Thursday was a 4 mile run at the WA Duke trail, needed to get in some hills, then over to the pool for a quick workout, followed by a great (and much needed) massage therapy session!!
After hosting the high school drama performers Friday night (about 20 teens), I managed to get about 5 hrs of sleep before running the Tar Heel 10 Miler Saturday morning. Couldn't force myself to eat breakfast Sat. morning, so downed an Accel Gel and a 5hr energy drink (which I've only done just one time before). Got to the race about an hour in advance, briskly walked then did some warm up running before the start. Goal for this race was to finish between 1:23-1:25, but mostly, my biggest goal was to conquer this mental block. Needed to run hard, fast, not walk too much, and just get over this post-marathon mental junk. Focused on running the tangents, keeping a good pace consistently, staying positive mentally, conquering Laurel Hill effectively, and finishing strong. Mile 8 was where I began to feel the effects of taking that energy drink...but was able to keep it at bay until the finish. Worked through the negative thoughts pretty well, was able to keep my feet going until reaching the hill--that's where I had to walk. But, I was happy to have only walked 3 times during the race, I know I shouldn't be walking at all, but at least there's progress.
Finished better than I had hoped, 1:20:49 which put me at 486th place out of 2085. Not great, but will take it, especially coming off these marathons. Now the real training begins (more hills, less walking, better nutrition, more weights, faster paces), now I know I can do it.
Next race, May 22, small triathlon. Today was 1500 yds in the pool. I've read most of my book on how to swim for triathlons, so I practiced what I learned today. Worked on breathing every third stroke, breathing out while under water, flip turns, timing some distances, and keeping my right arm from crossing over my body. Oh yeah, I also learned what the distances in the pool are, that was helpful. :)
Today-- 50yd at .46-.51 sec. 100yds at 1:54-1:56. 250yds at 5:12-5:16. Now I have a starting point (yes, I realize these are slow times, but I'm a newbie and these times were also taken after finishing 1000 yds). I had a swim coach watching/helping me today, so now I've got a few more things to work on. I'm on my way!! Next is the bike....
2 comments:
Sounds like you conquered some demons on Sat with the run! Good finish... also, if you are swimming at Hollow Rock, which I believe you are, than you're distances are in meters which is actually a good 2 yards farther per length. So you covered 1500m which is much more impressive than 1500yds. If you're using Homestead Aquatic, they have a 25yd pool. Confusing, I know, but just wanted to help with your times (which by the way are faster than mine haha).
Good to know!!! I feel better knowing I'm swimming farther than once thought. :)
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