New Partnership in Speed Training: Endurance Rehab

Who: Me! (duh)
What: Boston 2 Big Sur Marathon Challenge.
When: April 19-25, 2010
Where: Boston, MA on April 19. Monterey, CA on April 25.
Why: Because I can!

My goal for the Boston 2 Big Sur Marathon Challenge is to be in marathon shape by the beginning of April so I can have a good showing in Boston. I would like to run at least a 3:45... preferably 3:40 or under. I think 3:45 is a reasonable goal. 3:40 would be a perfect day. Why? you ask. Because I don't want to go to Boston and be a schlep. I freaking qualified to be there. I want to prove myself worthy.

For Big Sur, a mere 6 days later, I would like to run to enjoy the beauty of the course. I'm going to carry a camera and take my time. I have to make the 6 hour cut-off which shouldn't be an issue... but I could see myself running closer to 4:30 or so. Big Sur is a hilly, tough course. Add to that the fatigue I will undoubtedly feel after Boston and I will be happy with my time whatever it is.

As part of my preparation for Boston, I have partnered with Endurance Rehabilitation for my speed training. I am going to be using the G-Trainer once a week during my 12 week build in order to demonstrate one of the many uses of this advanced training and rehab tool. The G-Trainer is an anti-gravity treadmill... wearing a special pair of shorts, you zip up into the machine and (based on your chosen settings) the machine inflates with air which decreases your effective body weight. You can take off as much as 20% of your body weight, or none at all. This is great for rehab... takes the pressure off of injuries as you are trying to heal. You can gradually add back body weight as the healing progresses. The G-Trainer can also be useful for training because with less body weight, the runner will be able to maintain a faster pace, and subsequently a quicker turnover. By training your legs in the quicker turnover and getting the appropriate neurons firing at a faster pace you can translate this to speedier times on the road. I am so excited about this new partnership as I have been focusing on Ironman for the last year which is more about slow and steady. I need to get those fast twitch fibers back into action. I will keep you posted on how training is going and will have some pictures as I'm sure you're curious to see this amazing maching in action. (The G-Trainer I mean...)