2010: 2 races, 2 PR's, Part I

I say part I because this post would be very long. I had a race and a continuing education course on running. I think this post will be about running and I will highlight some of the running info I learned in the next. My first marathon and my first 10 miler are easy PR's. Charlottesville 10-Miler here we go:

Seems like all race morning everything is hunky-dory. This one was no different. No clouds in the sky or wind to speak of. My best buddy Karl and I were excited. The race course was basically in and around the campus of University of Virginia and downtown. It was the 35th running I think. A storied town and a storied race. It was hilly too. It was supposed to be hot but wasnt. It was georgous. I wasnt sure how I was going to feel, marathon recovery and all. I felt good. I am recovered. The people of Charlottesville are very nice, outgoing, and FIT. Everyone runs there. Its very cool. They came out and supported this race too.

The advice for people who dont run around here was go out slow. The hills will kill ya. My first 2 miles I wanted to be 9:30 then turn it up. Through 6 miles I was at 9 min miles. Thats good for me. Then the hills got to me. I walked until I got passed by a very old man, breathing very very loud and had both knees wrapped up. I chuckled then finished it up. I beat him. 1:37 and change. If it wasnt for the walking in the end I would have killed it. Its my first time racing a 10 miler. I like that distance. There should be more 10 milers. Its a good distance, not too long, not too short. No pain, no fatigue, no soreness. My buddy Karl 4th in his age group in 62 min and change. Nice work man. Fun time, great course, good run. Here is how my week went:

wed: swimming intervals. 5 lap (slow 6 min, 30 sec) warm-up, 3 hard laps , 2 easy laps X 3, 3 laps cool down. Went well.

Thurs: Ran in VA. No route, no watch, explore. 5ish miles.

Fri: Rest

Sat 10 miler.

Sunday-Back home, desperately wanted to get a bike TT on the race course at rage. 25 miles. 1:37. Hmm look familiar? Same as my 10 mile run. I had a head wind. I felt strong. My legs were alive. It has 3 climbs. One medium, easy, and hard. I crushed em all. This time last year I couldnt do the hard one. Today was a 10 min PR on this route. I am having a bike issue though. My gears or chain are missing. Gonna have that checked out. Next post: Medicine of Running: Running throughout the ages. QUOTE:

“This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual.”

John Steinbeck

There is nothing like exploring a new place by running it. I love that.