I had no expectations coming into this morning's 4 miler in Central Park. I am a week out from a Half Ironman and the debate on whether to hold back or to get in a final speed workout was heavy on my mind. I decided to just do what my legs wanted to do, and that was go fast. I made sure to NOT push it into "Go See 'The Elbow' territory," but I wanted to make the legs turnover quicker and keep the breathing under control.
It worked. 29:08 for 4 miles / 7:17 pace.
So lets run some numbers! New 4 mile PR by 1:56 AND! a new 5K PR (22:07) by 33 seconds.
Today's splits:
7:38
7:13
7:16
6:58
Today's race also busted up my last fastest average pace in a race by 22 seconds, formerly 7:39, and that was for a stand along 5K over a year ago. I feel like I have entered into a new personal running arena. I wasn't pushing it all out today!
So what does this mean for me?
Either I peaked a week too early, or *fingers crossed!* that I can carry this form for just one more week. I had a great 37 mile ride yesterday where I did two 5+ min efforts where I was pushing 25-26 mph on the road bike. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE body, HOLD onto "it"!
*Cue taper madness induced self doubt*
This is the mental crazy shit that I encountered leading up to Timberman last year: The back and forth of, "Oh I GOT this" to 5 seconds later "OH SHIT! I am gonna EAT it!!!"
*Cue rational reason*
I have done the work. I have put the miles up on the bike and the run and the yardage in the pool. I have PR'ed my half marathon 2X since January, 15K 2X, and the 4 mile and 5K distances all since January.
Its just a matter of doing it! Bring it New Orleans!
Finally, I would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU! to Regina @ Chiu On This for coming out this morning to cheer me on! Always great to have spectators and Regina, I have NO idea how I saw you just past 72nd. I just happened to look up at that very moment and you were there. Looking forward to Mooseman more and more!
Great race!
ReplyDeleteDon't fret over having peaked. You've shown with your PR's that your cardio is in a great place. That's not going away any time soon.
I would guess this week is all very short workouts. Allow your muscles to be totally recovered.
All your hard work is going to continue to show in the results.
Congrats on a great race!! Don't let that self-doubt sneak in - you have done the training, trust in your training. Now, when I am freaking out in August pre-Timberman, you need to tell me the same thing! :)
ReplyDeleteHi little bro,
ReplyDeleteSo, you flipping PRd again!?! What gives? How come everyone but me is moving faster these days? You have been consistently busting out PRs!! Congrats on being such a stud:) Just think, the season has just begun!
Congrats on a stellar race. You are going to kick a@@ next weekend! Can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome race Jon! Wish I didn't have to work next weekend - I'd drive on over to New Orleans to cheer you on. You are going to do great!
ReplyDeleteGreat job and what a quick last mile! That speaks volumes about your training. Throw all doubts out the window, you will be ready for the race.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I think you are going to do awesome at the Half. Just believe in yourself... the numbers speak for themselves! :)
ReplyDeletecongrats on the awesome race. i can understand your concern, but trust your body and your training!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure to get out on a gorgeous morning to cheer you on! I think that all these PR's just mean you have improved over time and I wouldn't worry about peaking too early. You've put in the time and the results show it. You will rock the clock at NO. I, for one cannot wait to read that race report.
ReplyDeleteNow...I just have to go check under my bed and see if I left my Mooseman mojo there....hmmm
Well done!
Woohoo on an awesome race and a double PR! You totally ROCKED that race!
ReplyDeleteI think we all have self-doubt leading up to a big race. But, like you said, you put in the work. Now, you just have to trust in the training and believe that you CAN do it! You are going to do amazing at your HIM! :)