"To improve your ability to concentrate, visualize your race during workouts, particularly during marathon pace runs. "Put yourself into an emotional marathon mode," says Bob Williams, a coach from Portland. Oregon. "Picture different parts of the course." One workout, practice cruising miles 8-12; the next, rehearse miles 12-14. If you're running a hometown marathon, run specific portions of the course during practice for familiarization. If it's an out-of-town course, and you've run it before, replay the memory. Running Boston: Is there a hill similar to Heartbreak Hill near where you live? "Training on terrain similar to that on which you plan to race is essential," emphasizes Williams."
This is an interesting tip. The published course for my May 1 marathon runs the 13.1-mile half-marathon course twice. My training schedule calls for a 12-miler week-after-next. I may consider adding an extra mile and run the half-marathon course to get the feel of it!
From Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide, Intermediate 2 Program, Week 8.
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Oint2-8.htm
A Visit to Mount Felix
15 years ago
9 comments:
That sounds like a great plan, Vern...I'm sure it will make you feel more confident once you know exactly what the course feels like! =)
And really easy to do, since it's a hometown course!
I think that's a great way to do any training. Visualisation does work in many areas, not just running. Also, I think you are on the road to really running an amazing race!
Thanks Sandi! I've read a little about visualization, and tried it in approprate situations, and it is really a great technique!
However, before I read Hal's tip, it may not have occured to me to practice on the actual couse that the race will use! It seems so obvious now, but sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.
I guess that's the power of taking a look from someone else's perspective!
Yep, knowing the course will be a great benefit come race day. I'm using that same strategy.
Hey Brian, I'm glad you're getting your computer problems resolved; good to see you back in the blogosphere again! Is that your upcoming 50K that you're using this strategy for?
I love the visualization technique, I will be using it next week in my first 26.2, only I will be visualizing myself flying along the course! Have a great week! And thanks for your sweet comments on my blog!
I try to visualize my marathon, especially the last few miles!!! I want my mind to be prepared to endure the pain that, no matter what, will come.
Jennifer, good luck again on your first 26.2! A truly special occasion!
Myriam, I'm a little apprehensive about the pain factor. Not because I don't think I can handle it, but because I don't know what to expect on my first.
Is it the same kind of pain I feel at 17 or 18, with the aching legs and sore feet?
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