Runner Without a Cause
When I started – ok, when I re-started – this blog, to talk about my running efforts, I was writing up every run, every new thing I learned or new piece of equipment. Now, as you can see, I just stop by every once in a while to give an update. It’s not that I’m not into running anymore; it’s that running has just become a normal part of my life, that writing that I went for a run today is kind of like saying I breathed today. But I still want to come by every once in a while to give a generalized update on what’s going on.
Last update was about Boston’s Run to Remember, my ugly attempt at a sub-two-hour marathon, beat by the heat. The week following that, I did a couple 3 milers to stretch the legs a bit and followed up with the Schofield 5K Road Race last Sunday. Here’s my Daily Mile report of that race:
That was perfect!
The sun came out just as the race was starting, heating up to mid-high 70s with close to 80% humidity, echoing last week’s deadly conditions. But I went out strong. There’s a longish, slow hill right after the start. I also had a massive adrenaline rush when we started. The hill + adrenaline made me a bit lightheaded for a bit. But got over that and finished the first mile in about 7:40, feeling really good.
Right at about 1.1 or 1.2 miles, there’s a short, but VERY steep hill. That was a killer, but the other side is a very long stretch down hill, followed by another short not-so-bad hill. By the end of mile 2, I was hurting, but encouraged by the fact that there was only one to go.
Mile 3 was a mental challenge, but picked up the pace a bit. It’s mostly flat, with a bit of downhill near the end. The mile 3 timer said 23:50 something. I knew I was in the running for sub-25 minutes so gave it a strong kick. The home stretch is all down hill. I saw the finish line timer at 24:40. Gave it everything I had and came in at 24:56.
New 5K PR, #64 overall and #18 in my age group. Pretty happy with myself today.
So, yeah, that was great. Also, on that day, my daughter, Kris, ran a kids’ 1K fun run. All finishers got a pretty awesome medal. She is so proud and has seriously caught the running bug.
For the year now, I stand at 494 miles. I plan to pop it over 500 this Saturday. That leaves me at half way to 1000 for the year, a good two weeks ahead of schedule.
Overall, I’m still seeing my progress improve. Late last year I was struggling to get below that 10 minute mile mark. Back then, I could do it, but only with much pain. Then it got so 10:00 was a comfortable pace. Then high 9′s. then mid 9′s. Now I’ll bring home a 5 or 6 mile run in the low 9′s. Today was 9:17, with nice negative splits leaving the last two miles at sub-9:00 and feeling pretty comfortable.
Also doing well on the weight front. After a steady progression downward all year, I hit a plateau for several weeks, bouncing around from 199 to 202. But for the last week straight I’ve been under 200, and feel like I’m back on the losing track.
As for the title, Runner Without a Cause, I’m only referring to the fact that I have no races scheduled, and no training plain that I’m working through. I’m planning when, where, how long, and how fast I run on an impromptu basis. It’s kind of fun that way, but a little strange after months of being on a strict schedule. I’m looking at doing the BAA Half Marathon in October, which means I’ll be back on a training plan in July. The next month entails quite a bit of travel anyway, 5 days in Minneapolis, and two weeks in Japan, so it’s probably best that I’m flexible now.
