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Jake's Journal: Ready for another contest

29 October 2008 @ 12:27 PM  / Contests / Jake's Journal / Peg's Posts / Sports / Fitness Blog /


Forerunner405blackcfJakesjournalThe question I've been asked the most this week is "Are you ready?" As far as I know, yes. But to be fair, this is the first time I've run two marathons in a two-week span, with the New York City marathon coming up Sunday. Of course, this is the first time I've run two marathons in a calendar year. And yet it seemed like a good idea to stack my second and third marathons ever within a short time period. If I've already trained for one, I figure, why not cross two off my list. One of my friends here at work, who just did the Marine Corps Marathon, has two more 26-mile training runs planned before doing the Goofy challenge at Disney (a half and a full on consecutive days). So I know there are plenty of people who can do it. I just didn't know if I was in that group.

So I ran with my Forerunner 405, updated my software, listened to my Virtual Partner, shared training tales with Peg and chronicled my miles on Garmin Connect. Train, taper, race and repeat. And for you, another chance to win free Garmin gear: What will my time be in Sunday's New York City Marathon? Enter in the comments below, with appropriate coaching or smack talk, and we'll announce winners next week.

405heartrate In announcing the previous marathon contest, I provided some training insight. This time, it's easy - I've only run once since finishing the KC marathon. Otherwise, here's some pertinent info that could help predict my time: 1) My legs felt back to normal within three days of the KC marathon. 2) I've been filming more Forerunner 405 videos, which are now on YouTube, so I've done my homework. 3) I'm going to be walking around Manhattan all day Friday, getting a feel for the city while loosening my legs. 4) Ryan Hall, Deena Kastor and Constantina Tomescu-Dita will be signing autographs Saturday in the Asics and Garmin booths, so I'll be plenty inspired.

405training And while I'm always aiming to improve my previous best (in this case, the 3:31 from KC), here are some other factors that could play a part: 1) Despite the nearly 40,000 runners who will join me through the five boroughs, I don't have a running partner. And I like to talk (a lot) while keeping pace. Strangers beware. 2) I have a busy weekend at the Expo and various meetings, and I hope to take in a few sights. Rest might not come as easy as it did here at home. 3) The sightseeing will certainly continue during the race. This is a unique way to see the city, and I plan to soak it all in. Even if that means slowing down from time to time to be a tourist. 4) This is gravy. I got the time I wanted in KC and I'm not aiming for Boston (3:15) any time soon. I'm going to have fun. Fast would be a bonus.

Oregoncoin_003So don't delay. Enter your prediction in the comments below for a chance to win a Team Garmin T-shirt and limited-edition Oregon geocoin. Deadline is 9 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 2, when the race begins. And if you're coming to New York or already in town, stop by the marathon expo. Starting tomorrow, my friends and I will be showing off the latest and greatest in fitness technology, and Saturday will feature autograph sessions with some stars of the Beijing races.


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