September 12th- September 18th "Equinox Marathon"

Mileage for the Year 2011
2,331 miles

Mileage for the week 9/12- 9/18 "Equinox Marathon Week"
53 miles

9/18
Off- Recovery

9/17
28 miles (Equinox Marathon 3:03:33 for 6th place)

2 mile warm-up- easy
26.2 miles- 3:03:33

It was a beautiful day in Fairbanks. I would have to say it was perfect running conditions. Fairbanks is so pretty in the fall. The leaves were amazing. This is such an awesome event. The community in Fairbanks really supports this run. Which is amazing, because it's such a tough marathon.

I felt pretty good this year coming in. My goal was definetly to run a sub 3hr. marathon. I was pretty confident that I could accomplish this. I just didn't feel very good right out the gate. My legs felt tired at mile 4? Which isn't a good sign.

I believe my training was good, but the bottom line is that I don't run enough on the trails. If I ever want to get good at this marathon, I need to suck it up and focus on running trails and get better on the technical sections like the out and back, and the chute.

I'm still pleased with my race however. I never felt good, but I didn't quit and battled to the end. The equinox can be very humbling for sure. I can't wait for next year though!!!!!

Here are my splits off my Garmin:

Mile 1: 6:26
Mile 2: 6:11
Mile 3: 6:42
Mile 4: 7:14
Mile 5: 5:59
Mile 6: 6:57
Mile 7: 6:18
Mile 8: 6:02
Mile 9: 6:25
Mile 10: 9:24
Mile 11: 9:08
Mile 12: 8:51
Mile 13: 8:50
Mile 14: 6:50
Mile 15: 8:07
Mile 16: 7:47
Mile 17: 6:48
Mile 18: 6:30
Mile 19: 6:37
Mile 20: 6:05
Mile 21: 5:57
Mile 22: 6:49
Mile 23: 6:49
Mile 24: 6:10
Mile 25: 6:47
Mile 26: 6:58
Last .2: 1:22

Overall: 3:03:33 6th Place

9/16
4 miles

Just a quick shake out run.

9/15
6 miles (6 x 100m striders)

Nice and easy

9/14
Off- rest day

Easy walk outside. 3 days till Equinox!

9/13
9 miles (3 @ Marathon Pace)

3.5 mile warm-up
3 miles @ MP (5:30, 5:34, 5:28)
2.5 mile cool down.

Felt great. I went a little faster than MP, but felt controlled and easy. Last workout before the Equinox. Just some easy five milers left. I'm ready!

9/12
6 miles

Super easy on the treadmill. Feeling good.