Running has to be my least
favorite part of the 3 triathlon disciplines. It’s not that I necessarily
struggle with running, I just get bored during workouts. I never run without my
80’s tunes now, and this has helped a little with enjoying my workouts. I haven’t
been pushing my distances- staying mainly around 3-4 miles per run. I average
7.5-8 minute miles…
Earlier this year, I ran a
5k road race and came away from it knowing that I wasn’t in the greatest shape-
my time was a 1:30 slower than the same race the year before. It wasn’t a bad
day, my training was about the same…I was just slower. It was about this time
where I committed myself to getting in better shape and doing a triathlon.
Over the last 2 weeks, I’ve
had some decent run workouts. I’ve felt a bit better out on the road. My
numbers only slightly improved, but I felt much stronger in the workouts. My
next step in my run workouts is to meet up with some friends and do group runs
or at least with one other person. I guess the same can be said for my cycling
and swim workouts too. I have done some research on the internet for Triathlon
Clubs/teams my area. I live in Mass right near the NH border so clubs from
Boston to Southern NH are all on the table. I found a couple of possible leads.
I just want to make sure the group I pick fits my needs- workouts with a
reasonable area, a club that actually has regular workouts, and a group that is
serious but also doesn’t take themselves too serious(a group that knows how to
have fun!). My goal is to join one of these groups by the end of 2012.
My
youngest daughter Riley and I, post-race, at my old lunch table from high
school
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Last week, I ran my first
5k since picking up my training. The race was a cancer research fundraiser in
memory of Marci Lemkin. My old high school hosted the festivities and was the
starting point. I loved the course,
mostly flat and along the Merrimack River. I ran at a steady pace the entire
race, never sprinting but never slowing down either. I actually had a little bit of a burst left
in me at the end but I misjudged where the finish line was- I never saw it
until I was 40 yards away. Another rookie mistake! Also failed to spot the wifey
and one of my daughters at the finish line. I finished the 5k with a time of 22.59. I was happy with the time and pace I sustained.
Much of the credit should go to Vince Neil and Joe Elliot for firing me up with
some quality tunes mid-race. Where does Eddie Money come into play from the
post-title? “Wanna go back, and do it all over…” Stroll down memory lane while
walking through the old school.
Post-race summary: I feel
better on the course and improvements can be made in my time if I pick up my
training. Also, I should know the start and finish better. I was trapped in a
slow group at the start(it only held me up a little) and I should have known
where the finish was. I also developed a blister from my tight running shoes.
Shoes will have to be retired- they are too small. These were old and super
cheap so no big loss. My back-up pair of kicks fit fine and they are now my
primary ones. They are newer and fit perfect –should have made this switch
sooner.
Signed up for two more 5k
races that are both next weekend. Never ran races on consecutive days but these
races are parts of bigger celebrations that I’m really looking forward to. Then, 2 weeks of light training before the
much anticipated first triathlon!
Off to the ocean for a
brick workout on the tri race course!
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