The motivation behind SCM 2009

Hi Folks,

The seasonal runner is back and this time round, he has started his structured training on a good note (Fingers crossed)

Let's reflect on previous years errors/should haves

1. Started late and only did up to 1hr runs and took a 6 weeks break in AUGUST!!! after receivering from flu
2. Ignored that fact that i havent been running for some time and tried to increase mileage at a pace that was too aggressive
3. Training at a pace that was too slow with the focus purely to be able to complete the race

So what is different this year from previous?
1. Nope, I am no longer running for charity this year, I think the economy is not that good frankly and there could be some donor fatigue (I would most prob target the same people :-)
2. Motivation this year is the fact that DAD has finally signed up for the full marathon. He is going to run it with me and I am hoping to finish it hand in hand with him. That will give him the most pleasure to be able to complete his first marathon and do it with his son

So what have we done?

This year is really a family affair. Cohen and Colson have both been registered for the kid's dash, mum and wifey are going to accompany them. The aim is to finish the marathon and come back before the kids dash begin!Everyone gotten their new shoes. As a result of this mega purchase form BIRD, they offered to swap my water soaked Nike+ sportsband from last year that died on me at no charge even though I have lost the warranty.. that's customer service and winning over a loyal customer. But it also meant bye bye to my $650 dream gadget, the garmin gps watch.
But frankly come to think about it, i dun really need it as I am rather aware about the locations that I am running and the distance of each route... so the Free Sportband (rrp $99) came in very handy and saved me some money

So how has the training been so far?
Dad havent stopped running since last year. I did.....
Well, frankly, I have not put in any run since SCM 2008 till about July this year. Almost got tempted to take part in the sundown but that was in Feb and too little time to prepare for May.
Somebody out there, please remind me not to do this again next year. It is not joke starting from scratch and trying to build the running habit again.

I have surprised myself so far. Controlling the monster in me to run longer in the early stages.
Have staggerred the mileage to start from 10k last coupe of weeks, hitting 20km this week.
This is supposed to build up all the way to end Oct where I will hit a staggering 70km before tapering down (that itself will be an acheivement)
A pity again that my ICT falls right smack in between the training peak. I am going to have problems tapering without undertraining in early Nov....
Have uncovered the 5.5m route, 7.8km route, 10km route and multiples of that around my area.
Good that it is slightly hilly and will give me the much needed hill runs though SCM route is generally flat. It will help me fight the "behind Golden Mile 300m uphill run"

Well, what is the aim this year then?

Last year was a disappointment though I had no intentions to aim for a specific time and was just concerned to finish the race. Did it in 6:04.
The target this year is to maintain a sub7min/km pace throughout and complete within 5hrs.
That works out to 70mins/10km and 280mins for 40km ( 4h40m) 20mins for the final dash.
I would likely have to do a 6:50 to meet the target.

p/s: my boss is running the half this year. ;-)