I'm retired from racing. Really.

35 degrees and raining when I started.  Ran to Cody's house, then we did a winding, "moderately flat but moderately hilly" (can this really be possible?) run through Providence and River Heights.  About 3 miles into it, the wind picked up and rain turned to heavy sleet.  Cold, cold, cold.  Then snow.  Then rain again.  Then nothing.  Dropped Cody off, then ran 3.5 more miles.  By this time, it was dark, I was soaking wet, and very, very cold.  I started becoming a bit lethargic- I think I would have been borderline hypothermia if I hadn't quit when I did.  The cold was bearable as long as Cody and I could both complain, but then it was just miserable by myself. 

When I got home, I took my temperature just out of curiousity.  Not sure if the thermometer was right, but it said 93.4 deg F.  Like I said, I was FREEZING!  Cold, rain, wind, and running are not a fun combination.

13 miles, 1:31:59 (7:04 avg)

Adrenaline- 168

TOU to canal to first dam.  Much drier than yesterday. 

I had noticed a dull pain in the top of my left foot yesterday.  It was more noticeable today and grew progressively worse as my run went on.  For the last 3-4 miles, it really hurt, bad enough that I could barely run, almost limping on the last mile.  Not sure what to make of it.  If it hurts tomorrow, it could require a few days off.  We shall see.

Anyone have any ideas what this could be?

806- 401

Took a day off yesterday due to concern for my foot.

Planned 4-8 mile easy run today.  My work had other ideas, though.  I left for work at 6 am.  14.5 hours later, I am still at work.  And I still have an hour commute.  In other words, no run today due to work conflict.  16 hour work days will do that to you.   I can't imagine how Michelle L. does this for all of tax season... at least I will be rested for the 10k on Saturday.  And at least my foot is getting some needed rest.

1 mile warm up at 6 am, then 3 miles with Cody and Andy warm up at the race.  Then time for the race.  The same guys from last time were at the start (Tim, Ben, Cody, Chad), minus Walter who is running RDS.  Weather was absolutely perfect- just under 40 deg, not rain, slight breeze.  Perfect weather. 

Race started off faster than the 5k, 5:31 first mile.  Definitely felt like a race right from the start, unlike the 5k where we went out slower.  Second mile is steep downhill for the first half, then flat, 5:13.  Mile 3 is rolling hills, net down a bit, 5:46, had a bit of a sideache here for a mile or two.  Had a lead pack of 4 at the half way mark (Tim, Ben, Cody, me), all of us trading places, with Chad just a bit behind.  Mile 4 is gradual up till 4.5, then a big uphill for a full mile.  Mile 4 in 5:59, though Chad passed everyone in this mile.  The pack split up here, with Chad a strong first, Tim right behind him, me a bit back, then Cody and Ben behind me.  I figured 3rd would be a good finish, but Tim slowed a bit on the uphill and I managed to catch him with a 6:36 mile at mile 5.  Last mile continues up, then evens off a bit, then up, then down, with a 6:34.  I didn't have any chance of catching Chad- he pulled away on the downhill.  Moderate kick into the finish, 1:07 last .2 miles.  Total time 36:50 (36:46 officially, but I'm going with watch time).  Cody was 3 seconds behind for third, then Tim and Ben.  Next guy was more than a minute behind Ben.

I was very happy with the 2nd place finish, esp. supposing my foot has been hurting and I didn't run 3 days this week.  Another day of rest will do it good tomorrow.  It was a great course, much different strategy than the 5k where the uphill is first, then the downhill.  The 10 miler should be interesting, with a much bigger uphill.  The series should continue to be competitive and fun as Chad, Ben, Tim, Cody, and myself all seem very even.  Good job to all and I'll see you at next race.

FRB did great today- top 3 places, with Andy at 11th.  And in case anyone was wondering, I was wearing the shorty green shorts...

Tangent- 131