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| LifeSport Age Grouper Nell Stephenson 2nd Overall at Seattle Marathon |
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| Dec 09, 2008 |
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Here is Nell's report on her breakthrough 3:03 marathon: I was so ready to run after a week of restraining myself from my favorite activity! I went straight to the front of the line and took off slightly faster than my coach had advised, but fell into the proper pace by mile 2 or 3. I led for the first few miles and then ran with a couple of other women for about 6 or 7 miles before two of them passed me. I kept telling myself not to chase as it was too early on. I stayed on top of my fuel, fluid & electrolyte and felt great until about halfway, when the pounding on the asphalt started to get to me (and my knees!). Mile 13 or 14 was probably the only time I felt a low during the race, I started getting slightly caught up in the discomfort of going hard for a prolonged time. I was able to get out of that space within a few minutes after putting myself in check; I said to myself, "You wanted to run a hard, fast marathon. It's probably going to hurt. Move on." Then I was over it!
I desperately looked forward to mile 20 or so when the flatter portion of the course would end so I'd be able to switch into climbing mode, which I love! People cheered along the way that I was either in 4th or 5th position. (I didn't know it at the time, but one woman who passed me at halfway would end up beating me by about 90 seconds for first place.) Once I began to climb, I was happy and somewhat surprised to see and then pass, two women who were off the front. One spectator yelled that I was in 2nd position by mile 23 and I was ecstatic! My HR was lower than it could've been, but my legs felt really pounded so I just kept digging as deep as I could in an attempt to break 3 hours and possibly catch that first woman! I gave it everything and ended up coming in as the 2nd woman overall, with my PR of 3:03:27, which I am thrilled about! Next time I will go sub-three and win!!
Lance and LifeSport has been my coach since March of this year, and I couldn't be happier with my progress. He pushes me harder than I've ever gone before and gives me workouts that keep me up the night before because I know they're going to hurt! : ) However, after they're done, it's the most satisfying feeling! All of my training is planned out a month in advance so I know what I'm doing when and can cater the rest of my schedule accordingly. Furthermore, every workout has a specific purpose and so much detail that a 4:30 Computrainer session flies right by as there are so many things to focus on! At the same time, if things come up (such as life!) he'll make modifications as needed in order to keep the athlete happy without losing focus. LifeSport is, by far, the best coaching one could have! Thanks coach!!
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