Just a few more weeks and it will be all downhill to Boston but . . . well I could go on and on about how tough the winter has been and how hard it's been to get some of the training in but . . . that's all water under the bridge. What's done is done and just 2 more weeks of real training left! And then 3 weeks of winding things down and trying to stay sane.
Andrew and I 'survived' our 20 something mile run yesterday despite the cold rain that poured for the entire duration of near 3 hours. You know of course that it stopped almost immediately when the run was over. We did the usual Boyden Lake loop and were smart enough to park one vehicle at the 1/2 way point with a change of clothes and some drinks. We also were smart about the time change by completely ignoring it and not loosing any sleep from springing ahead and then having to start in the dark. The plan had included Jon who is all gung ho about starting his training up so he can smoke his new age group. However, he got sick the night before and couldn't make it, at least that's what his sleepy spouse told us (sorry guys).
With no more excuses of our own it was off into the pouring rain (about 5C or 40F) with only Andrew's witty conversation to keep me warm. Let me tell you, some of his jokes are pretty funny! This week the run was navigated in the easy (clockwise) direction and we both agreed that the hills are less mountainous this way. The 1st 1/2 went well with our main goal to run slow so that the 3 hours would come with less pain and suffering than by running faster and further. By the time we reached the van we were soaked to the bone and the change of clothes was very welcome. This is the 1st time I've ever switched jacket and running shirt in the middle of the run. Andrew astounded me by removing his long pants and going to shorts! What a madman! Within a mile the color of his legs were a perfect match with his red hair and orange hat! Brrrr!
The 2nd 1/2 of the run was more of the same, good conversation, lame jokes and a bit more traffic than normal. We didn't see our 1st car until 5 miles into the run but it was more frequent on the narrow hilly roads later on. I guess some people did 'spring ahead'. We were also amazed to see a truck driving on the lake but I suppose it's been cold enough lately that one day of rain won't be a problem. Nevertheless we struggled along and images of marathon pace miles quickly dissolved into a slowish shuffle to the vans (barely under 8:00 pace). I was able to convince A that 20+ was a better number than 19 and we did a slightly faster last 2 miles to finish in a cold shivering heap. Those chocolate brownies were sooo goood we barely tasted them!
Thus ends another sad story. I hope to run one of my long runs with somewhat fresh legs in the coming weeks but it might have to wait until taper time.
Have a good week all!
And if you like to smile check out the latest Chasing Kimbia video blogs. And also the regular Kimbia site.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I'm impressed. Joking on a 20 miler in the rain, must be nice to be in such great shape. You're really ready for Boston.
Some of Andrew's jokes are pretty funny ... that's faint praise indeed. Luckily the running seems to be a lot better than the jokes. How many 20 milers did you do this training cycle? They must be more than a dozen by now.
Time passes quickly. Boston will be around in no time at all.
You are more than ready for Boston, so take it easy and don't pressure yourself too much by overtraining. The Boston course is very deceiving and you think you are going to breeze right through it based on the first 15 miles, but when you hit the Newton hills starting at mile 16 through Heartbreak at mile 21, that is a killer stretch, and then you have several other gradual hills to the finish.
I wanted to also follow up and thank you again for linking your blog to our running Blog Database. It has now grown to bloggers from 37 states in the US and 21 other countries of all ages and abilities and has become a great resource for members to find blogs that meet their specific goals and interests. Thanks again and best of luck in Boston!
The pouring rain and Andrew's bad jokes. You poor man.
I may make it to Eastport this weekend if I do not have to travel to NY to close on the house.
We should plan another weekend at the camp before Boston, maybe for your final long run?
My, I saw last week you had -30 windchill...brrr! Way to survive the run!
I can just see the two of you running and dripping wet. What a pair! All the best in Boston, eh. The two of you will rock the course.
OK, my mistake:) that's what happens when I am behind on reading posts - they combine as one big story...like I read "-30 windchill" and next line "8 mile" and combine the two.
Anyhow, it is still crazy to run when it even half-cold! You are still my hero!
I'm sorry conditions wasn't better I'm glad you got it done any way
Sounds so cold - a truck driving across the lake. BURRR! Great run & good luck in Boston!!
keep training strong and stay healthy as Boston will soon be here!
Post a Comment