Finished ALIVE Last!

I completed the Whole Foods Running School Half Marathon this weekend.  It is my 16th half marathon since October 2009 and I logged my fifth fastest time.   The best part was that I managed a first in all my running athletic history.  I finished in DEAD last!  Though since I'm still breathing, I prefer the term alive last if there is such a thing.  It's hard to believe that my fifth fastest time, or top third, would mean that I was the 143rd finisher out of 143 finishers.    The funny thing is that it was probably one of my best races in recent memory.   The course was beautiful and you couldn't ask for better weather in January.  The aid stations were well-stocked and most of them still had people at them when I brought up the rear.  Speaking of "bringing up the rear"  I didn't expect all the elevation on the course.  Lots of rolling hills that didn't feel that bad until it seemed that mile 6 and 7 were entirely uphill.  A slow, gradual climb that really took it's toll after a while.  The course had several out and back jaunts along different parts of the trail.  It was great especially for me being so far behind to see folks several times along the trail.  I have to say it say that it made for an encouraging race.  Participants cheering me on as the straggler.  I felt good and didn't think I looked too bad but I sure got a lot of encouragement!  The race was almost entirely run on trails so that meant I missed out on the experience of a police escort that usually accompanies the lonely runner at the end.  I did 2:1 intervals throughout and my running times remained pretty stable throughout which I found most surprising.  My last few halves I wanted to end at mile 10, but this one I was strong through the end.  Yeah!  Progress!   I think all my high intensity cross training and the incorporation of weights has helped tremendously.  It makes me look forward to my remaining running events in 2011.

My First 5K (of the Year) Race Report

I finished  My First 5K (of the Year) downtown at the Capitol.  It was a nicely organized race.  The kids race started before the adults and it was great to watch the little ones running alongside giant fruit.  The race is organized by the Wellness Task Force so the focus is on fitness.  It highly encourages first-timers and rewards them with a medal.  So it was great to see so many newcomers to the distance out on this dreary, rainy Sunday morning.  I managed to keep up my 3:1 run/walk ratio for most of the race and switched to 2:1 for the last mile as I felt myself slowing down.  My final time was 40:41 which is less than 10 seconds off my best 5K time in recent memory.   And, it was 9 minutes faster than my painful turkey trot experience just six weeks ago.  Yeah!!!  I was pushing myself but felt strong throughout.  I think a sub-40 5K will be in my future very soon if I keep up this pace.  It started raining hard right after I finished so I didn't stick around for the Resolution toast, but I did fill out a card at the resolution table.  The Wellness Task Force will mail it back to folks mid-year for extra encouragement.  I can't wait!  It will provide an opportunity for reflection, readjustment, and celebration of health and fitness goals mid-year.  Overall, a great race and one I would definitely recommend in future years.  

Enjoying Running Again

I have been fortunate enough to have the last two weeks off for vacation.  I've had plenty of projects to do to keep me out of trouble.   I am most grateful to have had the time to spend working out, going to the gym, and running along the trail the few times the sun was out.  The first couple days were pretty dreadful and it was difficult to get out of bed the next day because my body was screaming at me.  But now, even though it remains a challenge to actually start exercising, once I get moving I feel so much stronger.  


Today on the treadmill, I realized that I haven't really enjoyed working out since June last year.  I still managed to keep up my long runs and complete a number of races in the fall but the whole endeavor had lost its sparkle and enjoyment.  I had completely stopped working out mid-week with any kind of consistency.  My overall fitness suffered tremendously.  Now, after two weeks of consistent daily workouts focused on building up my fitness level, I feel pure joy when I am working out.  The body is amazing thing.  Its ability to recover and gain strength is remarkable.  I was on the treadmill for over an hour today.  The Rose Bowl was on and I was waiting for half time to hop off and do weights.  I had been doing an easy interval workout with lots of walking to recover from long run yesterday and prepare for race tomorrow.   But I threw in a number of intervals in to mix things up a bit.  With two minutes left on the timer, I ran at 6.0 for 1 minute.  I did this maybe 10 days ago and completed it but barely.  And I didn't do it at the END of my workout.   I set the treadmill at 6.0 and did 1 minute without a problem.  Probably could have completed an additional minute (but not much more).   If I was able to bare run a 10 min/mile pace for 1 minute less than two weeks ago and now can maintain that pace without a  problem,  I wonder what pace I will be able to maintain two weeks from now?!?  The possibilities are endless and I can think of no better way to start the new year.