We drove the course today. The whole friggin' course is hilly. There is about 1 mile of flat -- and the rest is either up or down.
The good news is that the net is downhill -- but I now see how the ups and downs will wear a runner down.
So, there is a change in strategy. For one thing, I've changed my distances for the target paces I've set for the sections of the course.
But I'm also going to set a 'downhill pace' and an 'uphill pace'. I'll try 7:30 for really steep down hill, 8:20/mile for really steep uphill, and variations in between depending on the steepness.
Jenny ran the Newton Hills today as part of a 12 mile training run, preparing for the London Half in a couple of weeks. She confirmed that it is definitely hilly -- but once you hit Beacon Street it is wonderful.
So, if I hit 3:30:59, I'll be thrilled. I'm still going to target a 3:25 -- but I'm absolutely prepared for the fact that I won't hit it. And if I don't, I'll be just going for the BQ time -- and will be thrilled if I get it.
And if at 20 miles I know I'm sunk, I'll just run easily and enjoy the rest of the run!
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