Change in Training Plan

So I decided to switch things up and use the training plan that I created through the smart coach function of Runnersworld.com. It splits my running up a little more and also has a little more detail when it comes to tempo runs and speed work. Here it is:

An Update

It has been about a week and a half, but I realized I never posted anything about my new bike. So here it is:



It is a Specialized Allez Triple, an entry level road bike, but fits my needs just fine. I never realized that bikes could be so light. I only wish that I lived closer to work that I could actually ride it sometimes instead of driving my gas guzzler.

In running, I have decided not to run until my long run on Saturday. I am hoping that a week off will help heal some of this lingering pain that I have been having. Otherwise, I might need to consider just having to live with it, because I don't really think that I am going to stop running. Especially after I dropped the entry fee for the KC Marathon.

Random thought: I love when I see people on motorcycles with their helmets strapped to the back of the bike.

I think I can, I think I can...

Ok, so I did it. The hard part.



I registered for the Kansas City Marathon.


I am going to run a marathon...eventually. The hard part is done, no need to worry anymore. I am through the difficultness of signing up and pushing the submit button on the computer. All done. I am so relieved that I don't have to worry anymore.

Except for that pesky 26.2 miles of running.

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UPDATE: Found out my bib number: 232. Just a fun fact.

A Conversation of Success

A conversation between my mind and body (no, I am not crazy):

Body: Take a look at that Mind.

Mind: Whoa, that there looks like a medal. Probably just a finisher's medal right?

B: Nope. That is a silver medal, which you might know means a second place finish.

M: Who'd you steal that from?

B: No one, that is my second place medal.

M: Sure it is, you know, you would have probably been better off stealing a bronze,
could have been a little more believable.

B: I earned that stinking medal through hard work and training. It was ME that placed second.

M: I don't doubt the hard work and training, but there are always Uber-runners that could kick your butt. And there is always at least three of 'em. That is why I doubt.

B: Well, maybe two of them had a bad day.

M: Or they went to another race.

B: Uh-huh. Just can't accept that I'm improving huh?

M: Oh, I know you're improving, but your ability is never going to be like the uber-runners. But that is not why you're doing this, at least that is what you said when we started this venture.

B: True, maybe I just had a shining moment, you know, like the song?

M: It's possible. So was this a big race?

B: Umm...well...there were a bunch of people there...

M: How many is a bunch?

B: Umm...probably around a hundred, maybe...

M: Hmmm, second out of a hundred is still pretty good. Nice work.

B: Well...it wasn't exactly second out of a hundred...

M: What do you mean?

B: Well, it was second in my age group.

M: Oh, well, you are in the 25-29 age group, so that is still a pretty popular group right? How many were there?

B: Let's not worry about that, just bask in the glow of the silver shininess...

M: Body? How many where there?

B: Umm...three...

M: THREE? You got second out of three people and you are bragging? You were
guaranteed a medal from the start!

B: Well, I didn't know I was guaranteed one, I only found that out later.

M: Sheesh. Why don't you come down of your pedastal and work on not being sore for
awhile. How's that?

B: I would love to not be sore but my mind is having a hard time overcoming the pain :)

M: Haha.

B: I know, I'm a funny guy.

10K on the 10th Race Report

So this was my first "virtual race", put on by Non-Runner Nancy. I sort of snuck in at the last second when I felt like I could accomplish the distance. Hopefully, I didn't miss the last day of registration and she'll let me in.



My marathon training schedule called for a seven mile run Saturday, so I decided to have a .4 mile warm-up and cool down, and let the middle 6.2 be my 10K time. The path that I have been running is littered with hills, which is good for me in training, but it blows significant booty when I am actually partaking.

The run felt really good, that is until I hit the midway point and turned back around. The turn around point is at the bottom after a nice big hill, which I didn't really notice the magnitude until I had to run back up. At this point I realized that I may have started out a tad bit too aggressive. It didn't kill me, but I sort of felt like it could. I managed to have stored enough energy to get through the whole run, and overall, it did feel really good. I should have held back just a little more at the beginning.

My goal was to finish the 10K in under an hour, and I was able to accomplish that. Total time 58:14. I haven't actually studied the hills for the Hospital Hill run but I am hoping that my current course is helping me develop the stamina that I need for the race.

Tomorrow

So I have a seven miler tomorrow. I know that isn't a lot compared to most of the RBF's out there, but it will be the farthest that I have gone before. I plan to use the time from the first 6.2 to enter into the virtual 10K that is tomorrow as well. I am hoping that my legs have had adequate rest over the past couple of days, I had to skip two runs because they were still sore. Anyone want to share their pre-run stretch routine so that I can compare if that might be a problem?

Got my rebate check today, so it is off to the bike store tonight. I am pretty excited about finally having a good, quality bike. Other amenities like clipless pedals and a cadence sensor will have to wait though, can't really fit those in at the moment.

Here is a new energy drink that some people may not of heard of. I think it might only be available in Canada though because the comedy group (Picnic Face) is from Canada:

note: There are a couple of words that might not be good for the kiddies.

Hmmm

So I have one week from today to decide to register for the Kansas City Marathon on October 18th if I want to get the early bird registration fee.

Oh. Crap.

I know that I will register, but that is a pretty big step. It makes me a little nervous, starting to make running a marathon a little too real. It is the goal I set out to do originally, and I need to follow through with it.

But still...

One week to decide...

...too real...