There are so many different and intriguing things I wanted to write about and post here. It was all really intriguing and perplexing stuff, too, like the weather, wind, sun and those new-fangled fabrics that the athletic companies make to keep us warm, dry, cool and looking-sharp.
I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but Dri-Fit, or whatever it’s called, has come a long way in five short years. And I never thought I’d admit it, but those skin-tight compression shirts are definitely the way to go.
Anyway, it was kind of an odd weak in running for this smart-alecky and complain-y narrator. Firstly, I ran well and most of my workouts were solid and strong. I can’t complain about how I felt or the result of most of my workouts.
That’s not to say they all went well.
On Sunday (my birthday), I decided to run in a local 5k here in Lancaster. Based on how I had been running and my past two 5k runs, I figured it was reasonable to think that 15:56 to 16:00 was a time I could run with a little bit of effort. Afterall, the workouts were going well, the mileage was good, I had an ART treatment and I didn’t feel too tired. Sure, my hamstrings, hips and calves are chronically achy, but that’s what happens in running…
Right?
What’s more, the race was scheduled for 1 p.m., which means I could get plenty of sleep, prepare the way I needed to and then drive to the race and run my 5-minute miles.
Who would have guessed that I would have been lucky to break 18 minutes?
Let’s get this straight: last month I ran a 5k in 16:23 without changing pace, kicking or feeling any type of strain. Then I get lucky to run 17:42?
What gives?
I’ll tell you – I didn’t come prepared to race. Mentally, I was took the race for granted and I didn’t engage. That’s just a stupid thing to do, so from now on when I get in a race, I’m going to race. Forget this workout crap – that’s insulting to everyone.
In addition to not being ready to race, the mileage certainly slowed me down. As the logs indicate, I’m building back up for another marathon. At the same time, my diet sucks and I’m not in good shape.
In other words, it’s time to get down to business.
On another note, what’s with all sorts of people getting in the front row of races and then sprinting like idiots as soon as the gun sounds? Is it OK if I start knocking those people over?
Monday
20 miles in 2:13:38
It was cold and really windy, which made it difficult for me to get loose. I planned on stopping at 9 to 10 miles. Then 11 to 12 miles. Then 13. Then 15. All of a sudden I was running through the neighborhood on the way to 20. How I got that far I'll never know.
Tuesday
15.4 miles in 1:42:07
It's still cold and windy outside, but I did OK once I got back into the Brick Yards. Better yet, I felt pretty good running at the beginning and kept it together at the end even though I was a little tired. In fact, I ran the last five miles in 32:20 even though I had to run the last part at 6:10 pace.
Wednesday
15 miles in 1:40:41
Felt really tired before the run and took a while to get loose. It was better than Monday in that regard, but I could tell that I was a bit tired.
Thursday
15.1 miles in 1:43:11
Perhaps I should leave my watch at home when I do the hilly runs. That's because I felt strong and ran really well today and it doesn't show in the time... then again, big deal. The effort was there and I felt strong and solid.
Friday
10.4 miles in 1:10:11
I only had time for just 10 miles because of other stuff going on... of course, I could have gotten up earlier, but that's easier said tahn done. Nonetheless, the run felt good and I cruised through the first 7 miles very easily. My hamstrings felt tight and it was the coldest and windiest day of the year, but once I got moving I warmed up and sweated.
Today was the first day I did not wear shorts... that's how cold it was.
Saturday
14.1 miles in 1:31:51
Good run. I'm not sure if I wanted to go so far, especially since I want to race tomorrow, but I was out there and figured, "what the hell." The pace was a little high, but consistent and not difficult to maintain. It wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy either. Either way, it was fun.
Splits:
to field - 2:41
first 5 - 32:41
second 5 - 32:04
last 3.3 - 21:17
home - 3:05
Sunday
11 total miles – 8+ warmup and cool down and 5k in 17:42
Wanted to race a 5k and did miserably. Ran 17:42 and had nothing. Just an awful, awful race. Otherwise, the running stuff went well.
101 miles for the week. Who runs 101 miles and gains weight?