tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66595786650117714762024-03-20T23:18:21.235-04:00Wanna Fartlek?Training to Qualify for the Boston Marathon... at Some Point...Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-1256852597532582942008-08-25T07:21:00.003-04:002008-08-25T07:29:48.984-04:00Vegas '08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpvNYv1wbEaTvkB19_NaRci29qnI7-6R6DpIJuhBD3oVMK5X1n9PwVx7fGI-4ydOiUo8P1Beov37HaDNOM3S7OsV59eabB9OKTjUgg9LNrmvDrX6OeYbKIVPY_RU15JWLNw9FIr2N7WuK/s1600-h/las+vegas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpvNYv1wbEaTvkB19_NaRci29qnI7-6R6DpIJuhBD3oVMK5X1n9PwVx7fGI-4ydOiUo8P1Beov37HaDNOM3S7OsV59eabB9OKTjUgg9LNrmvDrX6OeYbKIVPY_RU15JWLNw9FIr2N7WuK/s200/las+vegas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238416035508356546" /></a>Well folks... folk is probably more accurate at this point... it's about 15 weeks out from Vegas '08.<br /><br />I just finished a 32 mile week, capped off by a 14 mile long run that I ran at an 8:32 pace. That's pretty slow for me now. Last week's 11-miler was run at a leisurely 7:50 pace. My easy runs are generally in the 7:40 range. <br /><br />I was looking over my old posts from last year, and it struck me how bad my memory is. I was thinking that I was a little disappointed that I haven't gotten much faster since last year, but then I checked my times and realized I'm FLYING compared to 2007. I haven't done any speed workouts, as my running coach seems to be focusing more on high-mileage and tempo runs, but my overall pace has picked up quite a bit. I know that I'll be getting up into the 40+ range for weekly mileage, and if I can just tweak the diet a little it I'll be the leanest and fastest I've ever been in December. <br /><br />My goal is still 3:30, as it eluded me last year. I think I could probably aim for faster, but I don't want to set myself up to overreach. If I run a 3:25, I'll be thrilled, but if I can just hit that damn 3:30, that's enough for me. I think that a December of 2010 Boston-Qualifying attempt might be in the cards. If I can maintain this volume of running for another 2 years... I think my body might just be able to push itself fast enough for the 3:10. <br /><br />I will be doing at least one half-marathon in the next couple of months, so that will be a great gauge to see how I might do this December.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-49900942698058992542008-08-13T12:29:00.002-04:002008-08-13T12:58:04.687-04:00The Blog is BACK... who am I kidding?Not that anyone will see this post, but I feel like updating my blog. Here's what's happened since my last post:<br /><br />I've been working with a running coach at the Boston Running Center. He's had me on a training program since January. I've been logging an average of 28 miles a week, with a high of 36 miles. My running has improved tremendously.<br /><br />I ran a half-marathon in 1:45 on a VERY hot day... on a cool day I bet I could run a 1:40.<br /><br />I ran a 5K in 21:04... also on a hot day. I can definitely break 21:00, and I'd love to run with a pacer to see how close to 20:00 I could get.<br /><br />I ran a 5-mile race at a 7:09 pace... definitely my best race performance ever. I was passing people the entire race, including a lot of guys who looked like they had NO business being passed.<br /><br />My running is actually fine... my nutrition is NOT. I'm toying with the idea of basically going healthy "cold turkey." I know that I'm addicted to food the way a junkie is addicted to smack... I want to quit, but as soon as I get hungry and there is crap to be had... I have it. I've also been very, very stressed with work lately, and I've developed a habit of having 1-2 beers or a glass of wine probably 4-5 nights a week. I definitely don't get drunk, but I have to admit that I've been using those drinks as a way to de-stress, which is a TERRIBLE idea. I've tried in the past to give myself rules about "1 glass of wine 2 nights a week" or "i can have dessert once every 2 days" or something insane like that, but I always cheat.<br /><br />I really need some sort of weight over my head. Signing up for a marathon works for running, as does having a running coach I'm accountable to. For eating / boozing... what can I do? Maybe I can bribe myself. One month of no weekday boozing and healthy weekday eating would get me... what?<br /><br />How about a new desk chair?<br /><br />joeyJoey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-10560792400440786972008-02-06T11:50:00.000-05:002008-02-06T12:07:30.245-05:00The Blog is BACK!!!Life and other miscellaneous annoyances have caused me to fall out of touch with my beloved blog. I am going to attempt to get back into the habit of posting.<br /><br />Where to start?<br /><br />I have started working with a running coach at the Boston Running Center. The biggest change in my running so far is the fact that now I run 5 times a week, no cross-training, no treadmills. I have to say that running outside in the winter in Boston is one of the most character building activities a person can engage in. I can't wait for the temperature to crack 50 degrees and stop raining.<br /><br />I logged 26 miles last week, and I'm on pace to log another 25-28 this week. I've NEVER run this many miles outside of a marathon training program, so I'm a little worried about burning out my legs, but my coach seems to think they'll adapt. Eventually he wants me to get up to 6 days of running a week, and probably 40-45 miles a week in total.<br /><br />Why the massive increase in mileage? Weeelllll...<br /><br />My long-term goal is to run a 3:10 marathon and qualify for Boston. Just how "long-term" this goal is hasn't really become apparent yet. I'm guessing that, at the bare minimum, it will take me 2 full years of hard training from this point on to get that fast. I could see it taking as much as 5 years, though I hope it doesn't.<br /><br />In order to hit that goal, I need to train specifically for it. My running program that I'm developing with the coach is one that is geared towards one marathon a year in the winter. I will be running many 5K's, 10K's, and a couple of half-marathons throughout the year to push myself and gauge how I'm progressing, but the ultimate goal of each year-long training cycle is to run a marathon in the winter.<br /><br />From what I've read and heard about from other runners, you need to have a pretty substantial base mileage to get your body in good enough shape to maintain that pace for that long. It doesn't help that I'm 5'6" and stocky either. It seems that most people who can run a 3:10 have a weekly mileage in the 40-50 miles per week range. That seems pretty absurd to me, as the most I've EVER run in one week was 35 miles, which was during a week which had a 20 mile long run. I'd need to average 8-10 miles per run to get that kind of mileage in one week.<br /><br />So that's that. I've also started doing running drills, which are strange. I've done buttkicks, heelkicks, and striders so far. I'll get into that stuff in my next post. In the meantime, I hope everyone is well, and I promise it won't be a month before my next post.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-83504705623835257252007-12-12T10:38:00.000-05:002007-12-12T11:39:51.508-05:00Back on the Horse.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHsnhLTbFloERR7RKi2NBmGqGqZ0Igtey3UbR6TJ5eZvvQTD7PynuOqO8d9QA1Wzn4K76-YgokkNe2vYZu3aSI9yJphGtCoJpEXaDEX01KIM_6TGT8DuI3I8gnXMBADc-Jhdk52_n23DH/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHsnhLTbFloERR7RKi2NBmGqGqZ0Igtey3UbR6TJ5eZvvQTD7PynuOqO8d9QA1Wzn4K76-YgokkNe2vYZu3aSI9yJphGtCoJpEXaDEX01KIM_6TGT8DuI3I8gnXMBADc-Jhdk52_n23DH/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143127055532258738" /></a>I ran today for the first time since the marathon. Nothing fancy, just 3 miles at a leisurely pace on the treadmill. My legs aren't sore at all, but they're definitely still recovering. I ran about an 8:20 pace overall, and my legs started to tighten up so I stopped at that point and stretched. My lungs felt fine, but the legs were too tight and sleepy to go much more.<br /><br />I contacted a local running club to see about joining. I think that the key to getting a faster marathon time is going to be improving my running in general, not just at long distances. Since I generally run by myself, I don't have the motivation to really go as fast as I can. If I could run with some people who are in much better shape and can kick my ass, maybe I'll get some of that speed from trying to keep up with them. <br /><br />I'm still figuring out how I want to approach my next marathon, or even when that marathon will be, but I have decided to train for and run a 5K in the spring. I need to find one so I can sign up and have it hanging over my head. I'd like to try and run a 19 minute 5K, which would be about 6:00 min/mile over 3.1 miles. I know that I'd have to train pretty damn hard and get quite a bit faster to hold that pace for that long, so I figure it'll get my ass out of bed and onto a track in the mornings.<br /><br />I'm also going to focus a little more on strength training. I did almost none whatsoever during this last marathon cycle, and I think that stronger core muscles (abs and back) would really help my running form hold up in the later miles of a long race.<br /><br />I have lots of plans, lofty goals, and hopefully the free time to purse them. I'll post again once my plans start shaping up a little more.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-44942076454877457152007-12-06T09:34:00.000-05:002007-12-06T11:43:10.226-05:00Lessons Learned... Looking Ahead...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-2IzXMqQxT99yzxCNf2jJtMM6ULfmbRwSa19eZbRgnmKWwfKvXdaSI7wR0O7wN9zGyULFTQv9u7wMz3Iv8RshIOpUNkHWUFsw7mOglKQLykGjTS3p4UbGKTMl0-A36RA5gy4crf5YMUQ/s1600-h/rodrid1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-2IzXMqQxT99yzxCNf2jJtMM6ULfmbRwSa19eZbRgnmKWwfKvXdaSI7wR0O7wN9zGyULFTQv9u7wMz3Iv8RshIOpUNkHWUFsw7mOglKQLykGjTS3p4UbGKTMl0-A36RA5gy4crf5YMUQ/s200/rodrid1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140901222376675810" /></a>Well, the marathon is done. Normally by this point I'm going through training withdrawal because the goal I have been planning my life around for 6 months has come and gone. This time, however, I feel great. I'm already looking forward to my next marathon, my next 10K, my next 5K, and my next PR.<br /><br />I've had plenty of time to think about why I ran a 3:46 (not a bad time at all) instead of a 3:30. I think the reason is pretty damn simple, actually:<br /><br />I'm dumb.<br /><br />Allow me to clarify. The entire reason I was in Vegas was to run a marathon. All of the fun that exists to be had in that city was just a bonus for me. The problem I ran into was that I got very caught up in showing my little brother and the rest of my family all the cool stuff that Vegas has. The first day we were there, I'd guess that my brother and I walked about 6 miles. The day before the marathon, I probably walked another 6-8 miles.<br /><br />When I went to bed Saturday night, my legs were sore and stiff from all of the walking. I knew I had screwed up, but I took some Ibuprofen, stretched out, and went to sleep.<br /><br />I got up Sunday morning REALLY pumped up to go. I went through my rituals and got dressed for the race. My brother came up to my room and I pumped him up as best I could. My legs were still sore from all the walking, but the adrenaline was overriding the soreness at this point.<br /><br />We made our way down to the starting line with my girlfriend and my parents. The weather was PERFECT, and the atmosphere was charged. Thousands of runners were crowding through the hotel to get to their corrals. I gave my brother a pat on the back and left him to head farther up the pack. A few minutes later, the gun went off and the race was on.<br /><br />My strategy was to try and run the first 10 miles as easily and smoothly as possible. The ridiculous sights and sounds of Vegas made this a pretty simple task. I averaged a little bit slower than an 8:00/mile during this time.<br /><br />At mile 10 I realized I wasn't going to run a 3:30. I didn't have any major problems, I just felt a slight stiffness to my legs. I knew, from past marathons, that even a tiny little ache in the early miles will just amplify and become huge by the end of a marathon. Mile 10 was WAAAAY too early to be feeling any discomfort. So, just like that, one silly mistake cost me time.<br /><br />I had already made peace with the fact that a 3:30 would only happen for me under optimum conditions, so I was surprisingly OK with accepting a slower time. I just told myself to keep running at a pace that felt comfortable until I got to 16 miles.<br /><br />I still managed to keep my pace in the 8:00-8:10 range through the 'teens. My legs started to feel like they might cramp up, and THAT scared me. I knew that I could keep moving as long as I didn't cramp. At mile 20, I took a 10 second walk break, and then kept moving. I told myself that I HAD to keep moving. Walking was fine, stopping was not. During the entire race, I did not stop moving forward one single time.<br /><br />The last 6 miles were rough. I probably averaged a 9:30 or so. I would walk for 20-30 seconds at the start of each mile to keep my legs from cramping, and then tough it out until the next water station. It was painful, but seeing the hotels come back into view was enough motivation to keep the legs moving up and down.<br /><br />I realized that I was going to kill my PR, and at that point it was enough for me. I knew that I had trashed my 3:30 attempt by using my legs too much the 2 days before the race, and I just wanted to run the best race I could given that fact.<br /><br />I ran across the finish line in 3:46. My legs immediately made it clear to me that I'd be in pain later, but for now I was just ecstatic to be done and to have a new, very respectable PR. <br /><br />I learned a bunch of lessons this time around, and I'm already plotting and scheming my next move. I'll be taking it easy this week, and next week I'll start doing some cross-training and weights to keep my fitness up. As you can see, I've changed the subtitle of the blog to reflect my new, over-arching goal. Maybe it's a bit premature to aim for qualifying considering I didn't even hit my 3:30, but I have a feeling it might take a while to hit 3:10... so I'll just throw it out there and see what happens.<br /><br />On to the next race!Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-35309575839809312972007-12-02T14:24:00.000-05:002007-12-02T14:26:45.122-05:003:46... I'll take it!!!I ran a 3:46. I'll go into detail about it a little later, but I am THRILLED with that time even though it's not the 3:30 I was hoping for. It's still a new PR, and I am very, very excited to be well into the sub-4's now. <br /><br />My little brother ran a 4:20, and looked AWESOME at the finish line. <br /><br />Time to party.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-34528241889337920942007-11-30T20:20:00.000-05:002007-11-30T20:22:10.219-05:00Viva Las VegasI'm in Vegas. I have my number. My next post will be after the marathon. Mandalay Bay is large. Slot machines are stupid.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-81655657417373721402007-11-28T15:44:00.000-05:002007-11-28T16:00:22.654-05:00T-3: This Is It!!!Oh man I have the friggin' jitters!!! The marathon is Sunday... this Sunday. I'm going to wake up tomorrow, pack my stuff, and go to Vegas for the marathon.<br /><br />I did my last long run on Sunday... a measly 10 miles. I maintained a 7:58 pace with ease, even though I felt absolutely exhausted and more than a few pounds heavier. I stretched like crazy afterwards.<br /><br />Yesterday, before flying back to Boston, I did my last speed workout. I think the point of this speed workout was just to keep the muscle memory active in my legs. I was supposed to do this:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />5 x 400m @ 1:35<br />10 minute cooldown</b><br /><br />I felt like I was possibly coming down with a cold, so after the 3rd lap I decided that I'd do one more and cut the workout one lap short. The damage I could do with one lap too many is far worse than the lack of fitness one lap too few will cause.<br /><br />I decided that since this would be my last speed lap for a while, and I really wanted to know what I was made of, I'd just sprint the whole lap. The last time I did that I hit a 1:20 400m. This time, I pushed myself even harder, and was panting for air and doubled over at the end.<br /><br />My time was a 1:13. That's by FAR the fastest I've ever run a lap... It's the pace I'd have to maintain to run a 4:52 mile, something I probably won't ever do, but at least I know what it feels like to run that fast.<br /><br />So that was cool, and this morning I did a nice little bike cross-train. My legs feel pretty strong, even though there's a little residual tiredness from the 10K and the 10 miles. I know that by Friday my legs will be back to 90%, and by Sunday they should be damn near 100%. For the next few days my goal is to do everything possible to make Sunday the best possible scenario for a good time.<br /><br />I've worked my ASS off for this. I'm not sure I've ever applied myself so diligently to anything before. I know that, no matter what happens on Sunday, I've definitely caught the running bug in a bad way, and this marathon is merely one of many more that I'll be running. I will definitely be aiming for that 3:10 as soon as I can get my legs to move a little quicker, and who knows? Maybe this time next year I'll be 10 pounds lighter, running 19 minute 5K's, and heading to Vegas to try and qualify for Boston. I no longer doubt that I have the capacity to do it, it's just a matter of kicking my ass a little more.<br /><br />I'll probably post one more time before the big day. Thanks to everyone who has kept up with me thus far.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-59359855696741395992007-11-24T00:00:00.001-05:002007-11-24T00:07:44.039-05:00T-9: Thanksgiving UpdateSo. Full. Of. Food.<br /><br />I ran the 10K in 46:40, which ends up being a 7:46 pace. My first two miles were 8:30 and 8:00, so that means the last 4.2 miles were run at a 7:11 pace. It was a little bit more than the program called for, but it was definitely a nice way of reassuring myself that my legs work. My little bro ran an 8:00 pace, which is fantastic.<br /><br />My friend Jason made me lift weights with him today, which was awful, but at least I burned off some of the estimated 3800 calories I ate last night. The problem is that after working out, we binged on Mexican food, so I probably still have about 3000 extra calories to burn off from this week. Tomorrow I'll do something to sweat a little, and then Sunday will be a nice 10 miler.<br /><br />This is it, the home stretch.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving all.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-59758612064277619542007-11-20T11:40:00.000-05:002007-11-20T12:12:41.343-05:00T-11: Strangest run of my life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbwQ4gu4mpdmdFKVtsr1Rbr7fcKNMp7SvC8KhucQYNW3n_2aZuj5oI1oQUXXCBfsD1W4FT8EyPmEjuxEHJ8XtAuj6ng2XNr830syqreyx-tnm1GoaQ2mRxDKCRQ3jsr4i_I64MOpY0Sof/s1600-h/tv_back_pic2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbwQ4gu4mpdmdFKVtsr1Rbr7fcKNMp7SvC8KhucQYNW3n_2aZuj5oI1oQUXXCBfsD1W4FT8EyPmEjuxEHJ8XtAuj6ng2XNr830syqreyx-tnm1GoaQ2mRxDKCRQ3jsr4i_I64MOpY0Sof/s200/tv_back_pic2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134971646864350770" /></a>I really wish I'd written this post as soon as I got home from my run. The memory would have been a little clearer, and already I'm started to wonder if I'm remembering this correctly.<br /><br />I woke up at 6:00 am to do my speed workout, the last one I'll do in Boston before the marathon. It was just bitterly cold outside, so I bundled up and headed out the door. As I jogged down to the track, I said to myself, "I'm insane... the sun is barely out, it's 33 degrees, and I'm running outside in shorts."<br /><br />I got to the track, and started my workout. Here was the plan:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />5 x 1000m @ 4:03 pace<br />10 minute cooldown</b><br /><br />That's a pretty easy workout for me these days, but the cold made it a little tricky. My legs took a while to warm up, and my lungs were burning from the cold, but my first repeat only took 3:53 to complete. My pace was essentially a 6:00 minute/mile. <br /><br />The second repeat took 4:01... I got really tired at the end of this one for some reason.<br /><br />The third repeat was 3:56. The fourth was 3:54.<br /><br />I was consistently running a little slower than a 6:00 min/mile pace. This is pretty fast considering where I started with my speed workouts, but lately I've begun to have these crazy thoughts like, "I wonder if I could run a 19 minute 5K. I wonder if I could train to run a 5 minute mile."<br /><br />These thoughts are dangerous, because I tend to be impatient when it comes to my running goals, and both of those goals would require some serious training, but I've started to get the speed bug, so my next conquest might be speed, not distance.<br /><br />Anyway, I started my last 1000m, and after one and a half laps I suddenly realized that I was about to run my last lap on the MIT track for a while. <br /><br />I know this is stupid, but for some reason that really resonated with me. That track has been the site of some epic training runs that have put me in the shape I'm in today. I knew I'd miss it out there over the next couple of months, so I decided to go out with a bang and sprint the last lap.<br /><br />Up until the sprint, I was on pace to hit another 3:53 or so. I began to imagine what it'd be like at the end of the marathon to see that clock ticking down to 3:30 and me needing to sprint the final 400m. I hit the gas and started to fly around the track... and then something WEIRD happened.<br /><br />This is where it's going to be tough to explain...<br /><br />After about 20m of sprinting, I felt my body go almost completely numb, and I got tunnel vision. It freaked me out because I had a similar sensation a couple years ago when I almost passed out from heat stroke. This sensation, however, was a little different in that my vision didn't go dark around the edges, I just stopped paying attention to my periphery.<br /><br />I became aware that I was in a dead sprint... probably running as fast as I've ever run in my life, and yet my legs didn't ache, my lungs didn't burn, and I really felt as though I could keep up the pace all day long. The sound of the wind kind of died down, though I still felt it blowing on me so I knew that my hearing had changed. About a quarter of the way around the track, I had the distinct impression that I was watching somebody run really fast... I can't really explain why it felt that way, but I definitely thought that I had stopped running, and someone else had taken over and was just watching now.<br /><br />The last half-lap was just a movie for me. I couldn't hear anything, and I was just watching the interesting scene unfold before me... the ground just FLYING by. I had a little moment of panic like, "This is not normal... what's happening... am I in danger here?" The thing was I just felt so peaceful, and this was so easy so I just let who ever was doing the running at this point finish the lap.<br /><br />When I got to the end of my run, the world started to fade back into existence, and my body came back under my control. I didn't feel tired, I felt AMAZING. My breathing was slow, as if I'd been walking, and my legs felt as fresh as when I'd started.<br /><br />I didn't need to look at my watch to know I'd done something nuts... and when I looked....<br /><br />3:46.<br /><br />I'd have to guess I ran that last lap at a 5:20 min/mile pace... that's insanity. The nuttiest part was how easy it felt, although I still feel like I wasn't the one that ran it.<br /><br />This probably sounds ridiculous, and I swear that I'm not making anything up. Maybe I just had a HUGE surge of adrenaline on the last lap and it made me feel funny. Maybe I had an out-of-the-body experience... maybe I had some spiritual revelation...<br /><br />So that was the weirdest run of my life... I have never had anything even remotely like this happen to me, and I don't know if it was actually just a brain aneurysm or something equally sinister.<br /><br />Oh well... I'm off to Texas tomorrow. Tapering is going well, I've been trying to keep up my carb intake, and I'm still pumped as hell for December 2.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-82713674301458206172007-11-19T09:49:00.000-05:002007-11-19T10:02:25.914-05:00T-12: All Downhill From Here...I ran 13 miles yesterday, marking the last time I'll run more than 10 miles until December 2nd. I just tried to run smoothly and easily, and at the end of the run my legs felt great and my GPS said 7:54 pace. The goal was an 8:00 pace, so I'm good to go.<br /><br />I only have to work two more days and then it's time to relax and focus on the race. I'm starting to get those nervous pangs that make me think, "Have I built this up too high? Am I too cocky? What if it's windy again? What if I have a bad run?"<br /><br />Tomorrow is a speed workout, 5 x 1000m. It'll be tough because it's freezing outside, but other than that it'll be no biggie. It's my last run that I'll be doing in Boston for a while, so I'll try to make it a good one. It's warmer in Texas, so I'll be a little more comfortable doing my LT run on Thursday at the annual Turkey Trot.<br /><br />I've done all I can do training-wise. My fingers are now crossed!Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-83057326327409039512007-11-17T10:51:00.000-05:002007-11-17T11:07:33.794-05:00T-14: I need SLEEEEP!!!I ran my LT run last night. I would have run it in the morning, but I didn't get to sleep until midnight the night before, so I slept in. I've had a pretty wacky week in terms of work, so I haven't been getting enough sleep, which worries me. I really need my legs to be 100% on the 2nd, and right now I'd say they're only 50%.<br /><br />My LT run was fine, I ran 6 miles like this:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:20<br />4 miles @ 7:24<br />1 mile @ 7:14</b><br /><br />The pace felt easy. My lungs were having no problem keeping up, my breathing was 3 in / 3 out the entire run, but my legs were protesting. They are certainly not over the beating they took last Sunday when I ran my last 20 miler. I think that I need to be very careful about pushing myself over the next 2 weeks. I need to sleep... alot. Luckily, I'm headed home to Texas for Thanksgiving, and then I pretty much go straight to Vegas for the race. I'll have plenty of time to relax, stretch, and sleep in the days leading up to the marathon.<br /><br />13 miles tomorrow, and then my legs can really start to rest up.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-24568480511777457012007-11-14T09:33:00.000-05:002007-11-14T10:17:29.475-05:00T-17: Exploding Chest Part Deux<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkVm556bqEL6uLynaq4z8owb0rrERxu3f3da0YX5J3Qxuv4ep4fsqxnFwYY1EyKosK0vOoxaTrn1BPiwt5kUhOdMmmVPQ_tIRz69felEy6eBhCTlf0M5OOOk6bXCE8vbJJFOZnw6j_c1/s1600-h/Bullet+exploding+an+orange.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkVm556bqEL6uLynaq4z8owb0rrERxu3f3da0YX5J3Qxuv4ep4fsqxnFwYY1EyKosK0vOoxaTrn1BPiwt5kUhOdMmmVPQ_tIRz69felEy6eBhCTlf0M5OOOk6bXCE8vbJJFOZnw6j_c1/s200/Bullet+exploding+an+orange.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132715390625554466" /></a>Wow... this morning's speed workout was DEVASTATING. I was caught totally off guard.<br /><br />Basically, after Sunday's performance I figured the next two weeks would be a breeze. When I checked my workout schedule last night, I was in for a little surprise:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />8 x 800 @ 3:13<br />10 minute cooldown</b><br /><br />Uhm... WHAT!? I just ran 20 miles, and now I'm supposed to run 6400m at my speed pace? AAAARRGGHH!! My legs were certainly not 100%, and I woke up an extra 20 minutes early at 5:40am to get this awfulness out of the way.<br /><br />First of all, it was in the 30's when I got outside. There was ice on the ground. I was wearing shorts. <br /><br />Second of all, my legs felt like they'd been shot up with Novocaine. They weren't really sore anymore from the long run, but they definitely hadn't recovered fully. It really takes about a week for me to feel 100% after a 20 miler.<br /><br />Third, I decided to eat cheese ravioli last night... you know what that means.<br /><br />So I jog down to the track, and usually by the time I get there I've warmed up and I'm ready to go. Not today. The cold air made my whole body stiff, and I had to jog a few laps around the track to get going. Finally I figured I was good to start the speed workout.<br /><br />My first couple of 800's were fine, I ran them in 3:05 and 3:11. I didn't feel fast at all.<br /><br />In the middle of the third 800, I found it REALLY hard to keep up the pace. My legs just wouldn't obey my brain's orders to RUN. I finished the third 800 in 3:12. <br /><br />It's been quite some time since I've had trouble maintaining the pace in my speed workouts, so this was a little demoralizing. After four 800's, I felt the call of the ravioli.<br /><br />Once that was taken care of, I had to face four more 800's. My legs were cold and shaky, and I really thought I might not finish the workout.<br /><br />Somehow, I just zoned out and did the rest of the runs, making it just under 3:13 each time. I jogged home and just about collapsed.<br /><br />I think that this workout will end up being one of the most important workouts of this whole training plan. I just ran 20 miles a few days ago, and I was still able to push myself to pretty insane levels of hurting and survive. I think that when I'm at mile 22 or 23 in a couple of weeks, and every cell in my body is screaming at me to STOP, I'll be able to dig down a little bit and keep my legs moving through it.<br /><br />Friday will be an LT run of 6 miles... no biggie. Sunday will be a 13 mile long run at my marathon pace, but I'm not even a little worried about that. I'm already thinking ahead a few months, trying to figure out what I need to do next to reach my ultimate goal of qualifying for Boston. Training for a 3:30 has given me a pretty good idea of what it takes to get faster, and how much more potential I have than I ever thought possible. <br /><br />My marathon pace for a 3:30 is 8:00 minutes per mile.<br />To qualify for Boston I need to run 7:15 minutes per mile.<br /><br />What's 45 seconds?Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-68026779176240028512007-11-12T09:56:00.000-05:002007-11-12T10:32:32.842-05:00T-19: I'm Tapering.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyLBLjAbCO8ak_1fpvPvcE6dZiCTZyKusFKE7xnpCvfWw9pcAiu2EHrV7MGGUWfXuDTfLDH60jPV-hCy2u_A9pPyzGWsWmwpfNfuKJTUlIxrvqklEOc-9QzVrUpKRkDZF5DPQAsp1yM8k/s1600-h/SMILE.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyLBLjAbCO8ak_1fpvPvcE6dZiCTZyKusFKE7xnpCvfWw9pcAiu2EHrV7MGGUWfXuDTfLDH60jPV-hCy2u_A9pPyzGWsWmwpfNfuKJTUlIxrvqklEOc-9QzVrUpKRkDZF5DPQAsp1yM8k/s200/SMILE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131977143138996066" /></a>The hard part is over. I've pushed myself harder than I ever have before, I've sacrificed a lot, I've given up partying and constant burrito-eating for this one goal, and now I've arrived at the end of my training. The next two weeks for me will involve some decent speedwork, some easier LT runs, and two long runs of 13 and 10 miles. I'll be going home for Thanksgiving the week before the race, which should be a perfect opportunity to relax and mentally prepare for December 2.<br /><br />Saying that my final 20 miler went well would be a huge understatement.<br /><br />I was actually looking forward to this run all week. That, by itself, is very strange. I normally DREAD the 20 miler, as I know that it is just a big mental and physical drain that will end in leg cramps and limping. However, lately I've been able to kind of zone out during these runs. I feel like I can basically set my legs on autopilot, start running, and then "check in" from time to time and make adjustments if I need to.<br /><br />I have started thinking of my running in terms of driving. I can be running, and mentally checking different things about my body during the run. How do my legs feel? How is my breathing? How's my pace? Am I hydrated? Do I need carbs? Should I increase my stride length or turnover? It's similar to driving a car on the highway. You are constantly making little adjustments to the steering wheel, hitting the gas, braking a little, keeping an eye on the speedometer, checking the gas levels, etc... You do it almost unconsciously.<br /><br />Yesterday my goal was simply to run 20 miles at a constant pace and feel good afterwards. The program called for an 8:15 pace, and I really did try to run at that speed, but after the first 6 miles I found that I had to work much harder to run that slow than I did to just run my "natural" pace, which seemed to be around 7:59. <br /><br />I felt incredible up until mile 19, when the fast pace started to take its toll, but even at that point I was so focused that I maintained my crazy pace right up until the end. My average pace was 7:58.<br /><br />I'm ready, I'd run this race tomorrow if I could. For now, I'm going to focus on eating right for the next 2 weeks (except Thanksgiving, that day is a free-for-all) and resting my legs up. In 19 days, I'll be on fire to run a marathon.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-9246577755534764792007-11-11T14:48:00.001-05:002007-11-11T14:51:39.057-05:00T-20: Short UpdateI'll post more on this in a bit, but I ran my last 20 miles at a 7:58 pace. That pretty much sums it up.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-57512554731293847692007-11-08T13:12:00.000-05:002007-11-08T13:44:35.900-05:00T-23: Lactic Shmactic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2SesjJjQ7HD2TnTSi7ZdxMSlgeXLVD0RZGHhgE3ykiVUHJjXhxsXIFHdqijmmas9Ehf5gpxrlv2vyMkSRL80sxBbna5Cvwxr2hnNYqOaf9L_3XXRh0G0rUyKYem9bZhlbuRGQiqObXJg/s1600-h/speed.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2SesjJjQ7HD2TnTSi7ZdxMSlgeXLVD0RZGHhgE3ykiVUHJjXhxsXIFHdqijmmas9Ehf5gpxrlv2vyMkSRL80sxBbna5Cvwxr2hnNYqOaf9L_3XXRh0G0rUyKYem9bZhlbuRGQiqObXJg/s200/speed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130542289054682962" /></a>This morning I was up at 5:30 in the morning to do 8 miles. I woke up, looked at the thermometer, saw a reading of 34 degrees, and decided that a treadmill seemed like the smart move. Off to the gym I went, trying to decide if I was at all worried about running this workout:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:30<br />7 miles @ 8:00</b><br /><br />Clearly, the answer was no. This workout seemed like a breeze to me. So, in true Joey fashion, I decided to up it a little. I figured that since I was running on a treadmill I should go a little faster anyway. Here's what I ended up doing:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:20<br />6 miles @ 7:40<br />1 mile @ 7:30</b><br /><br />I've been using the mantra, "Smooth and Steady," lately to keep my breathing under control. I ran the first 2 miles before I had even broken a sweat. The entire run felt like a nice, easy jog. I honestly have never had such an easy time maintaining this pace. Afterwards I stretched, and my legs feel just fine now. <br /><br />I have to confess, that my performance lately has had me wondering if I should maybe think about adjusting my marathon pace to something a little faster. Maybe a 7:50 or so. I know that I shouldn't do this, and I won't... I'll stick to my plan, but I'm already looking forward to January when I can start building up the speed necessary to make a run at qualifying for the Boston Marathon. <br /><br />23 days from now, I should be standing at the finish line in Vegas wearing a solar blanket... I can't friggin wait.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-32628323243429982182007-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:002007-11-06T09:51:33.245-05:00T-25: Still Gettin' Faster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhn-tzN4FOTUiooDI3uBg5eEtgo3HnLwFR1HjSnCpZJagpRpaDtad0Alo3DL95dULH1pJtB_7lBlcBXO-vTPIH4Tq_dOK9Vl-pJdLaJVAKQYVuBmQopmOeMQcvVMtpwUv8eHhwDkW73AH/s1600-h/Speedy+Gonzales+internet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhn-tzN4FOTUiooDI3uBg5eEtgo3HnLwFR1HjSnCpZJagpRpaDtad0Alo3DL95dULH1pJtB_7lBlcBXO-vTPIH4Tq_dOK9Vl-pJdLaJVAKQYVuBmQopmOeMQcvVMtpwUv8eHhwDkW73AH/s200/Speedy+Gonzales+internet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129739250226994930" /></a>I wish the marathon was this weekend. After hearing about all the excitement of the NY Marathon, I'm just really fired up to do it. Every training run I do boosts my confidence a little more, and at this point the only things that worry me are the things I can't control, like the weather conditions on race day.<br /><br />This morning was speed day. The program called for:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />10 x 400m @ 1:35 (400m RI in between laps)<br />10 minute cooldown</b><br /><br />I ran this workout pretty much perfectly. I jogged in between laps as opposed to stopping, except for three 1 minute water breaks after a few laps. My lap times were generally between 1:28 and 1:32. For the 10th lap I decided to go hard and ran a 1:20 lap. I think that once this marathon is over, I'd like to try and run a mile as fast as I can to see how well I do. I know I can easily bust 6:00, but I wonder if I could get close to 5:30 territory... I also think I might be able to run a sub-20 minute 5K (3.2 miles @ 6:26 min/mile).<br /><br />Soooo... at this point, I'm really going to focus on running a perfect 20 miler this Sunday, and then start storing up my energy during the taper. The taper is always tough, because I want to keep pushing myself all the way up until the marathon, but I know that the proper thing to do is rest my legs. I will probably start to go crazy with pent up energy, but that's the idea. On race day, I'll take out my aggression on the clock.<br /><br />Thursday is an LT run that, honestly, doesn't worry me in the slightest. My legs are just too damn fast now.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-11326220214218281802007-11-04T13:45:00.000-05:002007-11-04T14:02:40.056-05:00T-27: I See the Light at the End of the Tunnel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4QxcK4_4PD9n__3NZBV71066CvW2CQiwqazIGd3zVDyqSZxPcZtrv9uPpPmBJj5J80_wuseoBgrPShwi6T9QMkyxj-4yHhsrDho0v3YZQpCbb2e3oSqlX4QYD7F8lCm6JJcdt0utAbmJ/s1600-h/light+at+end+of+tunnel%5B6%5D1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4QxcK4_4PD9n__3NZBV71066CvW2CQiwqazIGd3zVDyqSZxPcZtrv9uPpPmBJj5J80_wuseoBgrPShwi6T9QMkyxj-4yHhsrDho0v3YZQpCbb2e3oSqlX4QYD7F8lCm6JJcdt0utAbmJ/s200/light+at+end+of+tunnel%5B6%5D1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129062599604346594" /></a>First off, I'd like to give a shout out to my buddy Dara who is, at this very moment, running her first marathon. She's in New York about 3/4 of the way done, and she's kicking ass so far. I can't wait to talk to her afterwards to see how she feels.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm going to run my own marathon in 27 days. WOW!!! It really snuck up on me. All of the sudden I'm 4 weeks out. The good news is that I'm as confident as ever that I'm going to destroy my PR of 3:57. Here's my training update:<br /><br />After my 11 mile LT run Thursday, I went to work as usual. Around noon, I started to feel sick, like I was getting a cold. By the end of the day my nose was running like crazy and I was dizzy and clammy. I felt like shit. I thought that maybe I'd over trained, which worried the hell out of me. I decided to take Friday off from cross-training, and just rest. I took it very easy yesterday (except for last night when I played a rock show), and I drank lots of water and made sure I ate plenty. This morning I woke up with an extra hour of sleep in me, thanks to daylight savings, and I was ready for 15 miles.<br /><br />The plan was to run an 8:10 pace. I felt good about this since it's pretty close to my marathon pace. I really wanted to make a conscious effort to keep my pace down today so I could run the 15 miles without burning out, and feel good for my last week of hard training before the taper. <br /><br />Me and the girlfriend started off nice an slow, the first mile was 8:18. The second was 8:04.<br /><br />Now, normally at this point I would have said, "8:04... that's great, let's stick with that." But, today I was smart, and we slowed down. We managed to run a pretty consistent pace, with a few 8:00's and a few 8:20's thrown in. I just tried to keep my legs moving at a pace that felt pretty easy for me. I wanted to feel like I was holding back on the throttle, and that I could just burst out at any moment.<br /><br />The run was pretty easy, to be honest, and at the end I checked my GPS.<br /><br />My overall pace was 8:08... almost exactly where it needed to be. I felt like I could have easily kept that pace up for a while.<br /><br />This week is really it as far as the really tough training goes. Next Sunday is my last 20 miler, and then it's time to taper. Tapering isn't about relaxing and taking it easy, but it's more about maintaining the level of fitness I've built up over the past few months, and maybe losing another pound or two to make December 2nd as easy as it can be (which isn't all that easy.)<br /><br />I can see the end of this thing now, and I'm running stronger than I've ever thought possible, so I'm REALLY curious to see what happens in 27 days.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-21556047641127176842007-11-01T09:20:00.000-04:002007-11-01T10:00:19.838-04:00T-30: 30 Days Left!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDztqmt9wOjeQTDU7qrgn5mGxGSzGiKseMD_LYwLm2zpN9PILAuKhAA0AcEr0jTMRvh_yFd_fUfYbhC78zWgHTCw8kZvbyVVvLYlGqsow3v9EYDYq3pzDlMWv6mC92uLGMPUi4Ky6Izxyo/s1600-h/marathon-10k.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDztqmt9wOjeQTDU7qrgn5mGxGSzGiKseMD_LYwLm2zpN9PILAuKhAA0AcEr0jTMRvh_yFd_fUfYbhC78zWgHTCw8kZvbyVVvLYlGqsow3v9EYDYq3pzDlMWv6mC92uLGMPUi4Ky6Izxyo/s200/marathon-10k.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127870617330687698" /></a>30 days until I run another damn marathon! I'm really excited, I am definitely in the best running shape of my life, and I've still got a month to prepare physically and mentally for Vegas.<br /><br />I got a comment the other day about my tendency to run my workouts way too fast, and it got me thinking. I understand the logic behind training at slower paces during long runs, and I've experienced first-hand what happens when I go out too fast. However, I also feel that this running thing is definitely a part of my life for the foreseeable future, and pushing myself a little hard this time will make my next marathon a little easier. I've also gotten caught up in the fact that I'm running faster and easier now than I ever have, and it's just plain FUN to run faster. I know it's stupid, and it might be hurting my training a little bit in the short run, but I really believe that to run fast, you have to train fast. My body will never adapt to run a 7:10 mile unless I'm kicking my ass pretty good. I'm planning on making a run at a Boston Qualifying time in the next couple of years, and I'll need to be in pretty ridiculous shape to do it, so why not start now?<br /><br />So... with that said. Tuesday I ran 2 miles, back to back, in 12:20. That's a ridiculous number. I have never even come CLOSE to anything like that. I then ran another mile in 6:00. My speed workouts have definitely paid off, and I look back at my first speed workouts and laugh at how slow I used to be. I know damn well that I ran the workout way too fast, but I felt amazing and I was having a good time, so I just booked it. <br /><br />This morning was an 11 mile LT run. The last time I tried this workout it was a disaster. This time... I killed it.<br /><br />I was supposed to run a warmup mile, and then average an 8:00 mile for 10 miles. I started the run at 5:45 am, so it was dark for the first hour of the run. I couldn't see my GPS, so I didn't look at it until about 5 miles in. At that point I realized I had been running 7:45's. <br /><br />Whoops. I know. No, seriously... I KNOW!!!<br /><br />So I did slow it down a bit, but I kept creeping back into the 7:50's. The last couple of miles were tough, but not the devastating kind that I experienced 2 weeks ago on this same run. I finished the run with an 8:00 mile pace overall, including the warmup mile which was 8:20... so I averaged faster than an 8:00 mile for 10 miles.<br /><br />I feel awesome. I can't believe the paces I'm able to keep up. My weight keeps dropping too, so I know that in a month I might be 2-3 pounds lighter and in even better shape. This is nice. I can't wait until 2009, when I should be running 6:40 LT miles and 3:10 marathons.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-17506185724640715302007-10-29T13:44:00.000-04:002007-10-29T13:59:58.887-04:00Log #53: Forgetting to knock on wood...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvaBYy-g9pxm2rx27IjlDVs7HfS69r_szZjvELxZ6j6a4KcDy1bQ0PvCnkp5K3Dmpq0aQKFGIeFV7fAqIaRu8-9BVfhKZsp98n4qecqoVjdzRHx_HErfcqrVRr7EIj38oqmVoVrA-mv0I/s1600-h/74KnockOnWoodSpainPromo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvaBYy-g9pxm2rx27IjlDVs7HfS69r_szZjvELxZ6j6a4KcDy1bQ0PvCnkp5K3Dmpq0aQKFGIeFV7fAqIaRu8-9BVfhKZsp98n4qecqoVjdzRHx_HErfcqrVRr7EIj38oqmVoVrA-mv0I/s200/74KnockOnWoodSpainPromo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126819943776034498" /></a>Those damn running gods... They toy with me.<br /><br />I decided to run my 20 miler on Saturday since Sunday was my girlfriend's birthday and I didn't want to inconvenience her on that day. I had a horrible week of sleeping, so I was expecting this run to be tough, but I was definitely overly optimistic<br /><br />It was drizzling and cold when we left my house. By the time we finished, it was about 20 degrees warmer and drying off. I was completely drenched in sweat and dehydrated.<br /><br />The goal was 20 miles at an 8:30 pace. Since my last 20 miler that I completed was done at that pace, I was confident it wouldn't be an issue. For the first 13 miles I was averaging an 8:15 pace. I felt light on my feet, I was happy, and life was good. I believe that I even said something to the effect of, "Wow, I feel great, this is easy."<br /><br />So... stupid.<br /><br />About a mile later I began to feel the effects of dehydration and sleep deprivation. I just ran out of gas, plain and simple. My legs filled up with concrete and felt like dumbbells, and my lungs just couldn't get enough air. We walked a LOT those last few miles, and I complained endlesssly. It was pathetic. When we got back to my house we has run 19.07 miles, and I called it at that. I turn my GPS off when I walk, so I actually did go the distance, but I walked a decent part of it, which makes me feel weak and silly.<br /><br />Still, I feel like I got a good run in, and my legs are sore today as a reminder. The marathon is one month away, and I still feel pretty good about my chances of running a decent time. I have one more 20 miler in 2 weeks to redeem myself, so I'll be preparing until then. I'm ridiculously skinny now, and just had to buy new jeans since my old ones are about 4 sizes too big. I don't think I'll hit the 160 mark for Vegas, but I might be damn close.<br /><br />My little brother is back on the horse, and ran 13 miles yesterday. I'm sure he'll have some choice words to say about it.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-89025796419413343052007-10-26T11:12:00.001-04:002007-10-26T13:20:22.664-04:00Log #52: Kickin' AssFirst of all, I wish had more time lately to update the blog, but I don't think I've ever been this swamped with work. I've done more jobs lately than I have ever done in my career. I suppose it's a good thing in the long run, but free time is in very short supply.<br /><br />Tuesday morning was a track workout. The program called for:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />1000m @ 4:03<br />2000m @ 8:26<br />1000m @ 4:03<br />1000m @ 4:03<br />10 minute cooldown </b><br /><br />Not much to report, felt pretty good the whole time, crushed the times by 5-10 seconds every split, and just felt peachy.<br /><br />Yesterday was an LT run. I was dreading it.<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:30<br />5 miles @ 7:29</b><br /><br />I got up at 6:00am, bundled up because it was 40 degrees out, and went out to suffer. What happened next shocked me.<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:22<br />1 mile @ 7:22<br />1 mile @ 7:29<br />1 mile @ 7:33<br />1 mile @ 7:20<br />1 mile @ 7:11</b><br /><br />Another victory. Looking back at my earlier posts, I am quite sure that this run would have killed me a few months ago, but now I can complete it and feel pretty great afterwards. Every time I have a run like this it makes me feel pretty confident that my marathon time will be a PR... hopefully a huge PR. Tomorrow morning is a 20 miler... it will suck... but maybe it won't.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-47750886398546614032007-10-22T09:51:00.000-04:002007-10-22T10:25:08.036-04:00Log #51: Life slows down a little...Last week was insane. It was balls-to-the-wall for the entire week, and I couldn't find time to get even 5 hours of sleep a night. So, understandably, my running suffered.<br /><br />Thursday morning I woke up to do the longest mid-week run I've ever done... 11 miles. The program called for this:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:30<br />10 miles @ 8:00 </b><br /><br />10 miles at my marathon pace shouldn't kill me at this point, but that's exactly what happened. I believe the the problem was not so much my fitness level, but the horrendous conditions I decided to run in.<br /><br />I slept about 5 hours, got up at 5 am, stretched for MAAAYBE 5 minutes, drank a red bull, and went out the door to run in absolute pitch black. It was pretty cold, probably in the 40's, and there was a very thick fog covering the entire city. Needless to say, my spirits did not soar on this run. I managed to keep the pace for about 7 miles, and then I had to start taking walk breaks. I was just spent, I had no energy, my legs were heavy, and I felt like just lying down and taking a nap.<br /><br />Whatever, I did 11 miles... that's good enough right?<br /><br />Then, Saturday, I'm up in New Hampshire with the lady for a little vacation away from the madness of Boston. We decide to do the 15 mile long run Saturday morning so we don't have to worry about what we do that night. 15 miles shouldn't be that bad... 15 miles in the friggin' mountains is ridiculous.<br /><br />The hills in the area we ran were very sneaky... they were gentle enough that you almost didn't notice them... until about 10 miles into the run. My legs felt like they had been skewered, and they weighed approximately 100 pounds each. By the time we made it back to the hotel I wanted to burn my running shoes. My body was racked with soreness.<br /><br />So... a rough week, but probably one that needed to happen so that the next few weeks will be easier. I'm ramping up for a 20 miler this weekend, and there are only 40 days until the marathon. I'm still pumped!!!Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-68889534705525868632007-10-16T09:29:00.000-04:002007-10-16T10:06:52.777-04:00Log #50: Rock Bottom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zbq_-9JQz3UHIUftMhjSsB_QQm18RYsVNQSHg7f4YqwT1eayk7GTx5yV9KUtZh1h4BMh0_CF_jXEhAxF_3G0_roH-rhlVUWbG_KvTY-fLgrM8jTpxek6dMF9mWaF1GUyT0ZbAgavjuev/s1600-h/21103.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zbq_-9JQz3UHIUftMhjSsB_QQm18RYsVNQSHg7f4YqwT1eayk7GTx5yV9KUtZh1h4BMh0_CF_jXEhAxF_3G0_roH-rhlVUWbG_KvTY-fLgrM8jTpxek6dMF9mWaF1GUyT0ZbAgavjuev/s200/21103.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121933167853128114" /></a>Sunday was the worst day of the year in terms of running and life. I suppose it can only get better from here.<br /><br />I woke up early with my girlfriend to do 20 miler #3. I was pumped up, I felt great. My girlfriend went outside to get something from her car. When she came back up, she said:<br /><br />"Joey, we need to call the police. Your car was broken into."<br /><br />AAAAARARRRGGGHH!!!!<br /><br />We go down to check it out. My driver's side window is destroyed, glass is everywhere. My glove box, which was locked, has been ripped off of the dashboard and is hanging down on the floor of the car. My $500 GPS is gone. Nothing else was taken.<br /><br />This immediately puts a huge gray cloud over the day. After calling the cops and dealing with that nonsense, we finally headed out for the run. I figured that a nice 20 miler would make me feel better about my car. I was SOOO pissed.<br /><br />We ran a mile down to the river, and crossed over to the other side, at which point our progress was halted. Apparently, Sunday was the day of the Walk for Breast Cancer. There were probably 25,000 people walking around the river in a 5 mile loop. The path was so clogged that I couldn't even dodge in and out of people, and my girlfriend was on roller blades so she had nowhere else to go. We tried to get through the crowd, but it was useless, and we felt defeated. We ran home and decided to try again in a few hours.<br /><br />Total Distance: 4 miles.<br /><br />Around 3:00pm, after wrapping my driver's side door in saran wrap to protect my car in case of rain, we headed out for a second attempt. By now, my legs were cold and stiff, I was in a dark mood, and I really didn't feel like running. About a half-mile into the run, I crossed the street and a biker went by me. Apparently I had run out in front of her a little too close for her liking (I gave her about 20 feet.) She yelled out something like, "Why don't you just run out in front of me and get hit?!?"<br /><br />Well, after the events of the day, I had lost my capacity to let stuff slide, so I immediately turned and screamed at her to "Shut the F--- up!!!"<br /><br />She came back around and I screamed at her for a minute or two while she made stupid remarks and tried to be tough. I kept telling her she was being ridiculous and she was, clearly, not a very nice person. My girlfriend finally convinced me that this jerk wasn't worth my trouble so I turned around and jogged off. I haven't lost my shit on someone in years, so that should give everyone an idea of how awful my mood was Sunday.<br /><br />After about 5 miles, my stomach went south, and 1 mile later our run was finished.<br /><br />Total miles: 10 miles.<br /><br />I am sooooo glad that shitty day is in the past now.<br /><br />Fast forward to this morning. It's 45 degrees out, I am still bitter about the weekend. My training plan calls for the following:<br /><br /><b>10 minute warmup<br />3 x (2 x 1200m @ 4:55 with 2:00RI)<br />4:00RI in between sets<br />10 minute cooldown<br /></b><br /><br />So that works out to about 4.5 miles of hard running, my longest speed workout to date. Here's what I banged out:<br /><br /><b>4:55<br />4:50<br />4:48<br />4:50<br />4:50<br />4:48</b><br /><br />So, I still got it. I feel better, and I'm still really pumped for the marathon. My fitness is clearly at an all time high, and even though I blew a 20 miler, I don't think it will hurt me too badly.<br /><br />This Thursday is the worst goddamn LT run yet. Here it is:<br /><br /><b>1 mile warmup (8:30)<br />10 miles @ 8:00</b><br /><br />So... 11 miles in the morning. CRAAAAP! I'm gonna need to wake up at 5:00 to do it. Kill me now.Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-3559515571424141802007-10-13T21:17:00.000-04:002007-10-13T21:34:00.067-04:00Log #49: If At First You Don't Succeed...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lPzMu9QyvUt4UzPIr7rrEsgLBSrnVPm33aQrx31T2GT99_6iYR2wClzlaxJ1OLHpgG0EjRDDP2hCzIOU-bbK-fAXIJ1uEF3hnA0dQ4CHizfxK7ByaB2kPffHO53q3rKcbP1LXipUse36/s1600-h/RedPeak-JerryHeitzlerMule.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lPzMu9QyvUt4UzPIr7rrEsgLBSrnVPm33aQrx31T2GT99_6iYR2wClzlaxJ1OLHpgG0EjRDDP2hCzIOU-bbK-fAXIJ1uEF3hnA0dQ4CHizfxK7ByaB2kPffHO53q3rKcbP1LXipUse36/s200/RedPeak-JerryHeitzlerMule.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120999562222061986" /></a>Another ridiculously busy week has left me exhausted and sleep deprived. Yesterday I woke up at 6 am to try and do my LT run. I decided to do it on a treadmill so I could just zone out and run. The plan was as follows:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:30<br />4 miles @ 7:30<br />1 mile @ 8:30</b><br /><br />I ran the first mile, and despite being REALLY tired, I felt pretty good. Then, true to form, I set the treadmill WAAAAY too fast. 7:15 pace. <br /><br />I ran one mile. I then set the treadmill to 7:12 pace. <br /><br />Another mile. I'm gonna die... I walk for 2 minutes.<br /><br />I run another mile, and then just stop. My stomach is pissed off, and my lungs are exploding. Apparently no sleep plus running too fast equals shitty performance.<br /><br />So I ended up with 4 miles run. That sucks. I HATE screwing up workouts. So... what did I do?<br /><br />I went back to the gym after work and did the workout all over again. I'm not sure I should have... in fact I am pretty sure I shouldn't have, but I felt like punishing myself. This time I was successful:<br /><br /><b>1 mile @ 8:00<br />1 mile @ 7:30<br />1 mile @ 7:25<br />2 miles @ 7:20<br />1 mile @ 8:00</b><br /><br />So I ran 10 miles yesterday, and tomorrow I'm going for 20 miles at an 8:30 pace. We'll see if I've overdone it.<br /><br />Two random notes: My brother has been dealing with a lot of stuff lately, and the running has suffered. If he can finish out the last bit of training, and get at least one 20 mile run in, I think he could still finish the race.<br /><br />Also, I'd like to update you guys on the 2:36 runner dude. I had drinks with him and his girlfriend the other night, and I talked to him for a while about running. He did seem to know stuff about running, local running clubs, and certain types of running workouts that a non-serious runner wouldn't know. I'm beginning to think he may have actually run the 2:36. I'm going to try and run with him soon, and if he is really that fast then I'll get my ass handed to me.<br /><br />So tomorrow is 20 miler #3. Wish me luck!Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659578665011771476.post-49565910208012239702007-10-09T12:57:00.000-04:002007-10-09T13:27:27.296-04:00Log #48: Another PR...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uc4NxwYi5Da8W01s1UZiidq5lfTuHvrv-ReA_ygR22vyc9WfdWOBKffAK8qPnlCPGSxdyRyNffYT_NC7x-9Q8nxYUOtqxvxGEDHaRh9IqPrhacsDeK6HDx17VCfRXP5iLa6BQbrUovpL/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uc4NxwYi5Da8W01s1UZiidq5lfTuHvrv-ReA_ygR22vyc9WfdWOBKffAK8qPnlCPGSxdyRyNffYT_NC7x-9Q8nxYUOtqxvxGEDHaRh9IqPrhacsDeK6HDx17VCfRXP5iLa6BQbrUovpL/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119389864314096018" /></a>Looking back at where I started, it's pretty ridiculous to think about how much faster I've gotten. I've been doing runs lately that, six months ago, would have just leveled me.<br /><br />I woke up this morning and opened up my training book to take a gander at what lovely speed workout I had in store:<br /><br /><b>1600m @ 6:41</b><br /><br />Bah! Old hat... no biggie. What else?<br /><br /><b>3200m @ 13:42</b><br /><br />What!? That's hogwash!!! I've never run 2 miles on a track at that speed... the best I've done is on a treadmill, which is not even close to the same thing. Oh well, I can probably do that and then limp home.... WAIT A SEC!!!<br /><br /><b>2 x 800m @ 3:13</b><br /><br />Sooo.... 4 miles at a very, very fast pace. Fantastic. I thought I might die. I jogged to the track with my buddy Eric who happened to be in town for a few days. The mile jog to the track was his workout.<br /><br />The first 1600m was... quite honestly... a joke. I ran a 6:27 and felt perfectly fine. It just felt natural and smooth to run at that pace. I began to get nervous about the 3200m I was about to try. Off I go!<br /><br />The first 1600m were run in 6:40... actually a little fast for this distance, and I started to feel the effects of the speed. The next two laps went by, as laps do, and then came lap 7. This lap felt strange, almost like my muscles were on a delay. When I'd ask my leg to lift up, it would take a second to comply. I made it to the last lap,and then adrenaline kicked in and I tore through lap 8. My final time:<br /><br />13:20. Booyeah. Back to back 6:40's. New PR for me.<br /><br />The last 2 x 800m times were 3:07 and 3:11. I was pretty beat by the end.<br /><br />I would love to try a 5K to see how my speed would hold up in a race. A 20 minute 5K would require a 6:26 pace for 3.1 miles... It's definitely fast for me, but I feel like the adrenaline I'd have in a race would make it a possibility for me. <br /><br />Anyway, the marathon is only 8 weeks away, and I'm REALLY pumped to see if all this training will earn me a 3:30 time. I feel like it's almost inevitable that I PR in this race (my PR is 3:57.)Joey Korenmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08850246864433584023noreply@blogger.com1