Gordo on marathon training

I have read a lot of Gordo's thoughts on training and racing over the years. He has recently written about marathon training, not as in what specific sessions to do but what to expect and the strategy involved in getting to the start line.

The first take of his two-part comment is on xtri.

The second is on his blog.

He had this comment which I thought was interesting:

"Race Day Strategy -- I have found that on race day the struggles come with regard to humility and self-belief. If I have any cracks in emotional well being then they will come through under stress and I will underperform. It takes very little courage to blow one's self up in the first third of an endurance event (nearly all your peers will be there to keep you company). It takes exceptional self-belief to race YOUR best effort and perform to your best ability."

I think that self-belief comes from knowing that you've done the work ahead of the race, and so your mind is at ease, and in my case, I'm not overthinking everything that I do. I am calm. It is similar to being in the zone.

Week One

It's over - the first week that is. And while there remains a bit of a learning curve and a bit of refining to do, it's great to be back.

Day One

In a few hours from now, I will renew my triathlon career with an indoor bike session. Don't halt the presses just yet.

But for the first time in more than a year, I'm excited about putting my energy into the sport.

A key part of my excitement is Kristian's enthusiasm. In a short few years, I've seen both Kristian and Charlotte make outstanding strides in the sport. What I like most about them is their openness to new ideas.

That's what captured my imagination on the weekend as I reviewed my first training program from my new K-oach.

Of course it's just Day One so I shouldn't get too far ahead of myself.

The concrete objectives that I have set for myself - and for which I'll hold Kristian responsible for helping me achieve - are: a Sub10 Ironman and a return to Kona. I'm not interested in simply getting to the start line.

New K-oach

For months I have been mulling my coaching options. I have looked at a range of online coaches and considered a return to John Hill with whom I credit for teaching me a lot since 2001. What I considered key to my success was training with him and his group.

Almost all of my triathlon friends, and most of the people who I now consider among my best friends, were members of his group at one time or another.

But given the group is in Sydney - and the friends have scattered to the four winds, including me, I knew it was time for a change.

And so I've opted to sign up with ironguides. And tonight I have a new coach, who also happens to be a good friend. Kristian Manietta.

Kristian also happens to be the coach of Charlotte Paul - both of whom I knew at the very start of their triathlon careers and both of whom have become seriously successful in their own right in the last year in particular.

I look forward to tapping into Kristian's infinite enthusiasm for the sport and his well of positive energy. And his truly carpe diem attitude. It's time now to get to work.

http://ironguides.net/

The Reservoir

I was reminded again earlier this week why Central Park is such an amazing place to train. Unfortunately it's a long way from the West Coast.

Mmmmmm

Who would have thunk I'd find such a nutritious chocolate chip cookie beneath the Brooklyn Bridge? Me neither.

Radcliffe in NYC

This is what the New York Times wrote of Paula Radcliffe's victory at the NYC marathon.

On a windy, cold morning, Radcliffe ran a pitiless race, leading from beginning to end over 26.2 miles, hammering the pace, shedding the rest of the field with four miles still remaining and winning New York for the third time in 2 hours 23 minutes 56 seconds, completing the second half of the race nearly three minutes faster than the first half.

She did not come close to her world record of 2:15:25, but that was not the point on the hilly course. Victory in New York is always more important than time.

Sunday’s win will give Radcliffe leverage when her Nike contract comes up for renewal in January and will let the rest of the world’s top marathoners know that she is serious in her ambition of challenging for a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. By then she will be 38, the same age as the 2008 Olympic champion, Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania.

And congrats to Janet, David and Anders for persevering on a cold day! NYC is all about the experience.

Marathon Stats (updated)

1998 Portland 4:14:29

1999 NYC 3:49:56 (10k 54:38, 1/2 1:52:17)

2002 Sydney 3:29:40 ish

2003 Gold Coast 3:24:54 (1/2 1:38:21)

2003 Honolulu 3:33:14

2006 Gold Coast 3:13:51 (first 1/2 1:36:19, second 1/2 1:37:32)

2007 Gold Coast 3:10:38 (44:09, 1:33:12)

2008 Victoria 3:22:14 (44:40, 1:36:17)

Triathlete Magazine

In the November issue, which came out in early October, there was a profile on the pro women's race written by me.

Page 79. `SPEED the Primary Factor In Capturing the Women's Title'

I put Chrissie as the probable winner based on her performances during the past year, and also because the race was hers to dictate. But I didn't anticipate the dominance she displayed on the day. Wow.

I had highlighted four of the top 10 athletes in my preview. Sam McGlone, who I expected to battle for the win, withdrew because of an injury. Kate Major wasn't a force this year, also the result of a lingering injury. Belinda Granger led for a period of time on the bike but it left her flat for the run.

A superb race.