Boston Qualifier

[JeffPT]

A call out to anyone with words of wisdom.....

Ran 3:27:48 in New Mexico Labor Day.... Have to run 3:20 to qualify for Boston. Running Memphis Dec 5th. Need any information or suggestions on how to get me over the top for this next marathon. I am worried that if I don;t make it this timne I may quit trying......Can you help me????????? Ended up runnign with a great guy in NM who really helped me with strategy... Will gladly accept that information as well... Hell.... anyone want to coach me for next 2.5 months....?????

-Jeff

[Leonard Vergunst]

Sure. Come run with us on Sunday mornings in Ocean Springs. We start our long run (every Sunday) at 6:15 am from the corner of Clark Ave. and Government St.(parking lot). That would be a great time to talk about a training plan. Many of us are training for fall marathons as well. Or just come every so often because we all like to talk about running while running. A slighty faster long run pace may also help you.

[JeffPT]

thanks leonard... i just my have to do that.... think i intend to pick up long run pace by about 15-30 seconds this time....but may pick your brain this weekend.. have 12 miler planned sunday... is there water stops along route?

-jeff

[Don Alexander]

There are a few spots for water and some leave bottles at a midway point.

[JeffPT]

what is the Ocean Springs route? I actually should be doing about 16 miles Sunday. Intend to keep 8-8:30 pace....hope someone can run slow with me....mapquesting location of start.

-jeff

[Don Alexander]

I'll be starting about 4:45 for 20. Probably will be more towards 9:00 per if the humidity is up. There's a big loop down Govt through the national seashore to East beach then around to Front beach through outer harbor via Calhoun and back up Porter--8.5...make it 10 back along Gen Pershing and up Pine. There's also a 6.2 loop down Holcomb-skip harbor and go Front beach back up Porter, or through national seashore and East Beach on up for about the same. Water in seashore park, inner harbor just past shearwater pottery and inner harbor bridge, and on Porter at Methodist church if needed. Most just get water at inner harbor area--4.5 from Clark and carry or leave drink at inner harbor.

[JeffPT]

how long is everyone else running sunday at 6:15?
Sorry Don but have no idea where the routes go since i am from over in gulfport. hopefully someone can guide me at 6:15 because i sure don;t want to run 20 yet.....have to run 16....per training program..
-jeff

[Don Alexander]

There will be plenty there at the 6:15 start. See you there.

[JeffPT]

got back from pace run this morning.... was supposed to do 8.... made 5 before i was just sooo tired. did not eat dinner last night and don't think i am recovered yet.....may not be the brightest to try and do 16 tomorrow....will be 2 weeks ago tomorrow that i ran marathon.... god i feel aweful to be doing so poorly after a great race like i had....

-jeff

[JeffPT]

Just wanted to say thanks to the Ocean Springs group for taking me in on their sunday run. I appreciate their friendliness and encouragement. I was impress on the size of the group over there..... must have been 15-20 people.... wow... eventhough I got sidetracked by talking with Doug Roll on the way in.....I was equally impressed by the reported muffins and coffee offered after the run. Hey Bob.... you got to think about offering something tasty after our normal group runs in Orange Grove.....may need to renegotiate my contract.....Ha..Ha... was a nice change in scenery.... but the drive is a little far to do consistently.... seems silly to drive 30 miles to run 10.... we shall see where my training takes me....hopefully to Boston....

-Jeff

[Don Alexander]

Here's a toast to Boston Jeff! Enjoyed you company and understand the distance. Amazed at your tenacity just 2 weeks after last marathon--us old guys (sans leonard) give it a month.

[JeffPT]

Plan on doing this Sunday's running here in Gulfport. Hard to turn down muffins but length of drive is more than what i want to bit off this weekend...Supposed to do 17 but may just stretch it to 20...what's 3 more miles....Shooting for just under 9min pace. may head east again next sunday..
-Jeff

[tribob]

Jeff you are courting danger trying to increase your speed. I've only done 33 marathons plus two ultras. My best was a 3: 21 in Jackson Ms. a couple of months latter I headed to Montreal C. with plans to go under 3:15. It didn't happen. the weather was unseasonably warm and I crashed and burned. limped in just under 3:30. I was in a lot of pain. Just like Dons rain dance the weather has a lot to do with the outcome of a marathon. I also know from experience it is better to go into the race a little under trained than over trained.
As for Goodies after the Sunday a.m. run that's what the Super C is for.
Tomorrow I will be working a freaking golf tournament. so I wont be there to run. Good luck! BC