Only about 2% of runners will finish a marathon in less than 180 minutes (3 hours)

Six years ago, I couldn't even imagine running the distance (26.2 miles). But after working up to 3-4 mile jogs a few times a week, I set the incredible goal of running a half marathon.

After four months of intense training, well at that time (20-25 miles/wk), I ran the Houston half-marathon on January 16th, 2005. It was so grueling, I swore that was it. I'll never do another half, let alone a full.

Fortunately a running comrade pushed me to do a full marathon. Rededicated, I set a sub 4:00 hour goal for the full Houston marathon the following year. I trained harder than ever and crossed the finish in 3:59; I was hooked.

I've now run 21 marathons and this site is my journal to join that exclusive club of those who finish a marathon in under 180 minutes (3 hours).

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Weekly Recap (6 weeks to Phoenix)

Sunday
18 miler. Added some hills, tough run with the muggy conditions.

Saturday
Standard 6 miler.

Friday
Damn. I had 12 scheduled with 7 at LT. After posting a four minute PR on a 21 miler just 48 hours eariler, I thought it would be hard. But to my surprise, that wasn't the problem.

The weather was nice and cool. I didn't even think of using my portable fan that I place on the treadmill for hard runs. By mile 3, I knew that was a mistake. I was sweating pretty good.

By mile six, I was trenched. By mile 7 (with 4 LT done) I couldn't breath, just too much water loss. I called it quits. Initially I was POed, but hell I just creamed my 21 miler two days ago. I don't think it was a conditioning problem.

Thursday
Had 6 scheduled. But a client called about his retirement plan, and I spent three hours working on it and had to miss my run.

Wednesday
Well, I might pay for that one also. After two easy days, and a nice cold front coming through, I decided to PR on my 21 miler.

I bested my previous 21 mile training time by a full four minutes (174 minutes). Aerobically, felt fine. But the extra speed cominbed with the extra five pounds I'm carrying was hard on the body. Overall, solid run.

Tuesday
6 mile recovery

Monday
8 with 5 x 200 meter strides.

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