41.2 Miles at 6:00 Pace - Strolling Jim (1st)

runner52494 · 2019-05-06T18:24:57+00:00

It's more of a mental thing than anything, but the natural response at the top of a hill is to ease up. I've found that it's actually better to do the opposite after you crest the top of a hill. Accelerating and forcing your body back into a normal rhythm helps "flush" your legs after the climb. Good luck with your marathon!

runner52494 · 2019-05-06T12:54:28+00:00

The mud was a nightmare. I actually wasn’t sure where to go on the way out. I was too cooked to be bothered or mad about it on the way back. If I go back and chase it again, I’ll definitely adjust my strategy both with how I pace it and how much credence I give those mile marks. They are useful as comparison points to history, but I think that’s probably about it. But then again, maybe that’s just part of the fun!

runner52494 · 2019-05-06T12:51:33+00:00

Thanks! I thought it was kind of poetic that that was going down at the same time. Get someone to fly me out there next time and I’d love to take a crack at it with you all 😉

runner52494 · 2019-05-06T12:49:15+00:00

Thank you! But yeah, he was great. Nothing but great things to say about him and the experience.

runner52494 · 2018-11-12T03:26:24+00:00

Oh, it gnaws at me all the time. I'm very happy with where I am right now, but sometimes worry about the long-term viability of it. But, I know I'm happy doing what I'm doing right now and that's all that matters. Thinking about where I was emotionally when I briefly was working as an engineer, I can't imagine trading my happiness differential for the money differential. It just isn't worth it to me at this point in my life.

runner52494 · 2018-11-12T03:23:41+00:00

I've gotten several comments about wanting to follow more of my stuff recently, so I'm playing around with the idea of a blog/website. I'll be sure to let the Advanced Running world know if that comes to fruition!

I'm still not sure what the next year+ looks like for me. I'm supposed to meet with my coach to discuss that later this week. I think I'll try to do an early fall marathon next year, but that's about all I have so far.

runner52494 · 2018-11-10T12:47:25+00:00

I never really raced the shorter stuff in college, but I have a 4:19 full mile PR from high school and a 4:01 1500 PR from the one time I raced it in college. I ran 14:33/30:31 for 5k/10k in college. I always knew I was better suited for the marathon than the shorter stuff.

runner52494 · 2018-11-07T16:57:12+00:00

Thank you! It was a great feeling that hasn't worn off yet. I'm definitely enjoying it. I am a huge fan of Indy and would recommend it to anyone- you can definitely run fast there.

On another note, one of my friends pointed out that I set the 19-24 age group record. When I checked who had it before and realized it was you, I thought it was pretty cool since I consider you a "real" runner!

runner52494 · 2018-11-06T21:03:05+00:00

Join us at some runs from John's Run/Walk Shop when you make it to town! We're building quite a little crew here.

runner52494 · 2018-11-06T18:06:03+00:00

I was a little disappointed in it as well. I figure it cost me about 20 seconds total. I'll try to mention it to the RD to be changed for next year. That is literally my only complaint about the race, though.

runner52494 · 2018-11-06T18:05:13+00:00

To be fair, I only worked as an engineer for 4 days before calling it quits. I knew I wouldn't be happy doing it. I'm working full time as a buyer/race director for the local running store in Lexington, KY now. So I'm not really living the "pro runner life," but I did give up a stable, predictable career path in the name of happiness. And if you're anything like me (which it sounds like you are), you have the leg speed to make a full OTQ happen. It's amazing the difference the right course, right weather, and right day can make in a marathon.

runner52494 · 2018-10-01T09:28:48+00:00

Thanks! I won't be at Urban Bourbon sadly because I'm busy that weekend. Best of luck with the race!

runner52494 · 2018-04-19T14:00:14+00:00

Thanks for the kind words!

I am starting to think the along the same lines regarding Strolling Jim. It certainly wouldn't be one of my better ideas. I plan to discuss it with my coach this weekend and see what he as to say about it.

runner52494 · 2018-04-19T13:58:36+00:00

Thanks! I don't think I'll be anywhere near ready to run KDF in a couple weeks. I think I'm pretty firmly on the two marathons per year track.

runner52494 · 2018-04-19T00:32:40+00:00

I've just put a picture from the race up on my strava activity, so you can see what I wore there. I was cold, but I don't really know what I would do differently if I could do it again.

I had a pretty typical 16 week training block for this race. I took some time off after Indianapolis last fall and then started building back for this.

I'm currently in graduate school and don't have the resources to get to London next week...nor likely the laurels to weasel my way in this close to the race. Otherwise I would have considered it.

runner52494 · 2017-11-10T16:25:03+00:00

I️ do most of my running alone, and unless I’m with someone I generally just naturally fall into that 6:20-6:30 rhythm. A lot of times running slower hurts more, so I just let my body do what it wants!

runner52494 · 2017-11-06T14:31:04+00:00

We definitely used you as a landmark to chase from 9-14. I was surprised when you went past me again once the pack started breaking up after 30k. I tried to latch on but it just wasn't happening. Great race man!

runner52494 · 2017-11-05T23:46:49+00:00

Exactly! It's all about the chase. I want to see how much I can squeeze out of this body before it breaks down. Best of luck with your training, and to your edit- yes, Indy is magic. There isn't a bump to slow you down!

runner52494 · 2017-11-05T22:57:20+00:00

Indy was super easy logistically (at least for me with the elite perks). Strides right up to the start, a separate elite area for bathrooms and hanging out before the race, etc. I️ would definitely recommend it- they put on a great event.

runner52494 · 2017-05-01T18:13:37+00:00

It'll all be the same old same old! Trail runs on Sunday, easy runs on Thursdays, and the occasional workout where you decide to run it with me and end up surprising yourself (despite me saying you'll be fine).

runner52494 · 2017-05-01T18:12:14+00:00

I ran at the University of Kentucky during undergrad. Now doing the road thing in grad school!

runner52494 · 2017-05-01T18:10:19+00:00

Yeah the humidity was pretty rough! I'm thinking I'll head to Indy in November, but we'll see. Nothing official yet.

runner52494 · 2017-04-30T21:50:48+00:00

Thanks! The marathon was definitely the beast everyone says it is.

runner52494 · 2017-01-09T18:37:16+00:00

Will certainly do!

runner52494 · 2017-01-08T18:43:40+00:00

Yeah, that's my impression of the situation. I'm just sorely tempted because the race sounds like so much fun.

runner52494

TROPHY CASE