Three weeks from today we'll be revving up our engines in France for the 24 Hour World Championships. From my perspective, I feel confident knowing all the hard work has been done over the past 4 months of focused training. Aside from the little hiccup with my hamstring that slowed me down for a couple weeks, I'm more than happy with how everything has gone. I was able to lower my average mile pace on my daily loop from 6:50/mile to 6:20/mile, day-in and day-out, without any dead legs to deal with during the week. While the Philly 100 was a bust, all of my other long runs were complete successes. The highlight for me was a 40 miler on the Mt. Vernon trail (which is paved) that I finished in 4:20:15...that works out to a hair over 6:30/mile pace and a 2:50 marathon split. I'm not bragging, since there are obviously tons of people who can run circles around me, I'm just pointing out that for me, my results have been great during this training period. In a nutshell: I'm ready for France!
Starting today I've slowed the pace down to get fully in tune with how I'll have to run in France. Running 9s today felt a little awkward to start (as it always does), but once I settled in and started to visualize the loop in France, I had to smile. I know the mental aspect of running 24 hours is just about as important as one's physical abilities, and I feel 100% ready in both areas at this point. If only I didn't have to wait 3 more weeks!
9 comments:
40 miles training run, on a trail, in 4 hours 20. Amazing. I'd be really pushing it to achieve 5 hours in a 40 mile race. On a flat course. Aiming high in Brive though - another personal record beckons!
Dan, this is soooo cool! Congrats on all your hard work paying off. Wish we could see you run in France. I hope E gets to go. If not, tell her to come visit me for a few days while you're gone. ;)
I'm super excited for you Dan. This is going to be an amazing experience!
- Adam
Dan,
I'm very interested in the training you've been doing the last 4-5 months. Care to share? I'd love to pick your brain. Feel free to email me at bdsmythe78@yahoo.com if you have the time/interest. I think we've got similar goals and ambitions and would be neat to compare notes.
That being said, your training seems to be coming along well, as noted by your 40 mile run. Time to just rest and sharpen up. Good luck and God Speed.
Brad
Oh yeah! You all will do very well in France!
Philly 100 a bust? No way - we invented a new product for hotel room use! :)
Thanks for sharing in my excitement, Everyone! From my communications with a few of the other Team members, it sounds like they're all in excellent shape as well. As long as we run smart races out there, I think both the men and women have a great chance to get on the medal podium! I'm ready to do my part to help make that happen!!
Sounds like you are ready for a great run! Hopefully no more volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
Try not to go too crazy the next few weeks tapering...
A 6:30 mile average for 40 miles? Dan quit slacking! Greg Crowther did a 41 mile training run averaging a 6:22 mile in prep for the 100k championships. I knew you were fast, but not that fast!Seriously,you're in great shape to take on the best runners in the world. I'd say "good luck" at the 24 Hour Worlds, but you don't need it. Your one of USA's finest distance runners,a class act, and an inspirational story. Go get 'em my fleet footed bald and gangly friend!
Right on my man, good to go for sure :)
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