The Long Run

Went to the Y for a mixed run. Warmed up on the bike for 5 minutes, then did 2.5 miles on the treadmill (21:21), 3 miles outside (24:37), then back inside for some strides on the treadmill (0.92 miles in 7:00). Also did leg extensions and shoulder presses.

Not that it matters too much, but I just changed my blog title again.  I changed it to 2:58 Quest.

I'm going to do one more ultra race for now (50 miles from Marathon Key to Key West on 5/19), then get back to the faster stuff. 

My brother called me to say he got into the NYC marathon via the lottery but was going to defer the entry for a year and asked if I could run it with him (at least start out together, he wants me to run my own race).  So, I'm going to try and get a qualifying race.  They've raised the standards for guaranteed entry for males 45-49 it is now 1:25 or faster half marathon or 2:58 or faster full marathon.  I think I have a chance to get this if I focus the right way, which is to not be too focused, train smart and keep life in balance in terms of what is important.

Nice steady run with 3 mile pickup in the middle.

Caught up to Melanie and Beka at the end as they were heading out for cool down 1.5 miles so did a little extra. Did a few sets of upper body weights.

Garmin-less run after spin class. My legs felt extra heavy today so just did 3 miles as my form was feeling a little sloppy, although had improved by the end. Getting warmer out. Need the heat to get ready for next big race.

Showed up a little bit late and was running way in the back, then ran into Keith, Dixie, Greg, and Eudair coming back the other way as they had started early. So, cut my route a little short to run with them and made up the missed portion at the end of the run. My first instinct is usually just to stay on course and run the planned route (too much of a routine guy), so it's good to change especially when you get a chance to run with some friends you don't get to see all of the time.

Nice 70 degree morning.

Did the t-route, two quick water stops. I was originally planning on just 5, so 6 was nice.
Plank challenge has not gone well due to having done something to my big toe on my right foot. It doesn't hurt to run on it, just to do push-ups and planks. Did a few push ups this morning and it felt almost back to normal.

P.M. -  3.92 mi, 00:31 07:55 pace

(race time 24:19)

It's been quite some time since I did an over 20 mile training run. This run was pretty hard but was good training because it was hard, after running yesterday morning, and then the 5K last night.

Warmed up by myself for about 1.5 miles, then joined up with a group to Craig and Diane's, then into Starkey Park. Ran with Eudair to the suncoast trail, then bike to bike parking lot where I was able to get a ride back to Longleaf with Kevin, Melanie, and their dog Brandy who seemed happy to have someone sitting in the backseat with her.

I wore my big water belt (2 x 20oz) as practice for upcoming race in two weeks.

Race will be in the Keys, it's the 50 mile race of the "Keys 100" race.  The race is from Marathon Key to Key West (the 100 mile race is from Key Largo to Key West.  Both races can be run either "crewed" or "un-crewed" which will be noted in the posted results.  I'll be running "un-crewed".)  I've never been to Key West before.  I went to Key Largo out to Islamorada when I was young, and then I stopped by Key Largo with the boys on our 2 day spring break trip.  I guess that is what drew me to do this race. 

It will be an adventure and a challenge to endure in the heat, with start time at 10:00 am and probably not much shade, and temps typically mid-80s.