Weekly Recap-San Antonio Race Week

Sunday.
I haven't run a race, of any kind, in seven months. Normally this time of year I'm running 60 miles a week. In the eight weeks prior to race day, I only averaged 20. My longest training run was only 12 miles.

 Come race week, I knew I was kidding myself, but pretended that with perfect weather I could still run a Boston Qualifier. When I saw the weather forecast called for a high of 83, that was it, I was going to stay home. I sent an text out to my running mates saying I was out. I received a reply from Von, "Do it as a workout. I'm going to pace a friend to a 3:35."

That single sentence completely changed my perspective. Von is the top runner in our group, a solid sub 3:00 marathoner. I realized that if he was willing to set his pride aside and run a much slower pace, I should get off my high horse.--Yes, Von had it right, not every race has to be a PR attempt, or even a Boston Qualifying run.

I queued up 50 meters behind the starting line. This alone busied my ego. I finished in the top 100 in my last two S.A. marathons. I had become accustom to queuing 10 yards behind the start, with all the pretentiousness that comes with it.

 

The gun fired and we were off.  I went out slow, 8:00 min / miles.  Almost immediately I felt the heat and humidity.  But mile two I was sweating good.  By mile four I was drenched and sweat was literally flying off my arms as I swung them.

 

I step off course and walked a minute.  I started to jog again.  At mile five, I stepped off course, turned off my watch and ripped the official timing ribbon (chip) off my shoe. 

 

I walked / jogged the half marathon course and immediately went back to the hotel in digust.

 

Lots of work to do.

 

Saturday.
Off

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Off

Wednesday.
Well, Von, one of groups top runners (sub 3 marathoner) is pacing a friend to a 3:35-3:40 at the S.A. marathon.  Von told me I could join and it would be a good training run.

Well, weather looks bad.  Forecast is for 83 with high humidity.  But I do need the training.  I guess I'll give it a go.  Von is a good guy.   If will be fun to run with him some.

Did five on mill last night in new shoes.  Put on my 9 ounce racers.  Man it's amazing how much going from 12 oz to 9 makes in terms of feeling light in your stride.

Tuesday.
Off-Don't think I'll do San Antonio Marathon.  Out of shape and weather looks awful.

Monday

Off-Don't think I'll do San Antonio Marathon.  Out of shape and weather looks awful.