Terminator

Wind totally dead in Springville

Yeah running in the wind sucks. We had our wind up here yesterday. You could've had a good workout up north here this morning; it was quite calm. Looks like you should move ;)

Nice workout. I'm sure you could've gone faster without the wind, but really with only 2.5 weeks to go you don't need faster than what you did today. I think you're ready. Not a whole lot else to do, except exercise some patience between now and raceday (that's the hardest thing for me!)

The wind makes it like running UPHILL reps. Resistance training.

Nice work today Dr.!

Thanks guys! Good points, Jake and Riley. Jake, I've never thought of it that way -- intervals into the wind are just like uphill intervals. The effort is sure like running uphill! And, Riley, you make a good point -- I don't need to run any faster right now. It was a bit frustrating (but totally expected) to see slower splits this morning, but when it's that windy, there's really nothing you can do about it. Yep, Riley, looks like I need to move up north :)

I agree, Riley. Although the thought of tapering makes me happy and relieved, the few week wait before a marathon is torture. Exercising patience is definitely tough to do.

Yeah it's such a fine line. You want to keep fitness and confidence up, yet you want to be sure to be rested too. I think Jake's advice was spot on, just don't do anything stupid. Simple, and sound advice.

My problem is I have a hard time doing "easy" hard workouts. I don't know if that makes sense. But if I can do mile reps at 4:50, I have hard time doing them at only 5:00. My body likes to push, not run comfortably during workouts. I think that's the main key for me in the next few weeks...still get in workouts, but not push them as hard as normal.

Which is why I told you that yours were fine and you really didn't need any faster today. 4xmile reps with sufficient rest is plenty of stimulus with 2.5 weeks to go. That's the kind of stuff I need to drill into my head! I thought you played it well this morning (nice push, but didn't force splits that you'd typically see with no wind; you adjusted to your environment).

I've done it both ways. Taken my workouts to a new level in the 3 weeks leading up to Boston, where I was in the best shape of my life. Felt like I peaked too early and tanked the race. Same to a certain extent with Philadelphia. In other marathons where I've just chilled on the workouts leading up to the race, I've ended up running a lot better. Its a delicate balance, and there's no "rule" that applies to more than one person.

All great points, Jake and Riley. I completely agree. It is a fine line -- you need to taper, but you need enough stimulus to keep fitness and feel confident. Jake, very well said: "just don't do anything stupid". And we all know what that means :)

I completely understand, Riley. I like to push also, and so it's hard to back off. But, it sure is important to back off when close to a marathon. I also think it's fine to keep pushing, but just not as much volume or intensity. Using your example, I think you are fine to do some 4:50 mile repeats, just not as many, and not doing them too close to the race.

Great workout Matt. My running partner Jen swears that running hard workouts against a headwind is the best training you can do. I tell her she's nuts but really it is great training and it builds character and makes you tough!