Running to the end of January

[OakLeaf]

It was a perfect morning for racing (a little humid, but you'll have that in Florida ). 42°F with a crescent moon and Venus in the sky at the start, next to no wind. The economy meant that there were far fewer campers than usual for the 24-hour sportscar race. Bad for the Speedway, but good for us runners, since we didn't get the usual blast of campfire smoke as we rounded NASCAR Turn 3. Interestingly though, the field of runners was larger than past years, over 1,000.

Somehow I managed to set a new PR by over 40 seconds, at 24:25. Must be good grip on the new pavement.

Tough competition this year, though, 5/44 in age group, and at least one runner who perennially kicks my butt was a no show this year. The woman who won the 50-54 age group ran a 20:55.

[katluvr]

Awesome Oak!!
Yes the 45-49 age group is TOUGH, but I think the 50+ is just as bad since all the fast 40something year olds get out like us slow 40-somethings!
At work, missed running today, it did look like a fab morning to run here in FL.

K

[skhill]

That's awesome, Oak!

And there's some runners in their early 50's who are scary fast around here. Maybe I'll speed up over the next 10-15 years....

[indigoiis]

Awesome, Oak! It must have been weird running on that track!

so, this week we had another snowstorm, so of course it messed up our usual training. Wednesday we ran on the road - 4 mile "tempo" run (just really a wake-up get moving run) and Thursday I did 3 miles on the treadmill at work, and like, six minutes (it took a LONG time for me to figure the machine out) on the stairmaster. Friday was off (I shoveled a lot this week so nothing was really "off").

But TODAY, I am so psyched. I did five miles really fast, with hills and all. I just pushed it hard. I figure, the only way to get past the discomfort of being out of breath is to occasionally be out of breath. It was hard, but it was good because I didn't die. I didn't even pass out. I just breathed really, really loudly. Five miles in 43:44 which i say yay for me. It ain't going to win any races any time soon, but it satisfied my soul.

[skhill]

Finally, I was able to do my long run outside this morning. It was a beautiful morning for a run, 30 F and only traces of snow left on the ground. My route took me across town to my old high school; it's like running back through time, going into my old stomping grounds like that...

Anyway, I went 12.25 miles, and the hardest part was making the turn that would get that last mile. Now it's off to enjoy a warm afternoon with a bike ride!

[indigoiis]

Ran 10 very scenic today. Warmish out (35?) and sunny - looked like Vermont, felt like Florida (I get hot easily, especially when overdressed.)

[GLC1968]

Great job, Oak!

I did 6.1 miles today. My longest run EVER...but not for long!