Marathon # 5

Playtime is Over

Did I really run a marathon 7 1/2 weeks ago? It doesn't seem that long... Seems like I just finished a rigorous training cycle and I still should be reaping the benefits of well-deserved rest. But, I digress, my next marathon is in roughly 15 weeks.

Not just any marathon, but Blue Ridge, America's Toughest Road Marathon. Since I have completed this course twice, I can tell you it does live up to the hype. With 7,430 ft of elevation changes, and a narrow course limited to only 750 runners, it is the most unique racing experience I've participated in. 

Blue Ridge Marathon - 2014

 When I ran this in 2014 I was in the best running shape of my life. I finished with a time of 4:55 ( I was told to add an hour 10 or an hour 15 to my marathon time to calculate a strong personal finish - I've never broken a 4 hour marathon). My guess is I could have ran a sub four hour marathon on a regular course when I ran this race for the first time.

You take on 3 separate mountains, all of which are ridiculously steep. Historically the temps are higher than average for this time of year on race day. When you've been training in sub freezing temps it can really throw you off... Challenging doesn't begin to describe the nature of this event. 

But it is worth it. Every breathtaking view, the energetic volunteers (the beer, wine, and mimosas are also a plus from spectators), and the jamming after party... To top it off I'm an official blogger for Blue Ridge this year. Which means I'll be celebrating my finish from the VIP tent...with several other blogging fanatics and more than just a couple post race beers. I feel like I won the freaking lottery!

Training

I am trying a new training plan from RunKeeper. It's a sub-four hour plan, but I'm pretty sure they didn't have Roanoke in mind when they developed this. Either way it's much harder than the plan I followed for Richmond a few months ago. I'm still running 4 days a week, but adding in more speed work and consistent, timed repeats (miles, half miles, 30 second sprints etc.). This means I will be incorporating the 'dead mill', which could be a blessing on cold winter days. Here is the plan schedule:

https://runkeeper.com/fitness-class/running-marathon/10?calendarType=MONTHLY&menuSelection=SCHEDULE&startDate=01/08/17&page=0

Wish me luck, with a lot of dedication and little bit of luck, I'll be third time Blue Ridge Marathon finisher on April 22nd!!!

Don't forget - BRMFRIENDS = 15% off the Blue Ridge race of your choice.

Cheers!

India