In my email this morning I received message from Runablaze P.R. manager Cal Murdock with an update from each of the five Runablaze Iowa team members who will be running in the Olympic Trials marathon in Houston next weekend. Here’s what each had to say:
Jason Flogel
My training buildup has been anything but usual coming off injury. I’ve had to aggressively increase mileage just to get to a maximum of 75 miles per week on 5-6 runs. For comparison, in the spring, that was like a week off running. I’ve had to cross train up to 20 hours a week (on the side of my full time job) to maintain fitness running in the pool and working out at the YMCA. My taper begins this week by dropping all my pool runs and only going to the roads and gym. Today was the first day (Jan. 1) in a long time that neither of my shins bothered me. As far as race plans, I’m hoping to find a pack of guys running about 5:15s and just hang on the back for the first half. While I’d like to attempt running faster, I have no idea if I’m in 2:24 or 2:17 shape, so going out conservatively will be my best option.
Robyn Friedman
Training has definitely not been what I had expected leading into my 3rd Olympic Trials competition, due to having right knee surgery just 6 1/2 weeks ago (will be 8 weeks post surgery at OT). However, I have been cross training very hard, have put in gradual outdoor buildup miles and I have put in some solid workouts on the Alter G antigravity TM that lead me to hope I can put in a fair showing at the race on January 14th. I am counting on the added help of adrenaline and family and crowd support on race day, as well. My race plans will be a lot of “playing it by ear (or knee)” but right now I plan to race at a pace I am used to in prior marathons and hope to hang on as long as my knee will cooperate. I know this is not the ideal situation to be in prior to a major marathon, but I am looking forward to the event and all the festivities that go along with it. It should be a great weekend for distance running in the USA and for Runablaze Iowa!
Danna Kelly
I began my marathon training the day after the Park to Park Half Marathon (Cedar Falls, Sept. 10) and I have been able to follow my 18 week training plan very well. Preparing for my 3rd marathon in my running career, I have continued to train from the same training book that I used for my first 2, feeling is if it’s not broke, why try to fix it? This specific training plan gives weekly workouts but emphasizes the importance of living your life, outside of running, and giving yourself the laxity of switching workouts around within your week. My race plan is to enjoy this amazing experience, run sub 2:46:00 in order to return to the 2016 trials and race smart, be competitive, and ideally- run 2:42:00. I want to keep my streak of negative splitting the 26.2 miles, which will require me to stay conservative and relaxed (as possible) when that gun goes off. I would love to run with Ashley as long as possible. I will make the most of this amazing experience and will race as hard and as fast my legs and body will allow me on that day.
Erin Moeller
After committing to running the Columbus Marathon with my sister, Ellen Ries earlier in the fall, I had the extreme enjoyment of doing many of my long runs with her as she prepared for her first marathon. After assessing the various marathon plans that I followed for my previous several marathons, I decided to slightly alter my training in preparation to include some additional longer runs with a considerable number of miles at race pace in hopes that my body will be better prepared to maintain the pace over the final 10K. I intend to focus on running my race. I’m planning to start under control, hit my mile splits, and hope that my legs are still responding in the second half. I can’t help but recall the ’08 trials and how a number of the ladies who went out too aggressively faltered in the final miles. If would be great fun to have the opportunity to run some of these talented competitors down again throughout the streets of Houston!
Ashley Tollakson
My training buildup to the Trials has gone relatively well. My bosses were kind enough to allow me to spend three weeks in December down in Tucson for some of my higher mileage weeks. I have been struggling with some hamstring issues throughout training for this marathon, and it was great being able to really focus on training and pay attention to some of the details like stretching, strength training and massage that are often neglected in my busy schedule. I have definitely put in the hard work and am excited to see how it will pay off. My number one goal is to take it all in and really enjoy the experience. It is truly an honor to be toeing the start line with such talented women. I definitely want to run a PR and on a good day I’d ideally like to run close to 2:40. My race plan is to run conservatively for the first half and start getting into the groove the second half.
In addition, DM Register sportswriter Lance Bergeson continues a nice series of interviews with Iowans (or runners with strong Iowa connections) headed to Houston. Below are links.
Ashley Tollakson
Jason Flogel
Meghan Peyton
Danna Kelly
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