October 1, 2009
September Training Summary
275.81 miles in 32 outings in a time of 42:22:42 with an elevation gain of 34,699 feet at an average heart rate of 141.
Last September was 202 miles. So 36% improvement. Happy with that. Was bummed that I didn’t top August’s totals but the reason was obvious — taper. Last year, I used to race every month. So there was at least a week of taper and a week of recovery. Each varied in its intensity but it did cause a dip. This past August, no races. So no taper, no recovery. Just train. Big miles.
This month, I did 2 races — Park to Park 10 Miler and the Boulder Half Marathon. Of those two, I was happier with the 10 miler finish because Boulder got influenced by weather and other goals. Strong race month anyway, although no “A Goal” efforts.
My favorite part about everything right now is the consistency. I get hills every week. I get the long run every week. I get my brisk runs every week. Feels nice and well rounded. The only times I get worried is when I don’t have a training failure during the week. I like to think I am dancing right under the red line but you never know. I worry that if I am not having a failure here or there, that I have more to squeeze out of this. I would have never worried about this before, but I feel like I am gambling on the goal more than normal this fall. I usually set some time goal and blow it away. This year, the time goal was set for me and I have to match it. Every month that goes by I know I am closer to it. But will it happen on October 18th? Or do I have to train more and do it in the winter? I don’t know but I am going to give it a shot. I have motivation other than the goal. I started to have just a few feelings this week telling me that my body will be excited for the end of the season. So I really dread extending the season out till December to make another BQ attempt. Plus, my knee hurts today. New spot.
I think the weather, my health (no sickness), etc. will dictate the day at Denver. If I get a good — not perfect — set of circumstances, it will happen. If not, the next time.
