I did an easy 6.4 mile AM recovery run, which felt really good; I kept the pace nice and slow. However, it as my afternoon session that caught all of the buzz with me. My friend Peter Gottwald, who operate out of Germany for Smart Running, asked me to perform a test to determine whether my weakness is found in my performance, or in my speed. Here is what I did:
- 5 minute easy run
- 5 minute run at a faster pace
- 5 minute run at an even faster pace
Then, I ran 10 x 30 meter sprints. I walked back after each repeat. I followed this with 5 x 100 meter repeats. To conclude this test, I ran a hard 1,000 meter…which I complete in 3 minutes and 28 seconds. Peter asked me to record my heart rate after I ran the 1,000 meters. Then, I recorded my HR one minute after I completed the 1,000 meter run. Peter used this information to predict my time for my next marathon. Though a good time, I am not happy with the findings. As I stated to Peter in an email, I might not hit my next goal in Boston. But, I will keep training for it. We shall see.
Total Miles today: 7.4
Getting Faster 
If you are well rested and feeling good, I predict 3:08 in Boston.
That is the range Peter put me in too. It is still too slow; I am wondering if a) I am pusing my expectations too fast or b) I have it in me, but will need to adjust.
I am hoping I can make a few adjustments in training these next 7 – 8 weeks; however, that might not be enough time. My legs have not felt fresh in a while.
Good Morning Edward! I’ve send you some documents via mail. Please have look at it. I’ m sure you will be able to tap your full potential in the Boston race. Look forward, do not look back, you will not catch up anything, but you always have good chance to improve your performance! Peter
Peter
I will take a look at my email and the documents sent. Thank you so very much. Yes, my goal is to look forward and get better. I am done looking backwards. Great advice.
If you are running just under 1:30 for a half, you cannot expect to run around 3 hours for a full marathon. At that pace you might hit the wall as early as 16 or 17.
I am seriously reevaluating my goals; it is very frustrating, but I just might not be ready. I am thinking that a 7:10 pace is something I can manage, though as tough as Boston is, the Austin hills are far worst. I am thinking more long-term planning in getting my time down. This race may be too soon in my development.