The Long Run

This race was a lot of fun and the course was different. I was running with the boys while Jenny was going up ahead to shave some more time off of her PR.  This was held at the Innisbrook resort in Palm Harbor.  A beautiful place with 2 golf courses and several restaurants and lots of other stuff.

Before the race started we chatted with a guy that had just recently completed running at least one marathon in all 50 states - with the most recent marathon in Boston this past monday.  He also had run the Estes Park Marathon in Colorado, said the altitude made it difficult.  He was about 20 minutes slower than his typical marathon time which I thought didn't sound too bad at all.   Wanted to talk to him some more afterward but must have just missed him.

The course started out in a parking lot, crossed over some sand to a golf cart path and then onto the golf course for a while.  For flat Florida, there were a surprising number of hills.  At the start of the race, Andy had run into a branch which poked him in the side, so after a quick start, Noah and I caught up to him.  Noah was out in front for a while but he kept on worrying about his older brother and slowing down.   Eventually, Andy caught back up.  Noah was complaining about side stitches all over his body so we took a couple of breaks to try and get him going.  Everyone on the course was very encouraging.

Noah and I finished at 31:22, Andy had finished a little bit earlier, about 30:42 I think.  I saw Jenny and asked her how she did, 23:10!!!!  a new PR!!

We stuck around for a bit and enjoyed some of the festivities.  The only drawback was there was no free food for the runners, just some for purchase.  Overall it was pretty well done for an inaugural 5K.  We also were given free passes to come back and spend a day at the resort.

No running today.  Just some mixed cardio (bike and elliptical) and a few sets of weights and a couple sets of crunches on the ball.

Ran on the treadmill at the YMCA this morning.  First warmed up on the bike and did some stretching and core.  Knee did not give me any problems. On Sunday it was bothering me a little bit after not bothering me on Saturday. Averaged about an 8:15 pace.  Feel like I'm getting back to normal, but taking it slow.

I think I realized my mistake.  On Saturday afternoon I was climbing the tree in the backyard with my kids.  Probably not such a good idea but was fun at the time.

Back to the YMCA this morning.  Bike warm up, stretching and core and then onto the treadmill for just 1 mile (about 8:40 pace average).

Was going to do another 4 outside but decided to cut it slightly short.  Knee was feeling a little irritated so I just did 3.1 outside, 7:50 pace average.  Other than the knee I was feeling pretty good.  Weather was nice but I can feel the warm weather approaching.  Also, a slight smokey smell in the air from some fires in the souther part of the state.

 After the run I had time for a quick weight routine.

I decided I would at least try and go a little bit farther than the last few runs.  Not sure how the knee would do, but decided to try and run through it within reason.  Run started out pretty good.  No pain at all after the first mile.  A little bit after that but stayed at a pretty low level.  Just enough to let me know it was there.

Weather was pretty decent, cool weather is hanging on a little bit longer.  I stopped at a water fountain after 1.5 miles, got some water and then ran the rest of the way for a total of 6.8 miles.

Average pace: 7:54

After the run, there was no more knee pain at all.  On other days there had been some lingering, but not today.  Hopefully this means it is getting better.  Felt great to get in a decent run finally.

Later in the day, I went to a running store to drop off a race entry form for the I Love Mother's Day 5K.   They had a clearance shelf with assorted shoes.  Various brands and various sizes and styles.  All $35 each.  There was only one box of Brooks shoes, which happened to be Glycerin 6 and just happened to be size 10.5 - just my size!! My lucky day.

It was great to meet up with the people from the Striders.  Showed up just after 6:30 in Starkey Park.  One more nice and cool morning with temps in the 60's, it was perfect for running.  I ran with Eric and Mike on the way out until we arrived at the 4 mile water stop.   They were taking it easy this morning but the pace felt a little tough for me.  It's odd, since the pace was 7:50 which is something that I can usually do fine, but not until I'm really warmed up.

So, Mike and Eric continued on, while I grabbed some water and a gel.  I ran out a little bit farther until at 4.5 miles then turned around.  Return trip was much better.  Picked up the pace and ran the last two miles about a 7:10 average with last mile at 6:55.

Average pace: 7:36

Knee is getting better, hopefully get it all worked out this next week.

Spent a little time socializing after the run.  We've picked up some new runners recently.  David has been working really hard to energize the group.