Ran a 10k in June (7 Viewers)

[gruecd]

gruecd - you play basketball quite a bit. Do you find that to be specifically helpful as cross-training ...kind of a plyometrics workout with all the jumping and push-offs that occur in the game?

Hard to say, but it must be doing something. I can honestly go for a 2- or 3-hour run, and I'm not as sore as I am after one game of basketball. Running-wise, still just kinda doing through the motions until I start Boston training sometime in January. 10 miles on Saturday, 4 on Sunday, 9 yesterday, and 5 today.

PDG - Congrats on finishing the 5K.

 

[SteelCurtain]

Looking forward to a few days off from work. Gotta get some nice easy miles over the next few days. 20 days until marathon.

EDIT: edited to clarify the days off were from work and NOT running.

 

[pmbrown_22]

8 miles last night out of me. I am not getting the rest I should, but I still tried to put in a better effort for 4 of those miles. I am getting there. The snow slowed me down quite a bit, but I am slowly figuring out what I need to do to get around that part. 10 more on tap for tonight and then recovery tomorrow.

I may or may not be around here tomorrow.

Have a great holiday season all.

 

[tri-man 47]

I may or may not be around here tomorrow.Have a great holiday season all.

Remember to post your 'year in review' reflections!

 

[SteelCurtain]

Just finished 5 miles at 7:42/mile pace. I was at 7:25 at the 3 mile mark and then quickly died and had to slow dramatically.

It felt good to push the speed a little bit. Knee is still a bit sore but I think its getting better.

Have to bang out 8 tomorrow.

 

[Ned]

Did an easy 3 on Monday, took yesterday off due to this stupid sore throat, and got 5mi with 5x hill repeats today. I don't know what it is, but I'm just pluggin' along and feel sort of blah. Maybe it's just some winter blues. I have 25 days to my 10miler and I have no idea where I'll be at when 1/16 rolls around.

 

[Sand]

100 miles for December. . Ran 7 very hard, windy miles today. Thus concludes my 5 days of Christmas running. 5 days, 35.5 miles. Tomorrow a light 2k swim and probably a light ride. Then back to it. I'm hoping to hold 30-35 until end ofJanuary. Then dial it in for the half.

 

[pmbrown_22]

I may or may not be around here tomorrow.

Have a great holiday season all.

Remember to post your 'year in review' reflections!

Yes sir. Here you go:- our favorite race (overall): Indianapolis. Best race for me ever, but the setting of the race and running through the state park in the fall really set the scene for a great day for me.

- our favorite moment within a race: My wife seeing me in Indy at Mile 25 and cheering me on. She was so proud that day and even ran with me for a couple of steps. Just seeing her when I needed the extra push at the end made things extra special.

- our most disappointing race (incl. failure to start or finish): Had to be the Pig this year as I was all set to take a huge chunk off of my PR, but then it downpoured all day and it was just a miserable race. Still took 10 minutes off, but nothing what I feel I could have done had there been better weather.

- best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): not really sure on this one. I ran in a lot of different places this year because we traveled a lot. I loved my training run in St. Louis where I did not know the neighborhoods around the hotel, but explored many new areas for an 18 miler.

- oddest workout moment: For me this was stepping on a melted chocolate bar at night and having it shoot onto my leg. Did not know what it was until I finished up about 2 miles later and realized it was chocolate instead of dog poo.

- funniest experience in training or a race: Had to be dropping a duece behind a big pine tree on a morning run and realizing that I was 25 feet from the front porch of the house. Luckily no one saw me and I finished up a quick 2 miles to end the run.

- best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: many: The BNB Special during his bike race; Wraith breaking through the wall and running a great race; The_Man's first marathon; All the Tri-events you guys did this year; bostonfred's race reports (mostly running the wrong way during a race); i am forgetting so many and I am sorry, but I just don't want to write a book

- proudest achievement of the year: Probably 2200 miles for the year. This was a big step for me and it paid off in the Indy race. 3:17 was not so bad either, but the miles is what got me there. The races were just gravy.

- specific goal for the year ahead: 2500 miles would be nice. Strong finish in the Bourbon Chase. A BQ would be the topper to a great year though.

 

[tri-man 47]

Thanks, pmb! Good memories, some of which I had forgotten about.

Happy Holidays to you if we don't connect again for a few days.

 

[SteelCurtain]

Did 8 miles in a windy cold day (with some snowflakes.) Did a 8:07/mile pace and splits were pretty even.

Knee hurts like heck though.

Happy Holidays. Probably gonna run 12 on X-mas day weather permitting.

 

[tri-man 47]

After 6 miles yesterday, did a great, but tough, 10 mile trail run today. It was a wide trail, but with a couple inches of lightly packed, rutted snow, so the striding had me twisting and turning on most every step. Add in the rolling terrain, and my legs were toast. Hardly anybody else out, which I love - just doing my miles without anything/anyone to bother me.

 

[BassNBrew]

Good news, bad news day for me.

Last bike ride of the year for me (likely). 45 minutes at 304 watts (on my road bike so this is elevated). This was a jawdropper for me. My goal was 270 watts for the ride, however I wanted to get a 20 minute power number. Started off around 295 watts for the first 10 minutes and gradually got to 302 watts at 20 minutes. My heart rate was in zone 3 so I decide to push on figuring that 290 was obtainable if I held 280 the rest of the way with a little burst at the end. I continued to grind away at 70 rpm and pretty much dialed in at 300 watts the rest of the way. At the 40 minute mark I was still holding a 301 average but was now in low heart rate zone 4. A 500-600 watt finishing kick in the last minute got me up to 304 watts. This is basically peak form from last year on just 1-2 hours of biking over the last 2.5 months. The 100 runs in 100 days running is translating into big gains on the bike. I start my tempo to lacate 10 week class at the first of the year which I'll do in TT position to prep for the racing season.

The bad news is that the finishing kick put me well into zone four and I did a 2.25 mile run at 8'45" pace, 145 hr immediately afterwards. The gut pain and cramping came back with a vengence.

 

[Sand]

Favorite race: Pensacola 5k swim. Seems an odd choice amongst the running guys here, but the effort I managed to accomplish here puts it well above the rest of the items I did. What a great day - aiming for 1:30 as a dream finish and seeing 1:28x on the clock as I hobbled out of the water was easily the best moment of the year.

Favorite moment within a race: The finish line at the Olympic that I did. Put in my worst 10k run ever (1:03x) due to the conditions - 96 heat index at 6am and it just got worse from there (so probably 120+ at the time of the run). I really wanted to pull off and quit at mile 2 of the run. Just finishing was pretty special. The last picture here says it all.

Most disappointing race: The 5k a couple months ago I pulled up lame. Had 10:00 on the nose at the halfway point, too.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): Running around Cleveland Indians stadium a few times. That was cool.

Oddest workout moment: Somehow during a MTB ride I managed (at like 5mph) to kick up like a 1-2lb. boulder into my shin. From my front wheel. No idea how. Made a huge egg on my shin.

Funniest experience in training or a race: Funniest? Dunno. Coolest? I was on my MTB clearing the way for a running race and had to stop to let literally 3 dozen deer come across the road. That was awesome.

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: Gotta be BostonFred going backwards.

Proudest achievement of the year: Has to be the swim. Only race I've even been close to nervous prior to and it was a great, great day.

Specific goal for the year ahead: 1:36x Half marathon. Sub 1 hour 40k time trial. Sub 1:25 Pensacola swim.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Favorite race: Twin Cities. It was the only race I took seriously this year, so it would win by default anyway, but it was genuinely great. Awesome, varied course, lots of crowd support, perfect weather. What's not to like?

Favorite moment within a race: Getting to the 24 mile mark or so and knowing that I was going to finish and come in under my 4:00 goal. The last couple of miles were awesome.

Most disappointing race: My local half-marathon back in May. For the past few years, I've been injured or semi-injured every time this event rolls around, and this year was no exception with me running it on an iffy hamstring.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): The Red Wing, MN half that I did as a tune-up for Twin Cities. 80 degrees and 95% humidity at the start, with the sun coming out 20 minutes or so into the race. Being one of only two people left in our pace group and finishing strong despite being completely drenched head to toe was a big confidence boost.

Oddest workout moment: Encountering a skunk during a track workout.

Funniest experience in training or a race: The first time the guy leading the 4:00 group at TCM stopped for a pee break. It quit being funny after the third time.

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: Have to go with BF here.

Proudest achievement of the year: The marathon. I finished, made my time goal, and had a great time doing it.

Specific goal for the year ahead: Stay healthy. Complete another marathon. I'd like to get down to 3:50 in Fargo, but we'll see.

 

[Ned]

Favorite race: Philly Half Marathon, easily. It was my first big race (23,000 runners). The atmosphere was incredible.

Favorite moment within a race: Running past the Philadelphia Art Museum steps (the Rocky steps) at the Philly Half. I got choked up after realizing what I had just done.

Most disappointing race: Local 5K where I went out like a maniac and about collapsed at the halfway point.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): Running on the private beach during our summer vacation in Bethany Beach, DE. It was only 2 miles, but the feeling of running barefoot in the sand when the sun was just rising was incredible.

Oddest workout moment: On a long run on some single track trail and run into a guy wearing sweatpants and a polo shirt with the collar popped. It was the most awkward 'hey' I can remember while running.

Funniest experience in training or a race: It wasn't even during a run, but working out with my brother on his first day of P90x. He got thru the Chest/Back routine like a trooper, but quickly cried uncle after the 2nd exercise in Ab Ripper. All I remember is seeing him roll over in pain and shreek like a 12yr old girl "OMG IT HURTS SOOOO BAD!!!!".

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: Reading The_Man's RR gave me serious chills and seems to really stick with me.

Proudest achievement of the year: Transforming myself from a fat lazy couch potato into running a 1:51 HM in 9 months.

Specific goal for the year ahead: Finish the Delaware Marathon in May - time TBD; 1,000 miles.

 

[Darrinll40]

Merry Christmas

4 miles this morning, and I froze. But it was a near perfect run for me. I started slow and took it easy.

1- 11:15

2- 10:21

3- 10:15

4- 10:12

I know that compared to up north 38 degrees may only be chilly, but in Central Florida it is damn cold.

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and are able to spend it with your families.

 

[prosopis]

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!!!!!

All my exercise and eating plans have gone to hell this week. I am going to enjoy Christmas and not worry about it until next week.

I will predict I gain 5-7 lbs this week.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!!!!!All my exercise and eating plans have gone to hell this week. I am going to enjoy Christmas and not worry about it until next week.I will predict I gain 5-7 lbs this week.

I'm with you on the eating but I have stuck to my running plan. I'm looking forward to seeing the holidays pass by.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Had to find a way away from food, so I got out and ran a Garmin-Free - iPod Free 4.5 miler in flurries :bliss: Took what are now my favorite running socks for the run. My wife put a pair of Wigwam Ironman sock in my stocking These are awesome.

No back to getting fatter than I've been in a few years. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

[SteelCurtain]

Just finished a 12 mile jaunt in the 24 degree dark. I'm finding the dark runs so peaceful as I run by farmland and old farmhouses.

I was shooting for an 8:30 per mile pace. As usual, my first mile was slow (9:11), but without a real warmup, this is to be expected. By mile two, I had gotten my average pace down to 8:40 and by mile 3 I was at 8:30. Cruised to mile 8 with the same pace. Knee acted up a bit on miles 5-7.....decided I wanted to finish strong so I got my average pace down to 8:19/mile by stringing a few nearly 8 minute miles for the last 4 miles.

12 miles -- 8:19 per mile.

For the first time, I can really find that my training is paying off. Just 45 days ago, doing 12 miles would knock me out for the entire day. Now, I've got some odd jobs around the house (including taking down the X-mas tree) tonight while watching the NFL game and doing it will not be a big deal. Yeah!

Marathon is just 15 days away!

Merry Christmas to all the running FBG's.

 

[Sand]

6 miles in 34 degree snow/slush this afternoon to celebrate Christmas. Fighting a chest cold, so my tempo pace ended up being pretty slow - 7:54/mile with 300ft. of climbing. Decent rolling course. Hope to get in 9 or 10 tomorrow.

Merry Christmas all!

 

[gruecd]

Hey, guys. Ran a solid 11-miler this morning (right around 8-minute pace), and then proceeded to stuff my face all day long. I'll get out for a few miles tomorrow morning, and then I'm heading the Packers game with my sister, where I'll proceed to stuff my face again. Sounds like a broken record, I know.

Hope you're all having a great Christmas!!

 

[bentley]

Merry Christmas guys. Post holiday weigh-in is 6 lbs. over my ideal weight, but 12 lbs. under what it was at the end of Christmas last year, so I'll take that as a good sign.

Out for six tomorrow. Feb. 19 half marathon is looming pretty big now.

 

[prosopis]

I am getting fatter.

 

[FUBAR]

Just trying to maintain or not lose too much stamina over Christmas break, trying to balance family needs with fitness, too cold to put the young ones in the jogging stroller. So I've just done a couple 5-6 milers this week, pushups and abs on other days. January will be kicking it back into gear when the big boys are back in school. 50K in March is looming big.

- favorite race (overall): Kansas HIM, partially just because it was like going back home (KU Law School, '06), plus meeting Chrissie Wellington was cool.

- favorite moment within a race: Aside from finishing? Seeing my in-laws doing the Country Music Half, I was past the first turn when they were coming up to it.

- our most disappointing race (incl. failure to start or finish): Country Music Half. I had registered to do the full but also training for the Kansas HIM a month later, I had been dealing with some knee issues so I cut down to the half. We drank fairly heavy the night before (it was just a half, right?) so I was pretty dehydrated for the race. Plus, we showed up after the start, we were the last 3 to cross the starting line.

- best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): Two answers - running on the beach at Hilton Head Island, 10 1/2 mile repeats with abs at the end of each. or Trail run around Charlottesville, just for location and friends.

- oddest workout moment: I don't recall from this year, but I'll always remember the first brick workout, coming off my bike, trying to run and feeling totally sluggish. Looked down at my garmin after 1/2 mile and saw that I had ran it under 3. Just weird how the mind works like that. couldn't maintain it and had to learn how to transition.

- funniest experience in training or a race: Group trail run, following a friend on what I thought was a trail I didn't recognize, turns out he was just looking for a place to drop a deuce.

- best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: watching my training buddy finish his HIM.

- proudest achievement of the year: Birth of my 4th son.

- specific goal for the year ahead: Complete a full Ironman (although this might wait until 2012 depending on my new job), manage to do some sort of work-out every day (even if it's just pushups or abs the day after a long run or race)

 

[tri-man 47]

Great 10 mile run today in a few inches of new snow ...in my new Yak Trax! The YT felt very comfortable. I also got to try out my new Garmin 305! Fun, fun. 30 miles for the week, and a recovery one at that.

---

Favorite race: Grand Haven Olympic Tri. First-ever tri medal, and my pacing was solid throughout (and only 6 minutes off my PR from 1988). The race occurred days after my FIL's death, so I had him in my thoughts, making for emotional moments after the race.

Favorite moment within a race: In a late season 5K, another age grouper came alongside me with a 1/2-mile to go. With a 1/4-mile left we made our last turn ...it was a true racing moment where every step was important, and that’s why I still enjoy 5Ks (even though he had the inside corner on me, and outgunned me to the finish).

Most disappointing race: The 1/2-Ironman attempt on Father's Day. Horribly hot, humid conditions, and I overheated early in the bike leg - a total bonk, so I didn't even try the run.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): A week after the Grand Haven tri, with feet all scraped up from sand/sweat/friction from my race shoes, I did a barefoot workout on the local artificial turf football field. It felt fantastic and so natural. Of course, it also damaged my calves for the next several weeks!

Oddest workout moment: The biggest oddity of the year was the quicksand segment at the Dances with Dirt trail relay. Nothing prepares you for that first time when you sink up to your hip, or when you end up chest deep in the muck- twice.

Funniest experience in training or a race: After Wraith’s triathlon, I happened to meet up with his wife and young boys and then help them locate Wraith. As we all start walking back to our cars, one of his little boys - in a burst of youthful innocence and excitement (and not realizing we’d spent the last few hours sharing the race experience) - starts pointing at me and exclaims “dad, look, it’s tri-man!”

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: Being present for Wraith’s first triathlon. He developed so much over this past year, and it was great to see that race. (Runner up: Prosopis’ first race events, which gave him some office bragging rights.)

Proudest achievement of the year: Informal coach and very active cheerleader for my BIL’s first-ever, and sub-4:00, marathon. My unexpected joy was encountering a lot of the same runners who were in the same time frame as he was, which allowed me to encourage them, too.

Specific goal for the year ahead: Successful completion of the Boston to Big Sur marathon challenge over a thirteen day span this coming spring.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

I have eaten entirely too much.

 

[bentley]

Survived a 6.5 mile run today in just over 57 minutes. Things went well.

I didn't run much this year but the most memorable race and happening was definitely the spring 5K at a local Germanfest. I finished right in front of this hot girl dressed in a dirndl like this complete with thigh highs. She had the attention of the whole crowd on her the whole race and just as she crossed the finish line, she threw up all over the place. Ruined the image just a bit.

 

[Ned]

Finally got a good long run in yesterday (9 miles) before the Noreaster hit. This was the first >6mi run in a month and I felt pretty good. Nice confidence booster since I was getting down on myself for not getting any long runs in for various reasons. Previously anything >8 would kill my legs for the better part of the day, but yesterday my legs felt as if I had ran a normal 3-5mi run. I still think this is all a dream at times...

 

[gruecd]

I have eaten (and drank) entirely too much.

, and fixed.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Favorite race: Dances With Dirt 100K Team Relay. It was like a 7 hour Fraternity Party that just so happen to involve running (and costumes, and women in fishnets, etc). Just a great day, with great friends and more laughs than I could count.

Favorite moment within a race: On the bike leg of my HIM, I came over a hill and could see for miles in front of me. There was a bridge, a river, a farm and 100s of riders in front of me. I actually said out loud “this is so ####### cool”. Guy on the bike next to me thought I was talking to him. I just couldn’t believe it was me doing what I was doing.

Most disappointing race: I don’t really have one. I had a couple of AG 4th that irked me, but nothing that I’d call disappointing. Now, if it were disappointing workouts, getting taken out by a car while training on my bike would be on the top of the list.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): I did a 3+ mile snowshoe run roving about on a 700 acre private game club. It was by far the most peaceful workout I’ve ever had. I saw deer, crossed a small lake and cruised up and down huge hills.

Oddest workout moment: Only thing I could think of here was taking a sip off my aerodrink during a race when I hit a bump. Ended up shooting a gut-load of HEED through my nose.

Funniest experience in training or a race: Coming over the hill to finish the 100K relay and spotting my guys, some in trench coats, with Bloody Marys readied so we could finish as a team (one, toting our dancing Viagra pill sign).

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: As cool as Wraith’s assault on the last marathon was, him becoming a triathlete is far cooler. I remember floating the idea that he try one and got the “no, no way, wife won’t go for it” answer. Now, I’ll float that I am waiting to see when a HIM enters his race schedule!

Proudest achievement of the year: Winning my AG in a sprint tri just 7 days after my bike wreck. Made prouder by watching my daughter and her friend claim first in the relay (and met Dexter for the 1st time too).

Specific goal for the year ahead: Speed, speed and more speed. I want 2011 to be the year of the sprint tri. I’d like to put in about the same amount of training time as I did for this year’s HIM, but make the focus building speed. Faster everything, including transitions.

2010 was a great one (and I still have one race to go on New Year’s Eve). Thanks again to everyone here for helping me continue to achieve things I would have never dreamed possible.

 

[gruecd]

Hey, everybody. At work today, but not feeling very productive. Had a little bit too much fun at the Packers game yesterday, so I'm moving kinda slowly. Did manage to stop and pay the property taxes on the way into the office, which is always a good time.

Next Sunday's Packers/Bears game should be a good one. The Packers basically control their own playoff destiny, and the Bears will likely be playing for the #2 seed and a first-round bye. Can't wait!

Ran an easy 5 yesterday morning before heading to Lambeau, giving me 51 miles for the week. Not sure if I'll run tonight or if I'll hop on the bike trainer while watching MNF.

Hope you all have a great day!

 

[Sand]

Down for the count yesterday and today - strep. Miserable night.

More importantly - I am now ready for the Bourbon! My sweet wife got me a running light and a reflective vest for Christmas. I am now officially official. BTW, looks like we are missing information for Randy and Chad in the spreadsheet. We should update that at some point.

 

[gruecd]

Sheesh, apparently everybody's getting fat and lazy around here....

Had one of those runs last night where I really didn't feel like going, but once I got out there, my legs felt great. Wind chill was around zero, but I still managed a solid 6-miler with a couple faster miles at the end. I think the last one was 7:06 or something like that, which is hard to do when you're wearing 2-3 layers of clothing. I'm doing a 12-week program for Boston, so I'm basically just going by feel until training "officially" starts late next month.

I have a late afternoon meeting today, so I don't know if a run will happen or not. I suppose I could do it tonight, but I kinda wanna watch the Eagles/Vikings game. Decisions, decisions.

Sand - Hope you're feeling better!

pmb - Have you gotten the rest of everyone's money yet? If not, we really should set some kind of deadline so that you can pay the balance of the registration fee. No reason you should have that hanging over your head.

Hope you all have a great day!

 

[gruecd]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

 

[Third]

Favorite race (overall). Probably the Little Rock Half-Marathon simply because it was my first "big" race. I hit my time goal, had family and friends present, and all-in-all really enjoyed being a part of the event...plus got a really big medal.

Favorite moment within a race. Toad Suck 10K - Conway, Arkansas. At about 4.5 miles, a light rain started falling, and I was feeling pretty good. I had been running stride-for-stride for about 2 miles with a guy who had a local running club singlet on. I wasn't consciously trying to beat this guy, but I could feel him surge with me every time I picked up the pace a little. Finally, with about a mile to go, I opened it up and left him huffing.

Most disappointing race. Ironically, my most disappointing race was the only race in which I've won my age group. I had big plans for a small 5K in my wife's hometown...I wanted to run 21:00 and make a run at winning the overall. My training didn't go according to plan, and the race was run in a downpour. Time was meh.

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality). Had two great training runs in Washington D.C. in November. Running around the monuments, through Georgetown, etc., I forgot I was running at times. Just an inspiring setting.

Oddest workout moment. Hard category, but probably the workout where I realized stress could really have an impact on training. I had just returned from a pretrial conference out of town and was feeling the stress of having to get ready for an upcoming jury trial. Went out that night for 4-miles and literally had to walk at the halfway point because I couldn't catch my breath. My conditioning was fine...it was stress. A little scary. I had to walk 2 miles home. Next time out was completely back to normal.

Funniest experience in training or a race. Easily the Dam Night Run 5K...the race runs through wooded roadways around a lake. About a mile in, a deer darts out of the woods and across the road through a pack of runners. Deer hits a runner, deer goes down, runner goes down, both pop back up and keep running. All of this occurred about 10 feet in front of me. Surreal...and funny.

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year. The_Man's marathon race report was particularly awesome.

Proudest achievement of the year. This is my first full year of running, and I've been known to have a short attention span with my hobbies/interests. So I guess I'm most proud of the fact that on December 31, 2010, I will be even more addicted to running than I was on December 31, 2009. In other words, I'm a runner now and will continue to be.

Specific goal for the year ahead. Finish my first marathon (March 2011) in under 4:00; post-marathon, train hard to get my 5K time under 21:00; run a 5K with my daughter; keep improving and stay healthy.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

[Oddest workout moment. Hard category, but probably the workout where I realized stress could really have an impact on training. I had just returned from a pretrial conference out of town and was feeling the stress of having to get ready for an upcoming jury trial.

Did you get acquited?

 

[gruecd]

Favorite race (overall). Probably the Little Rock Half-Marathon simply because it was my first "big" race. I hit my time goal, had family and friends present, and all-in-all really enjoyed being a part of the event...plus got a really big medal.

No mention of the fact that you got to meet ME?! How rude....

In other words, I'm a runner now and will continue to be.

 

[Third]

[Oddest workout moment. Hard category, but probably the workout where I realized stress could really have an impact on training. I had just returned from a pretrial conference out of town and was feeling the stress of having to get ready for an upcoming jury trial.

Did you get acquited?

Let's just say my current workouts consist of many laps around a small square of grass...for exactly one hour, at the same time everyday.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

Did you do this just to #### me off? Life is so unfair. I did an Oly in June in 2:30 and it was only good enough for a top 10 in the mid life crisis division (40 to 44). I am sure I would have won the Mini Me Division if there was one.

 

[bostonfred]

What's the secret? Do you just push through and tell yourself how much fun it is or do you develop and actual enjoyment for running?

Even if you like running (which I do) there are still times when you need to push on through. Here's what I do:I get high before I go running. Then, when I'm running, I create setting specific scenarios in my mind that would make it incredibly selfish or stupid for me to stop or even slow down. Here are some examples:If I go running in the woods, I pretend I'm either an old school Native American or African tribesman who is running to warn my villiage of coming marauders. If I stop I won't get to the village in time to warn them and they'll all be slaughtered. How can you stop under those circumstances?If I go running in the Winter, I recall a special I once watched where a remote Alaskan village was being ravaged by a disease. The government set out to get them an antidote but it took several days and the only way to reach the village was by sled dog. I pretend I'm the dog and everytime I slow down a villager dies. If I stop the entire village perishes. How can I stop or slow down under those circumstances?If I'm in an urban setting, I pretend that I'm escaping East Germany and the Gestapo are after me. Even when I break through the urban setting I pretend I'm in West Germany, but I won't be truly safe until I reach France. My survival depends on me not stopping or even slowing down.Dead serious. The trick is to really believe it in your head.

 

[Sand]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

Did you do this just to #### me off? Life is so unfair. I did an Oly in June in 2:30 and it was only good enough for a top 10 in the mid life crisis division (40 to 44). I am sure I would have won the Mini Me Division if there was one.

2Y, Have a close look at the other times. The bike course is long (28 miles) and by the times (2:17 the best of all non-elite guys?) it was a tough course on top of that.

That swim time is pretty pitiful for the winner, though.

 

[gruecd]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

Did you do this just to #### me off? Life is so unfair. I did an Oly in June in 2:30 and it was only good enough for a top 10 in the mid life crisis division (40 to 44). I am sure I would have won the Mini Me Division if there was one.

Why not just gain a few pounds? Hell, just add a whole bunch of weight so you can qualify as "disabled" right away.

 

[BassNBrew]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

Did you do this just to #### me off? Life is so unfair. I did an Oly in June in 2:30 and it was only good enough for a top 10 in the mid life crisis division (40 to 44). I am sure I would have won the Mini Me Division if there was one.

Just fill a back pack full of rocks until you cross the 200 pound line and then see how your times look.My girlfriend seems to take pleasure in pointing out the times of a a local pro who always clips me at various events. That's when I remind her that the pro is more than welcome to step up to the big boy division and try to hang.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Oh, yeah. Looked at the Clydesdale results for last year's Elkhart Lake Triathlon (Olympic). Last year's winner did the 1.5K swim in 25:40 (T1 3:23), 45K bike in 1:14:56 (1:25), and 10K run in 52:58, for a total time of 2:38:21.

Did you do this just to #### me off? Life is so unfair. I did an Oly in June in 2:30 and it was only good enough for a top 10 in the mid life crisis division (40 to 44). I am sure I would have won the Mini Me Division if there was one.

2Y, Have a close look at the other times. The bike course is long (28 miles) and by the times (2:17 the best of all non-elite guys?) it was a tough course on top of that.

That swim time is pretty pitiful for the winner, though.

If you are trying to help, this isn't working. You too BNB. As always, I am for the most part kidding. I do find it strange that a crusher like Gru, who is going to run a sub 3 hour marathon some day soon, gets a class of his own because he can hang more weight on a larger frame. Guess I'll just keep trying to get faster without a class of my own (maybe some day I can win a masters award).

 

[SteelCurtain]

Did a leisurely 5 mile run yesterday after snow blowing the driveway (which took over an hour). It was great to run on snow covered roads. It was kinda fun to just see different houses, some who had cleared out the 2 feet of snow....others were in the middle of shoveling/snowblowing......meanwhile others hadn't even started.

5 miles at 8:50 per mile.

In reading some websites about tapering for marathons, its important to really ease on exertion (as the distances get shorter....don't increase speed).

It was a nice and easy run. Taking today off as I'm in Boston and there is snow everywhere and haven't figured out WHERE I would run. Gotta try to find a 4 mile spot sometime tomorrow.

 

[tri-man 47]

Guess I'll just keep trying to get faster without a class of my own (maybe some day I can win a masters award).

You are, my good-hearted friend, completely in a class of your own.And: by the time you reach the masters category, I'll have moved on to the super-masters category (or whatever polite thing they call the really old people [:finger: in advance, to those scheming a retort ...though "dead" would probably be fitting]. So knock yourself out!---6 miles in the morning dark and cold.Steel Curtain, you could go down to the Commons and do some high-stepping intervals through the snow.

 

[SteelCurtain]

Favorite race: Boston Half Marathon. It was a perfect day. The weather was gorgeous.....I felt good....I executed my race plan exactly.....my wife ran a great race also. Just all around a great experience.

Favorite moment within a race: At Boston HM at the 10 mile mark that I realized I was absolutely crush my goal time of 1:45. Up until that point, I knew I was ahead but doing the math, I figured an injury would be the only thing that prevented me from beating my goal. (I eventually finished at 1:39 and that was 10 minutes faster than only other HM 3 weeks prior.)

Most disappointing race: A local 8 mile race. I can't seem to every improve on the time. Its a hilly challenging course, but I can never get out of the 1:05 to 1:08 time frame. 2011 I will though!

Best workout (whether due to location or pure quality): Running on my training runs in the Hamptons out on a secluded penisula. Its 8 miles out and back and I just love it out there.

Oddest workout moment: Doing an evening run and it was dark. I had to use the "light" from my IPhone to figure out which direction the road went as it was pitch dark and I lost my way a little and there was NO residual light from the moon. (no houses nearby and lots of tall trees).

Funniest experience in training or a race: My wife and I had decided to do a Labor Day 5K (started at 9 a.m.) and roll into the 10K (which started at 9:30 a.m.) I told her that I wanted to run an 8 minute mile, so I was going to use her to pace myself in mile 1 to make sure I didn't go out too fast. We are in mile 1 of the first race and I'm struggling to keep up with her. I'm wondering what the heck is wrong with me....we get to mile one and they call out our time -- 7:20 for the first mile. I told her I thought she was pacing me....she said laughing "Sorry, I got competitive!" We both laughed and then went for it. She won her age category in the race and then went on to run the 10K....and I PRed for a 5K and ran a strong 10K as well.

Best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year: I'm new at this forum but reading about gruecd's training regiment give me motivation to keep improving.

Proudest achievement of the year: Running a successful Half Marathon and signing up for and training for my first marathon.

Specific goal for the year ahead: I'm doing my first marathon on Jan. 9 and would love to finish in 3:40 time range, but we'll see. I just hope to continue to be healthy -- be that running 5K's or marathons. I also plan on giving my body a good 6 weeks of a break after my marathon! (How is that for a goal! )

 

[SteelCurtain]

Guess I'll just keep trying to get faster without a class of my own (maybe some day I can win a masters award).

You are, my good-hearted friend, completely in a class of your own.And: by the time you reach the masters category, I'll have moved on to the super-masters category (or whatever polite thing they call the really old people [:finger: in advance, to those scheming a retort ...though "dead" would probably be fitting]. So knock yourself out!---6 miles in the morning dark and cold.Steel Curtain, you could go down to the Commons and do some high-stepping intervals through the snow.

Hmmmm.....as much as I'd like to try. I'm not about to do try something new 12 days before my first marathon! High stepping intervals in foot deep snow. Interesting.

 

[Ned]

Is it time for new shoes?

I started to get a cramp in my right arch today, which I've never felt before. It wasn't terribly painful, but enough to raise a red flag. We did get a fresh 6" of snow so I had some ice/snow to tiptoe thru, but it wasn't for very long. I've got ~425mi on these shoes, so I'm wondering if its time for new shoes...