This year's Brooklyn Half can also be described as a movie scene. But this time, with a happy, hero, triumphant ending. I couldn't have been more prepared physically and mentally. But still, emotions were a bit shaky with some super high expectations I was placing on myself. And of course, the fear of re-injury. I almost closed my eyes between miles 11-12 so I didn't have to see "the spot" where it happened!
BUT: nevertheless, she persisted. This year I took Brooklyn by storm. Literally. I ran a strong and consistent race. I was well within my goal pace range. And then around mile 10, I noticed the pacer to my left (the professional that holds a sign who's job it is to run a consistent pace for reference to others). I'm usually in my own little world and don't pay attention to them. But this time I happened to look at the finish time on her sign, and it was better than my Half PR time from 2017. I had to make a decision in that moment. Do I hold my pace? Or do I push to try to set a new PR? I thought about it for a minute or two after I had already passed the pacer.
Here's where the movie scene comes into play. The sky got really dark and the clouds opened up, letting out what can only be described as buckets of water. You couldn't see one yard in front of you. Eyes were stinging as the sweat from your hair and face now rolled into your eyes. It seems like everyone picked up the pace to finish - so I went for it! I bolted! I also knew I could expect to see Rob and friends when making the last turn from Ocean Parkway onto Surf Ave once at Coney Island. Even more motivation to get there faster.
I set a new PR (barely, but still a PR!) of 2:12:18. And immediately enjoyed a beer and hot dog once I got out of the very wet finish corral and reunited with the group.
Accomplishment is an addicting feeling. Less than 24 hrs later, I was a little sore but nothing crazy. Trust the training - it works. My only "injury" was some bruised toes which annoyingly lasted over a week. My guess is once I was running through puddles, my feet were sloshing around my shoes a bunch.
I didn't have too much time to dwell on my toes though...because less than a week after Brooklyn, I had MURPH at CrossFit. What is Murph? I've done it many years before, but quick refresher for ya'll.
1 mile Run
300 squats
200 push-ups
100 pull-ups (I do ring-rows on gymnastic rings instead!)
1 mile Run
It's a standard CrossFit "Hero" WOD and likely the most popular worldwide. Thousands of people across the world all do Murph on the same weekend (Memorial Day weekend in the US). Funny enough I had been doing it in Boston for years without realizing that Lieutenant Michael Murph himself was from Patchogue NY, where I live now. Really strange coincidence. Now I notice his name on building and signs everywhere in his memory.
Last year I had to skip Murph...well, see above: injury coming off the Brooklyn Half. Loss of NYC marathon entry. Sad shell of a person.
This year my time was 63:05. I was super impressed with my running (DUH). That definitely felt like the best movement versus years past. Even the last run after being super fatigued. It was not my best Murph time overall, but it was a really consistent workout for me. I felt really good the whole time and was happy with my overall strategy to tackle the massive number of reps.
So what's next? MARATHON TRAINING! It's already begun! Actually it never stopped. I decided to maintain a base of 8 miles as my long run coming off Brooklyn for the past 4 weeks. That means, once a week, I can go out and run 8 miles with no issue. This week was actually my first week of "climbing" with an increase of mileage to 9 miles. I will continue to climb until mid-October where my last long run will be 20 miles, followed by a 2 week taper / rest period before the big day.
My training plan is very detailed and robust, but generally looks something like this:
4 miles
CrossFit
3 miles
REST
10 miles (+1 mile each week)
REST
Cycle / Bike
I'm paying attention to rest more than I ever have before. Sometimes the day after the long run instead of REST, I will incorporate a light Cycle/Bike to help stretch and move, but nothing crazy. I also have some "drop" weeks built into my plan where I don't increase the long run, and actually drop down. This is another form of rest for me. And it allows for "mistakes" like being sick or something personally happening where I need to give myself some grace to get through a tough or unusual period. I'm hoping this design allows me to feel less pressure to perform when the going gets "too" tough. And reduces my chances of injury.
If you want to help with my marathon training - I'm always looking for folks to leave water outside their front door for me (LOL). No seriously, it's like a fun little game to have the goal to run to and helps me carry less stuff while running.
Have a great summer everyone! Stay active. Be healthy. Drink margaritas.
