Football (soccer) is the major sport in Peru. Not nearly as organized as it is in Europe, but still each club team has its more than fair amount of fans and the media gives the sport great importance.
I remember growing up and listening to these athletes saying how they will soak wet with sweat their shirts and give 110% in the field. I don't remember though ever seen what this 110% is.
I actually don't remember ever seen what giving 110% is until I came to Japan and watched the runners here.
I imagine that giving 100% is giving all you have. That you run (play) until you can run no more, so when the race is over you just collapse or barely stand using the energy you have left. So running, making a personal best and winning, but finishing with energy is fore sure not giving 100%.
So then when is 110%?
Some weeks ago I watched the famous Hakone ekiden. This is one of the major races in Japan where the best 20 university teams of Kanto area (area around Tokyo) present their 10 best runners in a 2 day road relay. Each of their runners, all young students must run for about 20 km giving in many cases 110%.
This year (first time I watch it) 3 university teams were unable to finish the race as their runners simply collapsed few kilometers and in some cases few meters from the finish line. They collapsed after giving 100% of their energy, stoop up, kept running, only to collapse again, and again and again, until they were stopped by the organizers.
Now they are not just your regular jogger, as they train as hard as professionals running over 20 km per training day.
Then this last Sunday I watched the awaited debut of Kayoko Fukushi in the marathon.
Fukushi is an all star runner in Japan, having the national records for 3000, 5000 and half marathon in the country. Her debut on the marathon (qualifiers for Beijing) was awaited by the running world...and what a debut. Just like the hakone runners she fell flat on her face several times before finishing.
And, she is an olympic first class runner.
Scary ...
Discouraging or encouraging, I guess this is what giving 110% means.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
December running: I wonder if I am still considered a runner
Last month I was injured for about 3 weeks ... this month I was sick for about 3 weeks. Do the math: in the last 2 months I have managed to put in 2 weeks of running.
To tell you the truth it's all part of my secret project. I have a hypothesis: to run a fast marathon all you need is an average of 5 km per day. That's all you need. Zero long runs, and 100% extreme short runs at easy pace ... running a marathon is easier than boiling water.
I shall have my results in February ... unless I sell my marathon number (again).
December
1.- Rest
2.- Rest
3.- Jog 10 km
4.- Jog 10 km
5.- Jog 12 km
6.- Sick
7.- Sick
8.- Sick
9.- Sick
10.- Jog 10 km
11.- Jog 12 km
12.- Easy 1600 +(800x5) - Total 15 km
1600 in 4.57
13.- Jog 10 km
14.- Jog 10 km
15.- Jog 7 km
16.- Ota-ku 10 km - 35.58
17.- Jog 13 km
18.- Jog 11 km
19.- Sick - Deadly influenza virus
20.- Sick
21.- Sick
22.- Sick
23.- Sick
24.- Sick
25.- Sick
26.- Sick
27.- Sick
28.- Sick
29.- Sick
30.- Sick
31.- Sick
Total running: 137 km
To tell you the truth it's all part of my secret project. I have a hypothesis: to run a fast marathon all you need is an average of 5 km per day. That's all you need. Zero long runs, and 100% extreme short runs at easy pace ... running a marathon is easier than boiling water.
I shall have my results in February ... unless I sell my marathon number (again).
December
1.- Rest
2.- Rest
3.- Jog 10 km
4.- Jog 10 km
5.- Jog 12 km
6.- Sick
7.- Sick
8.- Sick
9.- Sick
10.- Jog 10 km
11.- Jog 12 km
12.- Easy 1600 +(800x5) - Total 15 km
1600 in 4.57
13.- Jog 10 km
14.- Jog 10 km
15.- Jog 7 km
16.- Ota-ku 10 km - 35.58
17.- Jog 13 km
18.- Jog 11 km
19.- Sick - Deadly influenza virus
20.- Sick
21.- Sick
22.- Sick
23.- Sick
24.- Sick
25.- Sick
26.- Sick
27.- Sick
28.- Sick
29.- Sick
30.- Sick
31.- Sick
Total running: 137 km
Saturday, December 22, 2007
I think God wants me to quit running
I have spent the entire summer and fall running hard waiting for the winter races and for what?
I get a 3 week injury while shopping! Losing chances of running Ageo Half ...
But that's okay, I mean, I needed some time off anyways ... plus I still had a 10km left in December to end the year with a good personal best. However ... I get sick for about a week just when I had began running again.
But that's okay too, I mean, there is always next year ... plus I got back on my feet a week before the 17th leaving me with just enough time (actually less) to prepare for my first marathon in February.
But a few days ago I was diagnosed influenza type A.
A step back: Takako actually warned me about it, urging me to get a vaccine quick and to take the appropiate precautions. Instead I decided to leave that for when the holidays came. What are the chances of catching it? And how bad can it be? (No influenza in Lima as far as I know due to the all year round warm weather).
Now that I have it ... man does it suck.
So I went to work with high fever and was sent back home. From home I was sent to the doctor and the doctor stuck a long cable up my nostrils (now that was an awful feeling). The result: Influenza type A.
I left the hospital with 5 different pills, some garggle thing and some liquid medicine. And with a letter saying I was not allowed to work or have contact with others as I was too contagious ... for 10 days. TEN DAYS ! That means not even Santa Claus will approach me this Christmas.
10 days locked up in my room wearing a mask and receiving my food through a small opening on my door. 10 more days with no running ... with that said ... bye bye good first marathon debut.
Well at least I am not starting the year bad ... this should end December 29th ... I hope.
I get a 3 week injury while shopping! Losing chances of running Ageo Half ...
But that's okay, I mean, I needed some time off anyways ... plus I still had a 10km left in December to end the year with a good personal best. However ... I get sick for about a week just when I had began running again.
But that's okay too, I mean, there is always next year ... plus I got back on my feet a week before the 17th leaving me with just enough time (actually less) to prepare for my first marathon in February.
But a few days ago I was diagnosed influenza type A.
A step back: Takako actually warned me about it, urging me to get a vaccine quick and to take the appropiate precautions. Instead I decided to leave that for when the holidays came. What are the chances of catching it? And how bad can it be? (No influenza in Lima as far as I know due to the all year round warm weather).
Now that I have it ... man does it suck.
So I went to work with high fever and was sent back home. From home I was sent to the doctor and the doctor stuck a long cable up my nostrils (now that was an awful feeling). The result: Influenza type A.
I left the hospital with 5 different pills, some garggle thing and some liquid medicine. And with a letter saying I was not allowed to work or have contact with others as I was too contagious ... for 10 days. TEN DAYS ! That means not even Santa Claus will approach me this Christmas.
10 days locked up in my room wearing a mask and receiving my food through a small opening on my door. 10 more days with no running ... with that said ... bye bye good first marathon debut.
Well at least I am not starting the year bad ... this should end December 29th ... I hope.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ota-Ku 10k/10mile Roadrace report
On December 16th I ran the Ota-ku 10km road race. I didn't really know if I would run it until the race day morning as I didn't want to interrupt my comeback into running with a hard 10km.
Due to injury and sickness (read previous logs) I haven't really been able to set foot on the road. Between Nov. 9th and Dec. 9th I managed to run only 5 days of very easy and low mileage. Last Monday I actually jogged my first 10km and finished exhausted (45min jog).
Woke up and decided ... why not? I'll just keep it easy on the legs.
Plus I had ran this event last year and really enjoyed it (below find my 2006 race report with details on the venue and race).
Got there and to my surprise ran into Gerard (a new running mate) during my warm-up. Right there I knew what my strategy should be. Run behind Gerard all the way as he has been training and doing 10km races recently (no km marks at this race so it's difficult to keep an even pace if you haven't been running).
Just like planned stayed right behind him for the first two laps of the three lap course ...
At the start of the third lap (each lap consisted of first a lap in the track and then a lap around the park) Gerard picked up the pace and in a few seconds had a 100 meter lead. For a second I thought about going after him, but decided to stick to my plan and make no crazy moves. Kept the same pace ending with a 35.58. Almost 90 seconds slower than last year, but I was happy and surprised I could break 36 considering the conditions this year.
Apparently I finished 6th in my age group. The medals here are pretty fancy so might try to get one next year.
Back in time: 2006 Ota-ku race report
Today I ran the Ootaku road race. The race took place inside a park at a track and consisted on laps around it (3 for the 10km). I thought it was quite difficult to find the race place. One of the closest stations, tachiaigawa, is 15 - 20 min away by foot.
There were 3 events: 3km, 10km and 10mile run. Apparently the 10 mile was the main event. The top 6 athletes went under 49 minutes and I think the top 15 were under 50. All first 20 athletes or so were athletes form Keio University and Touyou, probably their hakone ekiden team.
I took part in the 10km event. This was my second 10km and I was going for a great result, as my first 10km was terrible, slower than both the first and 2nd 10km in the half marathon I ran last month. Unfortunately I arrived really late, 10 minutes before the race, with enough time to sign up and change. Also not a single mark except for the last 1km and well you could sort of calculate the first 1km as well. Many university students as well, but their team B and C. After the first 10km I was 4th at a 3.12 pace, after that it all went bad. I got surrounded by the Keio team and thought I was probably going to fast so slowed down. At around the third km there was a pack ahead and me with two Keio athletes way behind. At around this mark came a 90 degree turn (I make my turns really tight) and I accidentally closed the guy behind me, which isn't really my problem as he is behind me. I guess he didn't like that because he grabged my shoulder and pulled me back and accelerated leaving me angry and wanting reveange totally forgetting about the race. The 2nd lap I was just tired and upset, when I did track in Peru this kind of thing happens often, but I was caught by surprise in Tokyo. The third lap came and realized I was full of energy so accelerated. Last 1km was a bit slower than the first, around a 3.15. Ended 8th £¨7th actually since the first place was a coach that was pacing), with 6 Keio athletes ahead. Time was 34.33, a 50 second PB but far from my 33.50 goal.
Overall I was satisfied with the result. Ended and began strong, and felt genki at the end of the race. I am sure I will break 34 next time...hope so at least.
I would recommend this race for anyone who wants a fast race.
In the 10mile you get to run shoulder to shoulder with hakone ekiden athletes and in the 10km you can measure yourself against the B teams (2nd place did 33.02, the coach of like 50 years old, ex olympic did a 31.43).
I will definetely run it next year.
Everyone gets a shirt and the winners get a nice medal/trophy.
...still thinking about that guy that pulled me ... made the race ... interesting.
Due to injury and sickness (read previous logs) I haven't really been able to set foot on the road. Between Nov. 9th and Dec. 9th I managed to run only 5 days of very easy and low mileage. Last Monday I actually jogged my first 10km and finished exhausted (45min jog).
Woke up and decided ... why not? I'll just keep it easy on the legs.
Plus I had ran this event last year and really enjoyed it (below find my 2006 race report with details on the venue and race).
Got there and to my surprise ran into Gerard (a new running mate) during my warm-up. Right there I knew what my strategy should be. Run behind Gerard all the way as he has been training and doing 10km races recently (no km marks at this race so it's difficult to keep an even pace if you haven't been running).
Just like planned stayed right behind him for the first two laps of the three lap course ...
At the start of the third lap (each lap consisted of first a lap in the track and then a lap around the park) Gerard picked up the pace and in a few seconds had a 100 meter lead. For a second I thought about going after him, but decided to stick to my plan and make no crazy moves. Kept the same pace ending with a 35.58. Almost 90 seconds slower than last year, but I was happy and surprised I could break 36 considering the conditions this year.
Apparently I finished 6th in my age group. The medals here are pretty fancy so might try to get one next year.
Back in time: 2006 Ota-ku race report
Today I ran the Ootaku road race. The race took place inside a park at a track and consisted on laps around it (3 for the 10km). I thought it was quite difficult to find the race place. One of the closest stations, tachiaigawa, is 15 - 20 min away by foot.
There were 3 events: 3km, 10km and 10mile run. Apparently the 10 mile was the main event. The top 6 athletes went under 49 minutes and I think the top 15 were under 50. All first 20 athletes or so were athletes form Keio University and Touyou, probably their hakone ekiden team.
I took part in the 10km event. This was my second 10km and I was going for a great result, as my first 10km was terrible, slower than both the first and 2nd 10km in the half marathon I ran last month. Unfortunately I arrived really late, 10 minutes before the race, with enough time to sign up and change. Also not a single mark except for the last 1km and well you could sort of calculate the first 1km as well. Many university students as well, but their team B and C. After the first 10km I was 4th at a 3.12 pace, after that it all went bad. I got surrounded by the Keio team and thought I was probably going to fast so slowed down. At around the third km there was a pack ahead and me with two Keio athletes way behind. At around this mark came a 90 degree turn (I make my turns really tight) and I accidentally closed the guy behind me, which isn't really my problem as he is behind me. I guess he didn't like that because he grabged my shoulder and pulled me back and accelerated leaving me angry and wanting reveange totally forgetting about the race. The 2nd lap I was just tired and upset, when I did track in Peru this kind of thing happens often, but I was caught by surprise in Tokyo. The third lap came and realized I was full of energy so accelerated. Last 1km was a bit slower than the first, around a 3.15. Ended 8th £¨7th actually since the first place was a coach that was pacing), with 6 Keio athletes ahead. Time was 34.33, a 50 second PB but far from my 33.50 goal.
Overall I was satisfied with the result. Ended and began strong, and felt genki at the end of the race. I am sure I will break 34 next time...hope so at least.
I would recommend this race for anyone who wants a fast race.
In the 10mile you get to run shoulder to shoulder with hakone ekiden athletes and in the 10km you can measure yourself against the B teams (2nd place did 33.02, the coach of like 50 years old, ex olympic did a 31.43).
I will definetely run it next year.
Everyone gets a shirt and the winners get a nice medal/trophy.
...still thinking about that guy that pulled me ... made the race ... interesting.
Monday, December 3, 2007
November running ... if this actually counts as running.
November stands out as my comeback into sports. I usually run my main event of the year in this month. 2007 was no different ... or was it? (ooo trying to make the blog exciting). I signed up for Ageo Half Marathon, one of the most elite races in the country, in search for a personal best. Did all the right moves, but on the last preparation training day I got injured badly ... had to sit on the sideline for 3 weeks, making November my lamest month so far.
Now let's remember ... the 9th of November ... No, let's remember I am training for my first real FULL marathon. I now have some 11 weeks left, but starting from 0. That is just too short ... so wait for the Tokyo Marathon report ... it should be terrorific.
November
1.- Jog 10 km
2.- Jog 17 km
3.- Rest
4.- Jog 16 km
5.- Jog 19 km @ 4.15 down to 4.10 pace
6.- Jog 17 km
7.- Jog 19 km @ 4.10 pace
8.- Jog 13 km
9.- Jog 3 km AH INJURED ... OUCH
10.- Injury
11.- Injury
12.- Injury
13.- Injury
14.- Injury
15.- Injury
16.- Injury
17.- Injury
18.- Injury
19.- Injury
20.- Injury
21.- Injury
22.- Injury
23.- Injury
24.- Injury
25.- Injury
26.- Injury
27.- Easy 6 km jog
28.- Easy 6 km jog
29.- Injury
30.- Injury
Total running: 126 km
Now let's remember ... the 9th of November ... No, let's remember I am training for my first real FULL marathon. I now have some 11 weeks left, but starting from 0. That is just too short ... so wait for the Tokyo Marathon report ... it should be terrorific.
November
1.- Jog 10 km
2.- Jog 17 km
3.- Rest
4.- Jog 16 km
5.- Jog 19 km @ 4.15 down to 4.10 pace
6.- Jog 17 km
7.- Jog 19 km @ 4.10 pace
8.- Jog 13 km
9.- Jog 3 km AH INJURED ... OUCH
10.- Injury
11.- Injury
12.- Injury
13.- Injury
14.- Injury
15.- Injury
16.- Injury
17.- Injury
18.- Injury
19.- Injury
20.- Injury
21.- Injury
22.- Injury
23.- Injury
24.- Injury
25.- Injury
26.- Injury
27.- Easy 6 km jog
28.- Easy 6 km jog
29.- Injury
30.- Injury
Total running: 126 km
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
12 days and counting
Just like I imagined: 3 weeks with no physical activities. 12 days have already gone by and I have gained about 4 kilos. Well the extra weight is welcome ... as long as it doesn't affect my results.
The plan now: to swim for the remaining 10 days in hope to keep my stamina. Plus it'll give me some workout for my skinny arms ... which is needed.
This will leave me with a little over two months to prepare for my first full marathon. And considering the week of easy jogging when I get back on the road, the holidays (which will of course include partying) and the tapering week, those two months will be not enough. Looking forward to the 3 hours of pain.
woohoo
The plan now: to swim for the remaining 10 days in hope to keep my stamina. Plus it'll give me some workout for my skinny arms ... which is needed.
This will leave me with a little over two months to prepare for my first full marathon. And considering the week of easy jogging when I get back on the road, the holidays (which will of course include partying) and the tapering week, those two months will be not enough. Looking forward to the 3 hours of pain.
woohoo
Saturday, November 10, 2007
WHYYYYYYY!!!!!! - a stupid post because I have nothing to do
November began quite good. Cool temperatures and few rainy days allowed me to make long comfortable runs in preparation for this year's main event: Ageo half marathon.
Injury free (no more left calf or right knee pains), I set off for a final run before tapering on Friday. The menu: 6 x 2000 at 3.30 pace.
BAM I twisted my fucking left ankle 500 meters before arriving to the track. Fortunately I was walking when it happened (won't go through it as it is retarded) ... but it was still extremely painful as I fell from a step.
I have weak ankles that are easy to sprain. I have probably twisted my ankle an average of one time a year. And it has become a phobia since I twisted it really badly in 2001.
A Friday 13th in 2001 (real date)
I was walking the dog and it just happened ... twisted my ankle trying to pull my dog - somehow jumped (after twisting it) and landed on that leg again while the ankle was twisted making the sole of my foot face upwards completely.
Blacked out for a second or two due to the pain and stayed there on the street first biting hard then laughing like a madman (I laugh when something hurts) for at least 30 minutes. Of course nobody approached the laughing madman.
Went to the hospital some days later (like I said I sprain my ankle often so thought it would go away like always) after my ankle had gotten thicker than my thigh ... You have two options, the doctor said, put a cast on it now and never run again or go through surgery fix the mess and hope for the best.
WHOA I thought ... say WHAT!
So yes I went into surgery. What began as a minor surgery became a major 7 hour operation where the doctor had to rebuild part of my ankle and place a small piece of metal (that is still in there) in it. 6 months of rest ... about a year before I both my legs had the same strength again.
Since that day I always run looking at the floor now and then and rarely play futbol seriously as I am afraid it will happen again.
It has happened about 3 times since then (all minor).
Friday 9th 2007
Like I said I won't go into details - it would be ridiculous mentioning I was distracted by putting a band aid over my nipple (runners do that by the way, for those who do not run) and missed a step, thus spraining my ankle.
But yes, it hurt bad and I looked at the sky and screamed "fuuuccckkk why now" scaring the people around me and then just sat there waiting for the pain to cease for 20 minutes (man it was cold and rainy).
Took a taxi and went home to follow the rest-ice-compress-elevate procedure in hopes of miracolously make it better.
Now Saturday I can at least step on it and move it a bit, but it is still thick and has some red stains ... which in my experience means that something inside has popped.
Tomorrow I will get a check up and see what's up down there.
My guess: The doctor will tell me to rest for about 10 days or more ... aka missing the most important race I've got this year ... missing 10 or more days of running which would mean my current endurance decreasing big time ...
And the worst part is I cannot go out and have some wild fun (now that I cannot run) because I cannot even walk.
I guess it's time to open those Japanese textbooks and study for the coming exam.
Injury free (no more left calf or right knee pains), I set off for a final run before tapering on Friday. The menu: 6 x 2000 at 3.30 pace.
BAM I twisted my fucking left ankle 500 meters before arriving to the track. Fortunately I was walking when it happened (won't go through it as it is retarded) ... but it was still extremely painful as I fell from a step.
I have weak ankles that are easy to sprain. I have probably twisted my ankle an average of one time a year. And it has become a phobia since I twisted it really badly in 2001.
A Friday 13th in 2001 (real date)
I was walking the dog and it just happened ... twisted my ankle trying to pull my dog - somehow jumped (after twisting it) and landed on that leg again while the ankle was twisted making the sole of my foot face upwards completely.
Blacked out for a second or two due to the pain and stayed there on the street first biting hard then laughing like a madman (I laugh when something hurts) for at least 30 minutes. Of course nobody approached the laughing madman.
Went to the hospital some days later (like I said I sprain my ankle often so thought it would go away like always) after my ankle had gotten thicker than my thigh ... You have two options, the doctor said, put a cast on it now and never run again or go through surgery fix the mess and hope for the best.
WHOA I thought ... say WHAT!
So yes I went into surgery. What began as a minor surgery became a major 7 hour operation where the doctor had to rebuild part of my ankle and place a small piece of metal (that is still in there) in it. 6 months of rest ... about a year before I both my legs had the same strength again.
Since that day I always run looking at the floor now and then and rarely play futbol seriously as I am afraid it will happen again.
It has happened about 3 times since then (all minor).
Friday 9th 2007
Like I said I won't go into details - it would be ridiculous mentioning I was distracted by putting a band aid over my nipple (runners do that by the way, for those who do not run) and missed a step, thus spraining my ankle.
But yes, it hurt bad and I looked at the sky and screamed "fuuuccckkk why now" scaring the people around me and then just sat there waiting for the pain to cease for 20 minutes (man it was cold and rainy).
Took a taxi and went home to follow the rest-ice-compress-elevate procedure in hopes of miracolously make it better.
Now Saturday I can at least step on it and move it a bit, but it is still thick and has some red stains ... which in my experience means that something inside has popped.
Tomorrow I will get a check up and see what's up down there.
My guess: The doctor will tell me to rest for about 10 days or more ... aka missing the most important race I've got this year ... missing 10 or more days of running which would mean my current endurance decreasing big time ...
And the worst part is I cannot go out and have some wild fun (now that I cannot run) because I cannot even walk.
I guess it's time to open those Japanese textbooks and study for the coming exam.
Friday, November 9, 2007
October running: back to the 400 km
Hard month, running 3 races, with unfortunately no PB’s (ran two injured) and 1 time trial (PB). However, although I had to take off 6 days due to my knee pain I still manage to run over 400 km in the month. Best daily mileage average per training day so far. Also did my first 30 km run: It was difficult, but not as tough as I thought it would be. Managed to run the last 5 km under 19 min. Gotta thank Jason for that.Next race … Ageo half marathon.
October
1.- Morning: Jog 10 km
Afternoon: Hard ladder workout – 3 min 200 meter recovery jog (12 km)
1000 (2.54) – 800 (2.15) – 600 (1.41) – 400 (1.04) – 200 (28)
2.- Jog 14 km
3.- Jog 18 km @ 4.07 pace
4.- 15 x 230 meters – average 41 seconds – Total: 18 km
5.- Jog 13 km
6.- Rest
7.- Track race at Aoba no mori park (Chiba)
1500 meters: 4.15.51
800 meters: 2.09.42 (*20 min after the 1500)
8.- 30 km tempo run
Starting at 4.25 pace and ending at 3.35 pace (2.03 total time)
9.- Jog 17 km @ 4.22 pace.
10.- Hard ladder workout - 400 meter recovery jog 5-4-3 min rest respectively.
800 (2.09) – 600 (1.37) – 400 (1.03) – 200 (29) (15 km)
11.- Jog 15 km
12.- Jog 18 km (10 km @ 4.15 pace)
13.- Rest
14.- Track race at Tokyo National Stadium (1500): 4.14.59
15.- Knee injury - rest
16.- Jog 21 km
17.- 6 x 1000 – 2 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 17 km
3.36 – 3.31 – 3.22 – 3.20 – 3.16 – 3.07
18.- Knee injury - rest
19.- Jog 18 km (easy)
20.- Jog 10 km (easy)
21.- Takashimadaira 20 km - 1.13.54
3.28 – 3.30 – 3.24 – 3.30 – 3.29 > 17.22 – 5 km
3.35 – 3.37 – 3.30 – 3.35 – 3.38 > 35.18 – 10 km
3.47 – 3.48 – 3.40 – 3.48 – 3.54 > 54.16 – 15 km
3.56 – 3.56 – 3.53 – 3.56 – 3.56 > 1.13.54 – 20 km
22.- Knee injury - rest
23.- Knee injury – rest (doctor check)
24.- 9 x 800 – 3 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 19 km
2.56 – 2.57 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56 – 2.58 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56
25.- 3 km Time Trial: 9.13.82 PB
26.- 4 x 5000 – 5 min 1000 meter recovery jog: Total 27 km
18.43 (3.45 pace) – 18.18 (3.40 pace) – 17.52 (3.35 pace) 17.23 (3.30 pace)
27.- Knee injury - rest
28.- Jog 15 km
29.- Knee injury - rest
30.- Jog 19 km (easy)
31.- Jog 19 km
Total running: 404 km
October
1.- Morning: Jog 10 km
Afternoon: Hard ladder workout – 3 min 200 meter recovery jog (12 km)
1000 (2.54) – 800 (2.15) – 600 (1.41) – 400 (1.04) – 200 (28)
2.- Jog 14 km
3.- Jog 18 km @ 4.07 pace
4.- 15 x 230 meters – average 41 seconds – Total: 18 km
5.- Jog 13 km
6.- Rest
7.- Track race at Aoba no mori park (Chiba)
1500 meters: 4.15.51
800 meters: 2.09.42 (*20 min after the 1500)
8.- 30 km tempo run
Starting at 4.25 pace and ending at 3.35 pace (2.03 total time)
9.- Jog 17 km @ 4.22 pace.
10.- Hard ladder workout - 400 meter recovery jog 5-4-3 min rest respectively.
800 (2.09) – 600 (1.37) – 400 (1.03) – 200 (29) (15 km)
11.- Jog 15 km
12.- Jog 18 km (10 km @ 4.15 pace)
13.- Rest
14.- Track race at Tokyo National Stadium (1500): 4.14.59
15.- Knee injury - rest
16.- Jog 21 km
17.- 6 x 1000 – 2 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 17 km
3.36 – 3.31 – 3.22 – 3.20 – 3.16 – 3.07
18.- Knee injury - rest
19.- Jog 18 km (easy)
20.- Jog 10 km (easy)
21.- Takashimadaira 20 km - 1.13.54
3.28 – 3.30 – 3.24 – 3.30 – 3.29 > 17.22 – 5 km
3.35 – 3.37 – 3.30 – 3.35 – 3.38 > 35.18 – 10 km
3.47 – 3.48 – 3.40 – 3.48 – 3.54 > 54.16 – 15 km
3.56 – 3.56 – 3.53 – 3.56 – 3.56 > 1.13.54 – 20 km
22.- Knee injury - rest
23.- Knee injury – rest (doctor check)
24.- 9 x 800 – 3 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 19 km
2.56 – 2.57 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56 – 2.58 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56
25.- 3 km Time Trial: 9.13.82 PB
26.- 4 x 5000 – 5 min 1000 meter recovery jog: Total 27 km
18.43 (3.45 pace) – 18.18 (3.40 pace) – 17.52 (3.35 pace) 17.23 (3.30 pace)
27.- Knee injury - rest
28.- Jog 15 km
29.- Knee injury - rest
30.- Jog 19 km (easy)
31.- Jog 19 km
Total running: 404 km
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Takashimadaira 20 km
On October 21st I took part in an elite road race in Takashimadaira.The race was very well organized with volunteers blocking every corner to avoid the athletes from making wrong turns, kilometer marks, water stations, and some other necessary details to make it flawless.
They even pulled out a piece of garden (those gardens that run in the middle of a road) to make a passage for the runners, which was placed back once the race was over. It reminded me of the 1994 World Cup (for some reason) when a goal broke and they brought in a new one instantly.
The course, totally flat, consisted on 4 laps around a residential area running from Takashimadaira station to Nishi-Takashimadaira station. With Kilometer marks signaling the 2nd, 3rd and 4th kilometers.
Unfortunately the weather was not in our favor that day. It was a bit too sunny and very windy between the 4th kilometer mark and the finish line.
Like always, my physical condition was not optimal either. I still had my knee and back injuries, some lack of sleep and the worries of life we all carry on our shoulders. Not to mention the pain in my eyebrows, which had a direct effect on my bad result.
Now to the race performance, by that I mean the bad part.
Goal time was 70 minutes, running at an even pace of 17.30 per lap.
First lap was comfortable, cruising at 17.25 or so. Second lap, was not as wonderful, but still managed, going through the 10km mark at 35.15 (those hairs in my eyebrow were starting to hurt). From this point on, things began to crumble down. I slowed down to 3.50 per km and kept slowing finishing with a 3.55 pace.
Total time: 1.13.54. Four minutes off my target time.
Why did this happen? Who knows … I guess, let’s hope at least, it was just a bad race day. I felt pretty comfortable throughout and most importantly the 20km felt short and not long and tedious like my previous over 10km races.
Now I have 5 weeks with no races to prepare for Ageo, an even more elite race that takes place in Saitama.
(Hopefully my knee and nipple – had a major nipple injury – will feel better soon. Knee injury though seems bad. Had to take Monday off, maybe an easy jog today)
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