So I have been at this training thing for 150 days now and I have just one month to go before the Philadelphia Marathon. All of which is in preparation for the big Kahuna next August.
At 150 days, training has been going well. I have been running over 50 miles per week for over a month now and am in the last heavy week of training before the marathon. In fact, I have just a week and a half before I begin my taper for the marathon. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to that!!
So it is time to take stock of where I am and begin planning for next month’s race. To that end, I am running in a Rock n Roll 10k race in Brooklyn tomorrow. I plan to use this race to judge my fitness and to set a goal pace for the Philadelphia Marathon. Truth is, I am not feeling it today. Hopefully I will feel better in the morning which will begin at 4:30 am. Blech.
In addition to the running, I am swimming regularly as well, although not very far. I swim a mile at lunch time 4 days a week at a pool right by my office. Grab a sammich, hop in the pool, shower, change, and back at my desk within the hour. But my focus has been on running. I have completed two 18 mile runs and two 20 mile runs (and a bunch in the 13-16 mile range) in my marathon prep so far. I will do 15 on Sunday and then another 20 miler next week and that will be that. Taper time.
Not incidentally, I have lost 62 lbs since Memorial Day and am only 7 lbs away from my goal weight. I still hope to be close to it by the time of the marathon but there will be no dieting during the last 2 weeks before the race. I. Must. Eat.
So if anyone is doing the Rock n Roll 10k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn tomorrow, make sure you say hello as you run by me.
Update: Race was great. Lots o’People. Prospect Park is nice but the second time around, that long hill hurt. A lot. I ran a pedestrian 49:52, but I suppose that’s not too bad for a guy who was a couch potato 5 months ago. Thanks for all the encouraging comments!
October 21, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Hey Pat! Thanks for the update! I would say that you are waaaaay over prepared for a marathon, except that you are training for much more than that.
Sounds like you are on a great track. Hope you feel better and do well!
October 21, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Way to go! Best of luck with the races!
October 22, 2011 at 12:04 am
Thanks for the update. This is very inspiring to a couch potato like me!
October 22, 2011 at 12:11 am
Way to go! Finish strong tomorrow!!
October 22, 2011 at 2:55 am
Thanks everyone! I still slow. But I can be slow for a long time!
October 22, 2011 at 4:21 am
Good luck, Patrick.
Say – do you think you can outrun a bishop?
October 22, 2011 at 4:56 am
I don't believe you when you say you are "slow". I'd love it if you could update with your 10k time and race report tomorrow. God bless!
October 22, 2011 at 6:26 am
It has been inspiring to get your updates. Thanks for keeping us posted. Good luck in your race!
October 22, 2011 at 9:29 pm
62 pounds? Time for before and after photos!
Very impressive. I wonder if you might write a column on the spiritual benefits you've seen once you have met your goals.
October 22, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Jennifer,
Since you ask, I ran a 49:52. While still quite pedestrian, it is a long way from where I was just months ago when I couldn't even jog more than 2-3 miles.
Its a work in progress.
October 24, 2011 at 4:14 am
Pat, an 8 minute mile pace is great! Not bad for a "fat" guy. 😉 My first and so far only 10k time was just under 63 minutes… I was happy just to finish, LOL!
October 25, 2011 at 8:29 pm
You have got to tell us how to get started doing the same. How about a hand, big guy? I could use the help.
October 27, 2011 at 12:10 am
Gosh! My best 10K time is 49 min. But I can make the excuse that men are supposed to run faster than women, especially ones who have had 6 kids. No, I can't make that excuse, I've been back running for 18 months. You are doing a great job, I bet your family is so proud!