A slow start to this marathon training bloc...
The first two weeks towards the 2026 Santa Cruz Marathon
Author’s note: This actually started as a series on Substack, as I wanted to take up blogging again and was drawn to the easy monetization ability and built in audience/discovery. However, after it was pointed out to me that Substack both allows and profits off of alt-right/nazi/fascist content, I couldn’t justify continuing to post there, and have instead decided to resurrect this blog instead. I hope you enjoy reading about my running journey as I try to enjoy zone 2 training at a 15 min/mile pace.
Original post date: May 8
I have been looking forward to starting this series, but life has a funny way of interfering with your running schedule.
Between travel, events, and now an illness that is timed as poorly as I feel, I can’t really say I’m starting strong. For the past few weeks I have been averaging maybe half the volume I need to be hitting. But, we have the benefit of it still being early days, so I’m hoping after I recover from whatever cold is causing my sinus infection that I’ll be able to hit the pavement more productively.
Training Bloc Goals
Thus far I have two marathons under my belt: the LA Marathon from 2021 and 2026. My best time, from 2021, is around 6:31:47, or 14:57 pace (and technically if you remove the time I spent waiting for the bathroom, my 2026 time would have been close to that too, but alas). For the race I’m training for, the Santa Cruz Marathon, my main goal is to just break 6:30, or 14:52 pace. Even 6:30:59 I will be happy with; I just want to PR. I will also be running the SF “Bridge” Half Marathon, which is the first half of the full marathon route. I’ve run three half marathons so far, and while my best time was eons ago in 2019 at 2:27:59 (11:17 pace), my two most recent attempts sat squarely around the 2:36:46 mark (11:58 pace). Interestingly, the time did not change much between running the entire thing or walk/running, which I’m assuming is a good thing. Since the half marathon is not my main race and I don’t want to burn out and risk injury 2 months before the full, I won’t be going crazy, but I would still like to hit 2:30, or 11:27 pace.
Training wise, I will be following Hal Higdon’s Marathon 3 plan. I’m a fan of the Hal Higdon plans and used the level 1 plan for my marathons and half marathon. I’m looking forward to the Marathon 3 plan as it is built around a 3 day/week run schedule rather than 4, with more emphasis on cross-training. Prior I would just skip one of the days and choose the longest mileage, so I’m hoping this gets me closer to appropriate mileage and helps me be better about implementing strength training. So far I have been doing pilates to fill that gap, and I’ve enlisted my fiance to the cause to help me stay consistent (something something working out with a buddy is easier than working out alone.)
For shoes, I will be alternating between the Asics Superblast 2 and the Asics Cumulus 26. My last marathon I ran in the Asics Novablast 5, which are extremely comfortable but also gave me Plantar Fascitis. I will be receiving orthotics from my podiatrist to address this, so if that works out I may reintroduce them to the mix. So far the Superblasts are doing well and I’m liking them a lot, but the Cumulus 26 are still my number 1 and I have gone through hell and highwater to find myself a second replacement pair. Technology-wise they may not be the best shoe, but their arch support is just perfect for my foot and they’re consistent and dependable. Cue product photos of the Superblasts and Cumulus 26, respectively:
Running Highlights
Even though I have not run as much as I would like, I’ve still had a few memorable moments. Since I live near the beach I’ve seen a few dolphins and sea lions during my outings. Towards the end of one run I was keeping pace with a traveling sea lion (about a 12 minute mile) which reminded me of the time I kept pace several months ago with a pod of dolphins. One of the perks of being a slower runner: you don’t outpace the wildlife.
I have also been pleased to notice that the few runs I have been on have felt good. I felt strong, relatively fast, and capable of pushing myself more. It’s likely this is due to the lower overall mileage and wider gaps of time for recovery, but I’m still glad that it doesn’t feel like I am starting from 0 again after taking a month off. The Superblasts in particular seem to want to go fast. I’ve also been enjoying running with just my watch and headphones. The hydropack will join the scene very soon, but for now it has been nice to go lightweight.
My run this past Tuesday I did decide to incorporate one of the local Hills: a short but steep spiral of a road that leads up to the beach’s state-run parking lot. I’m hoping to regain my Local Legend status there again.
Running Stats
Week 1 Mileage: 7 miles
Monday, 4/27/26 - 4 miles, 45:40, 11:24/mi
Thursday, 4/30/26 - 3 miles, 38:18, 12:44/mi (I intentionally ran slower for this one as this was the marathon pace run)
Week 2 Mileage: 4 miles
Tuesday, 5/4/26 - 4 miles, 45:02, 11:12/mi
Total Training Bloc Mileage: 11 miles
Total 2026 Mileage: 232 miles
