Richmond Marathon Race Plans (Read 642 times)

Richmond will be my first marathon. My target is 4:20, but I think I may be able to do a little better than this based on my recent 1:57:04 half marathon finish. McMillan predicts a 4:06:54, but I think this is too optimistic (and too risky to attempt). Given that background, this is my plan… Course I have divided the course into 4 segments: 1. First Half 2. Mile 13.1 to 15 – mostly downhill 3. Mile 15 to 18 – mostly uphill 4. Mile 18 to 26.2 – mostly downhill Pace --> Splits 1. First Half..................9:44 min/mile --> 2:07:30 2. Mile 13.1 to 15...........9:30 min/mile --> 2:25:33 3. Mile 15 to 18.............9:44 min/mile --> 2:54:45 This is a conservative “run the first half slowly” strategy. I don’t care how good I feel, how excited I am, or how many downhills there are, I will not run a single mile faster than 9:44 minutes in the first half. I shouldn't have much trouble sticking these first 3 splits. The big question lies in the final segment of 8.2 miles. My finish will be determined by what I have left at this point. Here are some possibilities… 4. Mile 18 to 26.2 Gold:..........9:30 --> 4:12:39 (2:05:09 second half) Silver:.........9:44 --> 4:14:34 (2:07:03 second half) Bronze:......10:00 --> 4:16:45 (2:09:15 second half) Aluminum:...10:23 --> 4:19:54 (2:12:23 second half) Tin:...........11:00 --> 4:24:57 (2:17:27 second half) Lead:.........12:00 --> 4:33:09 (2:25:39 second half) Comments? All feedback welcome. For others running Richmond, what is your plan?

Look forward to your report when its all behind you...and just really watch that first mile and adjust if you get that "horse out of the barn" start. Your plan looks like the one I will aim for at my next marathon.

When I mentioned that the McMillan prediction was ridonculously optimistic when I used 5K and HM times, I was pointed to the race time calculator right here on RA. Several posters have provided very positive feedback on it, and its prediction seems much more realistic for me.

BadDawg, Thanks! I've used the RA predictor, as well. It give a range of predictions depending on what 2 races I plug in. I think primarily due to my inconsistent performances. When all is said and done I will be happy if I finish anywhere near 4:20. I suppose anything above 4:30 and I will be a bit disappointed.

I do this too - but normally only 2-3 levels.

Thanks Mike. I've seen the idea to pick three times before. Recently on RA, I forget who, described them as Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This is what I started out doing, but then realized, I really don't know what's going to happen in the last 8 miles, so I added a bunch more possibilities.