Brendan's Training Log @bilkoruns - Tumblr Blog

Found this on yesterday morning's run. Just 10 days away from Chicago.

The extra 20° in temp added 0:09/mi, but got a solid 20 in today. It took so long to learn to chill out on the early miles, but now that I've gotten it down it makes for a much more enjoyable run.

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18 miler in Central Park today. Love the tune ups with the NYRR. Really helps prep for race day nutrition and conditions.

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Bay Ridge to the Rockaways with @NikeNYC today. Got an easy 16 in and met some cool people training for marathons from Brooklyn to Berlin. Very fun stuff.

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6 miles at my marathon pace this morning. Mile 5 was a big hill, so actually the most proud of that one.

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Prospect Park sunrise this morning

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Finally got 14 in, and found a bodega that let's me keep my half finished Gatorade in the freezer for the way back.

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Thursday's run photo - setup for this past weekend's basketball event on Pier 2.

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I think my biggest issue to date has been coming out of the gate far too hot. Did 10k this morning that kicks off with the first 2 miles uphill, forcing myself to start off slow. Made for a much stronger finish, and hit my stride at the right time. That 5th mile is far too fast (8:15 6th) and the result of a downhill back.

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Running to the Promenade on 8/18

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seechrisrun

Ran the New York marathon last year as a first timer, and running the Chicago this year with a time goal in mind. Training has seemed more difficult this time around for some reason. My legs feel like they hit a wall around 12 miles despite running faster splits than last year. Mentally it seems harder too — like if my time isn't going to be good, then the miles aren't worth it. Did you ever experience similar hurdles training when you first started?

Well, I’ve certainly had my share of bad runs. Illness, lack of sleep, stress, heat — any number of factors can contribute. You learn to take what your body gives you. If it’s not your day, try to do better tomorrow.

One thing it took me a little while to understand is that you don’t always need to run fast. If your workout isn’t designated for the track, tempo, fartlek, or any other accelerated pace, then just take it easy. Running slower isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. In fact, the slower running allows your body to recover between those difficult workouts without sacrificing your hard-earned gains. I could probably do most of my runs at a 7-minute pace or faster, but then I’d be toast for the key workouts and likely develop an injury.

For the long run, I’d look at your fueling and preparation. When I trained for my first marathon, I just left a Gatorade at the trailhead of a 10-mile loop and only stopped that one time for a few sips. Now I know I need to load up beforehand and bring some along for the ride. Wearing a pack or belt may look a little silly, but I read once that the human body can typically only provide enough energy for an hour of activity without supplementing. Your advancement in pace may require you to replace more over the same distance compared to your last training cycle. Check out my post from last week if you want to some tips on how I tackle long runs.

bilkoruns

When in doubt, ask. Thank you, seechrisrun!

Ran half of what my long and lazy was supposed to be because of some unexpected elevation (running up a mountain trail...I'm an idiot), but did get into a fun standoff with this lady and a dozen wild turkeys.

#runphoto #runblr #sanoma #annadel park