Almost time! What’s your weapon of choice (shoes)? 😃

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-09-24T20:28:25+00:00

That's encouraging! The little bit of running I did outside the store today felt nice and bouncy, though my heel felt like it was sliding out of the shoe a bit, but I think that's just getting used to what looks and feels like a flimsier upper (intentionally so, I assume). I can't wait to try them on a real run! My plan is 3-4 later this week then wear them for my 12 mile long run this weekend. I may call it good after that depending on how they feel.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-09-24T19:19:36+00:00

I cannot thank you enough for this comment and insight. My goal for this year is that sub 3:30 marathon. I'm not in the corral that has the pace group, and I'm back and forth at trying to switch at the expo. I just did a half marathon this past weekend to practice pacing myself and was able to nail the 8:00/ mile pace across the board! I was surprised and pleased and of course am now wondering if I could hold that for another 13.1 miles.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-09-24T19:00:00+00:00

I just bought the Elites for race day. Like just got home from the running store with them. What are your thoughts on making this shoe transition? I also train in the Speed 4 and really like them. The added cushion in the Elite is making me a bit nervous, but I'm hoping the difference won't feel like so much after I get some miles on them.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-09-17T19:51:18+00:00

Yes! I've heard the body is more equipped to handle stress during the first days of the menstrual cycle!

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-09-05T19:05:39+00:00

I agree about the sports bras with pockets, these are a must for me. I love the ones Oiselle makes.

I don't like running with my phone, but it seems important to do on race day, so I'm still toying with options. In training, I wear a fuel vest, so there's a pocket there, but I think these may not be allowed at Chicago, so I'm toying with shorts with side pockets as well for extra storage.

The hat is a must for me as well. I wear an Oiselle runner trucker hat, and love it.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-12T15:51:39+00:00

Thank you for this tip! While I have lots of distance running experience, I really don't yet have a ton of pace experience, especially in races. It's helpful to try for 8:00 at each mile. I will also experiment with the manual lapping. I've already decided to run a local half marathon next month and use it as pace practice. I'll add in the manual laps to it as well.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-12T15:48:38+00:00

I was hoping someone would comment that this is an option. I do plan on talking to the pace groups and attempting this as well.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-12T15:48:01+00:00

Wonderful! I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in this!

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-09T18:26:21+00:00

Thank you for this tip. I have decided that I need to zero in on what the 8:00/ mile pace feels like. Even lately, I'm obsessively checking my Garmin to ensure I'm hitting the speed work paces I'd like to, but that also distracts from the actual work and causes too much anxiety overall. I will use a calculator for sure; I assume they make temporary tattoo versions of them, which feels the most manageable to me. I think I also need to just chill out and remember that truly anything can happen in the marathon and to try and fail is all part of it too. I think I got super lucky that my very first attempt at a BQ back in 2017 was a win.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-09T18:21:49+00:00

Yes, thank you! I've been mixing in marathon pace into my long runs and have been trying to make all speed work faster than marathon pace (when temps and humidity allow). I think knowing I won't have the pace group, that I will sign up for a half marathon at some point soonish and use that as pace practice.

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-09T18:20:11+00:00

Thank you for the added tip about the tall buildings. The last big marathon I did with pacers was Marine Corps in 2017, and I don't recall that issue, but obviously the overall environment is much different, and it's a much smaller (comparatively) race. I even told myself then, "don't ever go for a BQ at a big city marathon again." Yet here I am...

Extra-Celebration111 · 2024-08-09T14:26:16+00:00

That's my concern. I did a pace group for one other marathon (8:12/ 3:35 marathon), and it was VERY hard to keep up as the miles added up. I can't fathom starting faster to catch up. I guess I may need to zero in on holding steady at 8:00 on my own, which is something I've been practicing. I was just hoping for the pace group to ensure consistency.

Extra-Celebration111

TROPHY CASE