Monday 2-11-08

I am really sore today, but fortunately it is an off day. I ran a half marathon yesterday and did pretty much everything I shouldn't have. I woke up nice and early, made some pancakes and shared a few bites with Reggie (He's my Bullmasiff) This was around 630am. I then messed around for while, went and grabbed my registration packet and had a coffee. The race is only 8 miles from my house and starts at 11am, so plenty of time.

I got to the race early enough for a warm up run. I only ran about 1/4 of a mile and instead of running more, I decided to look around to see if I knew anyone.... Dumb. My muscle were still tight from lifting and training this week.

So it now has been around 4 1/2 hours since I ate. It was way to close to race time to eat, so I had to just go for it. Dumb #2

I was thinking that it was a really flat course and I should be able to keep a 7 minute pace. Target goal was around an hour and a half. I started with that pace and in the first 2 miles I knew this was not going to be good. Instead of realizing that this was going to be a bad day, I tried to press on at a pace I couldn't keep. Dumb #3


At mile 6 now, and the 730 pace guy just passed me. My heart rate is at 173 and I feel like I could puke. It was time to lay off and just "finish" this thing. First intelligent move of the day.

From mile 7 on, my right hamstring was really sore, calves were like rocks and my legs felt like they weighed around 200lbs a piece. Also light headed from lack of calories.

Mile 8 - It is now snowing, sleeting and the wind coming off the ocean is really frigid. These conditions are the same for everyone, so I can't complain.


Finish the race at 1:44, (14 minutes off goal). I grab a slice of pizza and I am outta here. The final dumb move of the day, not stretching. I did ride the trainer later in the night to loosen up though. That was a good move.

I have to say, I am not that upset. I sometimes beat myself up after a race and I did not do that. I did everything wrong for the race and I got what I deserved. I should not have tried to push it so hard and realize that bad planning = bad results. Kind of a no brainer.... I can smile now, take my lessons and train for another day.

After everything was said and done, there was a bright spot for me. I was in a fair amount of pain for the majority of the race, but I refused to let the pain get to me and walk. It hurts to walk today, but it would hurt more today, had I walked yesterday.