A couple of days ago, I realized that the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach (only a few hours' drive from me) would be happening next weekend (it's always approximately St. Patrick's Day). It's a FLAT course, and would be a good possibility for getting a sufficient BQ. And the weather was looking like it might cooperate to an extent. But do I think I can realistically hit 3:15 or under?
Well, rather than simply register for it and leap at the opportunity (since it hasn't sold out), I decided to use my long run today as a test. The plan: run 16 miles at marathon pace. Well, not only did I start off -- and stay -- at somewhat slower than marathon pace, but my legs barely wanted to go 13.1 miles at that pace (and I finished out a full 14 with the rest at a walk).
I'm still on the fatigued side. And with today's performance, I don't think it would be realistic to hit that goal in a week's time. And, looking at the updated forecast, that makes it even worse: temps will be in the 60s the whole time, and it looks like it will likely be rainy and very windy (gusts up to 40mph). That makes it all the less likely that I would manage to hit the goal.
Oh well. So much for improvement in the near term. It seems like the likeliest attempt will be at Erie in September. Glad I am willing to accept reality when it hits me in the face. :-)
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