Thursday, June 29, 2006

getting a run in

Up until 8 weeks ago I used to say that I didn't even run for a bus because there'd be another along at some point.

Then my son didn't make the lacrosse team. In talking to his coach, one thing made a difference: he would refuse to run. (Goalies don't run, they block shots.) Knowing he didn't do anything alone, I bought a pair of running shoes and worked with him on one of these 6 weeks from couch potato to 5K plans. Here it is 8 weeks later and he's quit but I'm still running.

Today I ran 2.1 miles in 35 minutes. I know how badly that sucks (16:33 pace). Normally I run about a 12:00 - 12:30 mile but I also run really early in the morning on a street where I know the church is exactly one mile from the house. Because I got a late start this morning, I ran the running path along the river, so there's no way of knowing "this is a mile..." or anything like that. In fact, when I went out and walked it earlier to get the distance, I was surprised it was only 2.125 miles.

I'm registered for a 5K next Sunday, the 9th. I'm a little nervous that I'll come in dead last. We'll see. I'm also registered for a 4.2 mile race at the end of July (the Jerry Garcia Memorial Road Race). I'm hoping to finish in under an hour, although after today's run, I'm not so sure that's possible. I have a month to get ready, hopefully I'll be all set by then. The goal is to finish in 48 mintutes for the Garcia run. The 5k next week I'm hoping for a 36-40 minute finish.

Here's hoping.