My running life AFTER the marathon…

September 19, 2007

Distance: 4.5 mi

Time: Speed work

Tonight was one of those nights where my heart was in the right place but I just didn’t feel right.  I was sluggish, had no turnover and was really winded after each run.  Not sure why, other than it was kinda warm.  Still.  Any run you can walk away from is a good one!

We ran a 1600 at 5k pace, then 2- 600s with a buddy and then 3- 300s  with a buddy.  The only good to come out of the workout for me was that I ran my 1600 at 7:00.26.  I’m not sure if I could maintain that for a full 5k but it felt comfortable.  Next week will be the acid test as we run another 1600, this time at mile pace…!  I would really like to get around 6:45.  Hopefully it will be cooler and I will feel better.

I think my next goal after finishing the marathon is to try to beat 22:00 for a 5k.  I think it’s possible with more speed work if I can lose a bit more weight.  I am going to try to achieve this goal by the St. Paddy’s Day 5k in March.  This was my first race back after an 11 year hiatus from running and I ran a 26:13.  I think knocking 4 minutes off of my 5k time in a year is pretty impressive, if I can do it!

I am really trying hard to focus now on life AFTER the marathon.  Last time I just stopped running, then I got hurt.  I want to make running a lifelong thing so I am really trying to make these races and big milestones a MEANS more than an END.  And… I have to admit… I have been seriously thinking about triathlon/duathlons as well in the upcoming years.  Not the long ones, maybe just the sprint distance.  But still, it looks like fun!  I just need to rob a few banks or sell a kidney or two to pay for the bike/pool membership/clothing… etc.   *sigh*

…anybody got a yard they need mowed?

… will work for bike shorts…