Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Iron Run Math

I expect to have issues on the run during my Ironman due to my injuries and the lack of actual running. I also expect to be stupid with diminished brain function during the run. Yes, stupider than normal. Perhaps even stupider than teenagers think of me. Perhaps.

My coach told be if I'm able to consistently get a mix of run/walk that results in 15:00 a mile, it would be great and give us something to work with. 15:00/mile turns into a 6:33 marathon. I would sell my soul right now, cheap, for a 6:33 marathon in November.

I walk at between 17:00 per mile and 18:00 when I focus on walking quickly. I've done this pace for 9 miles. When I can run, I don't run fast. Pushing it, I run about 10:00 per mile but a jog pace is somewhere about 12:00.

So I did a math exercise. I figured if I jogged 2 minutes at a 12:00/mile pace, I would cover 1/6 of a mile. If I walked 3 minutes at a 18:00/mile pace, I would cover 1/6 of a mile. If I alternated this, I would have a mile done in 15:00. The more I mix in running, the faster I'll finish.

I expect math functionality to leave my brain somewhere early on race day so I figured I'd do the math now, write it down and put it in my special needs or transition bags, and probably doubt it during race day (see the stupid prediction). I'm going to test the math in my half Mary this weekend. I won't be anywhere near my PR but if I'm in the 3 hour neighborhood, don't feel that I want to chop off my foot because of the posterior tibial tendinitis pain, and have a successful century ride on Sunday, all will be good in the hood.

Now if someone asks me something along the lines of "if a train leaves Chicago........", the answer will be <6:33. The answer to every question might be <6:33 except the big question where the answer is <16:59:59.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

as i was reading this, i was thinking, you need to test this out. i'm glad to see that you plan to test it at the half mary this weekend!

Unknown said...

The math makes sense to me! And, I like your answer to questions posted at the end. :)

Ewa said...

I tend to be too undisciplined to follow such even intervals but that is me. I am curious how this is going to work out for you. Will you program your garmin, or whatever time device you use to beep every 2, 3 minutes?

Teamarcia said...

This is way too much number crunching for me at this hour. Looks like you have a plan though!

joyRuN said...

I'd used this to figure out my run/walk "paces" at one time: http://www.coachdino.org/runwalk.htm

It seems to be a not uncommon theme with half & full ironmans - do the swim, do great on the bike, then survive the run. Too bad I hate the bike.

Diane said...

As always, you make me chuckle. Maybe you should consider writing a book someday? I love your spirit and your advanced planning. I always go in with a plan and try my best to stick to it. That way, when I get brain dead, all I have to do is just stick to my plan. Can't wait to hear all about your half coming up, and of course, your BIG day. Best wishes and good luck!

Unknown said...

Good to have that pacing plan in place going into the race b/c you are right that the brain goes to mush.

The worst part is that you are cognitive of the fact that you are stupid and making stupid decisions yet you still cannot control it. Quite the fun feelings!

TriMOEngr said...

This is my kind of math!

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

The logic sounds solid. And I'll admit that I definitely lose my math ability in a race! I call it a "Racing Induced Disability" or RIDs. haha

Best of luck with the run and the entire race for that matter!

KovasP said...

No one told me there'd be math!

I think there's a company that makes race pace tattoos - maybe that would help?

Carolina John said...

Crap I hope there's not a quiz at the finish line. That sounds like some kind of interval that you can make the garmin beep at you for.

Sue Sitki said...

LOL! You're gonna be GREAT! :)

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

sounds like good logic to me :) are u doing IMFL ?

J. L. said...

Funny, I teach college math and I got confused reading your post :) I have such a hard time with "running math." You'll definitely need to let us know how it goes. Good luck!

Kathleen said...

I am horrible in math but your plan sounds like one I should consider. I am all about figuring out how to survive the run and get to the finish line before the 17 hour mark.