I feel like I have written this post several times. In fact, this will be the 6th time I have had the goal of chasing down a sub-3:30. It hurts writing that, but in hindsight, I had a chance only 3 times to honestly reach that goal: RnRAZ 2014, PHX 2015, Santa Rosa 2015. In the other 2 attempts I was fooling myself that I could achieve it on a hilly course on pure desire to make it happen.
California International Marathon, a.k.a. CIM
Sunday, December 6
What makes this time any different?
At the end of August, I ran the Santa Rosa Marathon after working with a strength and running coach. My middle distance runs and track work were extremely strong, but my long runs were disastrous. And just like on my training runs, I fell apart once I hit the 16-18 mark.
This time around I paid special attention to making sure that my long runs were more focused and my middle-distance and speed work got stronger. Over the last 8 weeks, my runs have been much more consistent across the board.
Mindset Going In?
Before Santa Rosa, I was concerned with how my legs would hold up with the distance. That was in the back of my mind and whether it was a fact or I made my fears a reality, I fell apart. Right now, I couldn’t be more confident in making this dream come true. I feel good. I feel ready to go. I feel like I am physically and mentally in the best place I have ever been in my running history.
Strategy?
Consistency. It seems so simple, but that is what will make me successful on race day. I know that I can’t start out too fast, and can’t start out too slow. I’ll position myself with the 3:30 pace group and stay with them. I won’t make any decisions on going faster (a good choice to have, right?) until 21-22. Even if I feel great, it will all come down to the final 10k.
I know anything can happen on race day and it’s unfair that 8-weeks of training comes down to a single day, but I know that I have put in the work and that I have put myself in the best position to make it happen.
Flash back to 2013
Fun facts?
- This will be my 3rd time running CIM.
- It holds my current marathon PR: 3:37 (2013)
- I also PR’d there in 2009 (4:40)
- We have a holiday party that night, so I better run fast, right?!?
I’m always up for advice/mantras/well wishes, but please save the criticism for afterwards (I promise I’ll listen to it then).
good luck!
I believe in you. And it sounds like you finally do, too. : ) Go get it, Pavey.
I’m attempting a sub 4 for the fifth time. I get it. Just trust your body and your training. Good luck!
They don’t call it the fastest race in the West for no reason! I’ll be on the lookout for you, as I’ll be running the last leg of the relay! Hope you are resting your legs and mind, enjoy your race! Xoxo, ganeeban
Good luck. Have a great race.
So proud of you! Go get ’em ( and run the mile you are in!!!!)
YOU CAN DO IT PAVEY!!
Have PRIDE in how far you have come. Have FAITH in how far you can go!
Happy speedy miles for you this weekend!!! Go get that sub 3:30!
I feel the need, the need for speed!!!! You got this!
I’m also chasing a 3:30 in this marathon! I hope the weather holds up for us. I’ll look for you in the pace group – good luck!
Couple observations to help you get under 3:30.
Looks like you’ve fallen off pace significantly as the race progressed in all of your attempts.
How many miles a week are you doing and how many 20 mile training runs are you doing in a cycle? Are you putting in a 12-16 week training cycle?
Hard to tell what your training is like based on the workouts you post but based on some of the Garmin shots you are doing some runs at 8:00 pace or better so it seems like it might be an endurance issue as opposed to speed. The workouts look to be geared more towards half marathon endurance rather than a full.
I think you would benefit greatly by working on achieving 4 or 5 20-22 mile training runs (the last one coming no later than 3 weeks from race date) during your cycle where you hit goal pace for the last 6-10 miles as well a 10k-HMP interval workout mid week. The rest of the days during the week should average 30-60 seconds slower than goal pace and look to add a mile or two per run to increase your base.
I think your workouts indicate ability to get under 3:30 it’s just about focusing on hitting that pace later in mileage and focusing on weekly key workouts.
Hi Brian, great site! How did the race go? Learn anything new during this years race? Would love to hear about different run groups to begin doing some boston training please let me know! Please tell Sherlin Ariana says hi ;) Cheers