All systems go!

So the "official" marathon training has started. Finally. Last night was the inaugural sitting on the bench at the Running Room where we met our three coaches and got a very broad overview of the next 18 weeks. The coaches introduced themselves and let us know of their running history. This also gave us the opportunity to get to know their styles. Then everyone introduced themselves with their running history and what they expect from the clinic. The group range from people who have done 7+ marathons to one who has done no races at all. This is her first race ever. The group was about 45 people, I'm sure more have registered and will register in the coming weeks. And I'm sure we will see many of them disappear. Nature of the beast.

So after our long introductions, we finally set off. This will be our usual Tuesday 6k Tempo Run. Always the same route, always the same way. Steady tempo running. Rain or shine. Heat or cold. Humidity or lovely gorgeous summer weather :)

I started too fast. I knew that after about 5 minutes. But I soldiered on until I couldn't go any longer then slowed down a bit. That's when I got passed by a few people but to my delight, I ended up finishing ahead of a few of them. Gawd, I'm competitive... lol   During the run, one of the coach caught up with me and told me about my form. I like that because I don't always remember to stand erect with my arms moving (at least the arms were moving...) so I was happy to be reminded. We had a little tiny hill at one point. Not really a hill but more like an overpass. And I felt like my lungs were about to explode at the top of that overpass. Of course, NOT having water AND the heat/humidity being so high didn't help matters one bit... Once we turned the corner to start our journey home, I remembered that sometimes at spin class I get winded and think "I can't go on, this is too much" and I take a short break, 30 seconds or less and I'm able to start again and be stronger. That's what happened. I slowed down a little bit, was able to catch a traffic light (they were VERY welcomed during that run...) and rest a little bit. And this helped me to recuperate a lot and finish strong.

A group of the faster runners were waiting for us at the end, cheering us on. This is a great way to finish. I'm not sure it will always happen but it was fantastic to know that you were not forgotten. This is what team training is all about. Motivation, support, encouragement. You still get the thrill of accomplishing something, you can still be in your bubble (I thought I'd be the social butterfly last night, nope, tempo runs are NOT the time to be social... note to self, music in ears from now on) and yet, run with a group that motivates you just by being with you. I like that, I totally like that. Of course, I'm an urban animal so I like people :)

Tonight is the pace trial. We will run a 10k at race pace and this will determine which pace group to follow during the clinic. I'm hoping to be in the 4:30 group but am prepared to go in a slower group if needed. When I plugged the info in the McMillan pace calculator, it gave me an estimate of marathon time at 4:27 so I'm good with that. Of course, as the training goes on it may change but so far, I'd be happy with that.