Going With The Flow

10 miles around Sugarhouse. I started with the big group then decided to split off with Allie and Collin to run a more comfortable pace. Allie almost caught a leaf. Brunch was fun afterwards.

This was a great week for me - definitely my best since I got injured. I ran 46 miles with two 10 milers, a tempo run, and a track workout. I have three 5ks left that are spaced every other weekend so I'm planning to alternate harder weeks and lighter weeks. I anticipate around 30-35 miles for this next week and am running the Indy 5k on Saturday.

Took the day off from running and did 20 minutes of upper body. My right adductor is quite sore and I have a little discomfort around my knee. Just need an easy day!

Monday Motivation!

“When you begin to believe, that is when you will be on the right track to try and accomplish whatever you have set out to do.” -Bob Hodge

“Any idiot can train himself into the ground; the trick is working in training to get gradually stronger.” -Keith Brantly

Lunch run of 5.3 miles. I didn't feel great. My lateral knee area is still bugging me today - I feel like it's associated with my adductor and groin still very fatigued from Sunday. 

Wednesday Workout! I don't even know why I plan specific workouts because I always end up changing it once I get to the track. Ended up with 1600-800-400-400m with 400m jog recovery between reps (5:52, 2:57, 1:26, 1:25). The workout did not feel difficult but I wanted to be cautious so I didn't push it. I did hear the F-bomb at least 20 times by some really "cool" 15-year olds.

The Placebo Response - Belief, Expectations, and Why it Matters in the World of Sport

Easy three miles with Jake before work. 

4 miles in Indy with Jake along the river. This wind better die down by tomorrow morning!!

Another step in the right direction today. I consider this a better performance than the SOJO 5k and was able to finish a lot stronger.

The elite race coordinator was nice enough to let me hang out in the elite quarters (=warm indoors) prior to the race as Jake's coach/psychologist/masseuse. The talent level in that room was pretty phenomenal - truly some of the best in the country ran today. I ran part of the warm-up with Jake and walked with the elites to the starting line. Conditions were pretty good for fast times at 41 degrees and only a little breezy. Because the 5K started after the half/full, I jogged to the half mile mark to watch (and make sure Jake didn't go out at 3k pace). I have never seen such a big race start - the masses just kept coming and coming. It made me happy to see so many people that love the sport!

Obviously I wasn't super focused on my race. Apparently no one else needed to do strides for the 5k so I didn't either. A few mascots danced for a couple minutes then we were off. I was in 50th place at 0.25 mile and I'm pretty sure there were at least 35 epic crashes. I stuck to my 5:55 goal pace and worked on reeling in the runners ahead of me. I was able to speed up in the last 0.5 mile and finish with a pretty good kick. 

I hoped to run around 18:15 so I am satisfied with my performance! I haven't had the best week with quite a bit of discomfort of my lateral knee and glute, but once again race day performed its miracle and I felt completely healthy. I really do believe that the races are helping my right leg/hip muscles fire correctly and are good for me as I continue to heal.

I relaxed for a few minutes then went out to wait and cheer for Jake. He came around the corner with two guys on either side of him, and it was great to see him kick it into that extra gear and outsprint them! Overall a good race for both of us. 

It was nice to meet Jason D then watch Paul come in 3rd (and PR!) in the marathon. Also, hats off to Joe Bell with a big PR as well!

According to my Garmin, I need to get better at running the tangents... and stop running THROUGH buildings during the race :)