In short, one of the toughest workouts that I have ever put my body through!
Okay, for the details…. This was my second year competing in the Fight for Air Climb and this year I also volunteered to help organize the race and a team for the race. Overall we raised a good sum of funds for the American Lung Association of Utah especially my team of extremely outgoing colleagues and friends who raised a total $6,244. Very awesome! Also, as a team we ran up the 23-floors of the Wells Fargo Center just over 260 times. Another impressive feat! Thanks to everyone for truly going above and beyond for this race, our team, and the cause!!!
In regards to my race, starting with some of my friends just after 6:30 am, I was able to complete a 3:54 run to the top on my first try; therefore, besting my fastest time from last year by 34 seconds. It sure felt great to run without my 12 lbs weight vest that I have been wearing during my stair workouts! However, as the five-and-a-half hours of stair intervals went on (quarter of a mile for each interval), I just got slower and slower. My legs were not sore or stiff, but my energy level just seemed to be getting lower and lower; that is, much lower than what has happen on my thirty-plus mile training runs. Near the end of the race, all that I truly knew was that I was not in a good place, but I just kept picking up my legs until they shutdown the stairwell and unplugged the timing mats. I ended up with 31 climbs which was double and one of what I did last year. However, this year I was in no condition to run home. My splits were as follows: 3:54, 4:28;4:40; 4:51; 4:43; 4:53, 4:45, 4:49, 4:58, 4:50; 4:51; 5:14; 5:15; 5:12; 5:29: 5:32, 5:27; 5:26; 5:31; 5:24; 5:32; 5:44; 5:53; 6:08; 6:14; 6:12; 6:31; 6:34; 6:32; 6:18; and 6:08 (average lap of 5:25). I ran my last lap with my friend (and former FBRer, mogli) who ended up in a first place tie with an incredible 34 climbs!
Actually, I did not feel too bad after the stair race, but while trying to recover, it was apparent that I did not intake enough liquids in that I could not keep anything down. Before the race, I had toast and a Clif Bar and during the race drank 48 ounces of water and two GUs. However, I usually drink 24 ounces during a marathon and consume three GUs; therefore, considering the humidity in the stairwell, I undershot and paid the price for it.
My non-running workout consisted of the 300 sit-ups I did before heading to downtown for the stair race.
Five-Minute Plank Challenge: unable to get in
Trying-To-Go-Out-Of-My-Way-To-Eat-Healthy Challenge: too dehydrated
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