Meyrick Jones Racing: Sun Run Strategy

"wise guys" quote:

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt, speech titled "Citizen in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

Everything you need is already inside.

- Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, legendary coach, and father of the running movement.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Sun Run Strategy

Since I know you have all been on the edge of your seats since I left you with the cliffhanger two posts ago, I will now unveil my Sun Run Race Plan.

As mentioned previously, I am going to try a different strategy than I normally use in a run like this. Normally, I would try to run a steady race throughout, not varying my pace much (except for trying to kick at the end with whatever reserves remain after 9.5 kms or so.)

After reading some interesting posts recently (especially this one from Lucho) I have decided to try taking a risk in the early part of the race. The "risk" is to start the run significantly faster than I would with the old technique.... not so fast that I guarantee a bonk - just fast enough that I guarantee it will hurt over the last kms. To lay down my best time I will have to SUFFER - this is unavoidable. My old technique, and the technique used by most recreational runners, is designed to avoid suffering at all costs - i.e. the "don't go to hard now, you still have 7,6,5 km to go and you don't want to blow up..." mindset.

So then, the strategy this Sunday is to go out running 3:45 - 4 minute kms and to continue doing that for as long as possible. I am certain my time won't be sub-40 minutes so of course I am expecting to slow down as the kilometres tick by - but I hope the risk will pay off and I will be able to lay down a new PR (personal record) and achieve the goal I set for the race.

Whatever happens, it's great to have a plan and I will learn from the results on race day. If I can give any advice to people (and remember it's only worth what you paid for it ;) it would be to have a plan going in to any race. Give yourself a "job" to do and approach it that way. Try different plans and strategies until you find one that works for you but always have a plan - don't compete aimlessly.

Of course the Sun Run is a "fun run" and if you are just heading out for a great day then disregard the previous paragraph - but if you "care" about your result - having a plan is kind of key.