is a good sign.

Tomorrow is an easy 5 miles we will see how HR cooperates usually can tell if I am getting sick from that.

Wednesday

Still working on this dry throat cold. Seems to not be going anywhere past dry throat and a bit of phlem but I am confident I can wipe it out.

This morning easy 5 miles nice cool weather. Legs felt very good. Pace was 9:10 which is a bit faster then usual but HR 139 still in zone. Overall I think my HR was slightly elevated so I am definitely at war with something. But I rather look at it as just what is. Not fight it but welcome it and take measures to set it aside.

Whatever it is, I hope you beat it or get over it in the next few days!

Get over the cold soon, Kenny.

Thinking allergies at this point at getting better. Itchy throat not sore.

Sick during taper, huh? You'll be fine...

I'm sure you're doing it but just drink a ton of fluids.

I hope you feel better soon. Allergies are really bad around here because we still haven't had a frost. Good for the tomatoes, bad for the breathing.

Thanks everyone. Felt 90% better this morning then ran a great 9 miles with 3x1600's @ 10 to 5k pace 6:45 down to 6:25

now I am feeling it's a cold in my nose as it is dripping. Nice!!!! Easy run tomorrow going to continue with my magic potions. not overly concerned just wondering!

Friday

Yesterday a bit harder day with my cold it did move into my nose out of my throat which I think going up vs. down is better. I did wake up feeling a bit better went for a very easy schedule 5 miles but took it intentionally easier making sure my HR was not elevated from cold. Well good news is HR 132 was on the low side pace was slow 9:53.

The cool air while moving a bit really helped clear me up. I sit here now feeling decent but not out of the cold yet.

Sat

Did 5 GA with 7x100 strides. All went well HR was very low

Sun

last double digit run did 12 miles at trails HR 154 pace was quick 8:19 legs were a bit tight. It is now easy peasy mac n cheesy until Hartford. Weather looks ok hopefully under 60 but it is a 8am start so it might creep up a bit higher. I am thinking last 10k plus hill at end with sunny conditions will be challenging for sure. Currently still shooting for 3:15.

I hope things cool off but either way I know you've trained excellently and you will put forth your best effort.

Saturday is going to be here in no time - I hope you nail it!

Alright Kenny you're up now. Have a great final taper week. Take the line knowing you've done the work and enjoy the day.

Julie wrote:I hope things cool off but either way I know you've trained excellently and you will put forth your best effort.

John Kilpatrick wrote:Saturday is going to be here in no time - I hope you nail it!

Alex Kubacki wrote:Alright Kenny you're up now. Have a great final taper week. Take the line knowing you've done the work and enjoy the day.

Feeling the nerves a bit! Off today from running easy 7 tomorrow with 2 @ MP just to remind myself how to run 7:30 pace. THen it is all about easy miles.

Kenny - thought of you this morning as I was driving in. The signs are up on the highways warning of ramp and road closures on Saturday morning for the Hartford Marathon! That always gets my heart going a little, even though its not my race this year!

The forecast as of this morning looks promising. Don't worry about the hill at the end. Its no big deal. Looks like a lot more than it is on the elevation chart. As you come back over the Founder's Bridge and into downtown, you go up the "hill" of the bridge itself, but then you get a nice little downhill coming off the bridge. And then its a couple of short blocks of rise as you come away from the river, but you really aren't going to notice it much at all - they aligned it for the first time this way last year, and it was no big deal. The problem last year was that we were getting a wind out of the west, and as you run that final stretch before the turn into the park, there was a wind tunnel effect in the tall buildings downtown, so a decent headwind for the last half mile. Again, short-lived, and not a big deal unless you are 10 seconds off of PR pace!

I'll probably chime in again during the week, although my travel plans will make that less likely than usual. Hope the forecast stays nice. This morning they were predicting a high of 63 on Saturday on the local forecast...

Good luck, Kenny. Your training has been so strong, consistent and with some really solid races.