Running: June 6-12

[mudmucker]

Run and walk.

Friday the 11th I participated in the Relay for Life, Gardner, MA event at Wachusett Community College. Emotions and lots of reflection - this year I was wearing the purple shirt. I walked the survivor lap. My neighbors are team captains and I later did my relay laps for their team between 10-11pm. In celebration, I ran some of my laps, because well, I can, I'm here, I'm able. It felt great.

Today the 13th I went back to the college after everything was taken down and used the track. I ran 2 miles. It's only my second time out running since the surgery I had in late December. I've been focused on the cycling.

[kermit]

First off, I SUCK at running. My sprint tri's are great until the run. I have tried to work on it and went yesterday to get new shoes. The Brooks I had were pretty blown out and I always felt like daffy duck in them. Well turns out they were too big on the ball area of my foot (side to side) and I had been really not improving. Well came home with a new rockin set of Asics in a narrower width that fit perfectly. Went out with my husband and did four miles including sprint (pant, pant) intervals. I actually feel like there's hope . What a difference a properly fitting pair of shoes makes.

[Trek420]

I run from running. But did two mile walk at the track at a brisk pace. I'm ready to add intervals or throw a jog or two in. 'Cept I'm probably faster walking.

It's a hot day and I was soaked at the end. Luckily this guy was there on his bike selling mango and melon slices with chili, lime and salt. Yum.

[Bike Chick]

DH and I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure in St. Louis yesterday. There was a record number of participants - over 71,000; 1,400 in the timed 5K run. They have stated that it was the largest 5K race in the world although I don't know that to be true. It was very hot, hilly and crowded but great to participate in such a large event. $3.35 million dollars were raised for breast cancer research. The finish was really neat because we ran down Market Street toward the river. Firetrucks suspended a huge American flag over the pink balloon arch at the finish line with the St. Louis Arch in the background. Survivors were given roses as they crossed and hundreds of people carried the names of friends and family they were running for. It was a wonderful experience.

[Jolt]

I got out for a couple of runs with my sister while I was in NJ for her graduation. Unfortunately she wasn't up for trail running so we just did laps around the block. Not sure what my problem was, but both runs (especially the first) felt a lot harder than usual--maybe I got thrown off b/c I'm not used to running with anyone and went too fast. (She isn't used to running with other people either and said on the first run that I was throwing off her breathing rhythm b/c mine was so loud! However, her footsteps were MUCH louder than mine.)

[colby]

Congrats to mudmucker and Bike Chick on participating in two fine cancer-fighting events!!

[Susan Otcenas]

60 minutes aquarunning today. My music player malfunctioned before I got in the water (I think it's finally died) and I can now say with authority that 60 minutes of aquarunning sans music is torture.

[Crankin]

I (sort of) ran for the first time since the 5K. No real reason why, I've just been into riding. I only had 30 minutes or less, so I did the loop of my street, about 1.5 miles running and .75 mile walking. My Garmin didn't work for part of the time, but I think my pace was around 11:40. No big surprise there, since a good part of the running part was uphill, including to the top of the 5% grade side of the hill.
Then I showered, to get on my bike and ride to volunteer at the farmer's market, giving out discount coupons to people who arrived by bike. I met some nice people and got a 17.8 mile ride on my Jamis, as well as buying 2 whole whole wheat scones and some olive bread.

[Jolt]

Piddly two miles today--had an errand that was a mile away so ran it. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment two miles away...I might run to that too.

[skhill]

Monday I overslept and missed my usual pre-dawn running slot, so I ended up using the treadmill at the Y in the evening instead (it was just ridiculously hot and humid outside). 3 fast miles, and it was miserable. Next time, I'll run/walk outside instead, or take an unscheduled rest day...

[rocknrollgirl]

3 for me this morning. I raced on Sunday have been sore and tired this week. It felt good to move this morning,

[kacie tri-ing]

I brought one of my best friends on a 7 mile trail run, and fortunately, she loved it (it was a tough one). Nice to have company in the midst of IM training!

Colby--I am getting really excited for you! I love following your times!! How are you feeling physically/mentally? Is the town starting to buzz with people yet?

Way to go on the 5K PR divingbiker!

That mud run sounds like a blast! Those types are races are really becoming popular!

Happy running!

[colby]

Colby--I am getting really excited for you! I love following your times!! How are you feeling physically/mentally? Is the town starting to buzz with people yet?

I didn't see too many more cyclists than usual out, a lot of locals do Ironman and I/we ride parts of the course regularly. I think it will really start Tuesday/Wednesday.

I am feeling pretty good, actually. I get the butterflies when I think about it, but I am focusing on positive visualization. I can see myself finishing, hear them saying "you are an Ironman!" I'm very excited for the run, I am really hoping to see the most improvement there if I can keep it together through the swim and bike. I know it will be hard, I know it will be long, and I know I can do it. I still alternate between "what was I thinking" and "I've done this before, I'll do it again." At the same time, I am trying not to take it for granted, because I know that a lot of things can go wrong that you can't predict. I didn't get as much time in the pool as I should have/hoped to get due to my work schedule but when I did long swims they felt great, I didn't ride as many hills as I planned during my long rides but when I did I recovered well, I focused a lot more on my running endurance which will benefit me all around even if I spend all that capital before I get to the run.

A few people from work have expressed interest in being at the finish, which will be a first for me - usually it's just my husband and closest friends that are there. I kind of enjoyed the ignorant bliss of the last two years, this year the cat is definitely out of the bag.

If you ask me again on Thursday, you will probably get a less coherent answer.