Saturday, March 27, 2010

Big Day at Afton

With 2 weeks to go, it was time to get a test run in.

I have used the 25k loop at Afton for a few years now as a benchmark to my fitness level.

About 3 years ago when I first ran it, it wasn't pretty. I didn't know the course, I was alone, and it took more than 3 hours (a lot of walking).

I quickly got it down to 2:30 within that year, and that felt hard.

When I got the time down to 2:22, I thought I was going full speed.

Later that year, I did a 2:18. 2:15 later on hurt even more.

Last fall, I ran it with the Race Director for the event, and he made me work for it. 2:12 something. I was pretty pumped, but figured I would not be able to do that again for a while. I was in good shape then, and it was late in the year.

I knew I had a good one in me for today, and I needed the confidence booster. This Crossfit Endurance training has changed the way I run from an intensity standpoint. I was looking forward to hitting the big hills at Afton, and push through them.

I knew 20 minutes into the run this morning that it was going to be a good one. My body WANTED to run hard. That is something I am not used to.

While the hills were still hard, I recovered quickly on the flats, and was able to maintain a fast pace on them.

By the time I made it to the "Snowshoe Loop", I knew it would be close. I then had a thought in my head. If I don't beat my PR, some would say "see, your training is crap". That got me going. I ran that last hill. If you were anywhere near there, you would have hear me.

I came in at 2:10 something. A new record for me, and I did it alone.

A big day for me. Now I know that I have a certain level of fitness I was hoping for. Will it pan out for 100 miles? We will see. At least I know it works for 15.5 miles.

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Was able to loop back around to see the "gang". Seems like everybody was out running.

Found Helen, Kami, and Karen S. Ran about 1/8 mile before I said "I'm done at this pace"

Found Zach and the usual suspects (Steve Q, Bill P, John G, Nolan, Todd R, and a few others)

Good times.

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The strength training definitely helps running those hills. This loop was not as hard as when I ran it 8 minutes slower.

I also don't have the "brute force" pain in my legs. Just muscle soreness.

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The Zumbro runner field keeps changing, and getting better. I am psyched that "The Fireman" is back. I thought he was gone for good.

I bet Zach Pierce ends up running instead of working an aid station. He is feeling left out.

I would say it is time to taper, but one has to build up their mileage in order to taper. Time to dial back.

5 comments:

Steve said...

So glad to hear you had a great run, Matt! Wish I was out there like everyone else. Hopefully, I'll be able to run at Zumbro in a couple of weeks. If not, have a great race!

Julie said...

Hi Matt,
Holy crap are you fast!!! Congrats on your PR!! That is pretty impressive:) Something tells me you will handle that 100 mile like a rock star:)

Your Top Gun comment made me laugh:) Thanks I needed that! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Helen said...

Matt - nice one - that's serious running this early in the year.

At mile 70 when you're asking yourself if you have it in you, you'll think the same about people dissing your training... and bring it home.

Beautiful day for it.

Zach is so totally in.

Carilyn said...

Hey Matt! That was definitely an impressive run. Glad to see everything is going well with your training. Looks like no problem at KM :) I don't know if I'm brave enough to try it again. What's the weather supposed to be like? (lol)

Great to hear from you!

SteveQ said...

I wanted to blast a fast 10 or so, but you took off before I arrived and Helen started after the pack. 2:10 is faster than I've done that loop in the 25K race there!

If you'd stuck around a bit, you'd've found out I make fudge like you make beer.