February 2018 Running Challenge

This is a really cool idea, I’m really new to running and trying to get more into it so I’m just going to set me goal for the rest of the month at 20 kilometres (sorry I can’t think in miles)

6.5 mi nice and slow

Yesterday was this month's 5k race. I had a hard time with it, and was really struck with how completely "different hard" it was from the marathon. You would think that if you can run 27k comfortably at marathon pace, plus another 15k uncomfortably but determined, that you should be able to speed that up and knock out a fast 5k no problem. Nope! I'm currently trained to run long and slow. The good news is that it seemed like it was over very quickly, and I did have just enough left in the tank to finish fast and strong. Was a bit confused when my friend's husband called out, meters from the finish line, that she was right behind me. I wasn't even thinking about her-she was supposed to be at least a minute behind me... except her training for months has been 5k specific, so she has improved a lot! She didn't catch me, but did beat me by 4 seconds on chip time and met her time goal. I kept my streak going - was within my goal time, but a minute slower than I wanted to be, and was somewhat frustrated. But then I tried to put it into perspective. Last year at this time I was dreaming but doubtful about whether I could even complete a marathon, and would have been absolutely thrilled to run a 5k on a snowy, uneven trail in under 30 minutes.

So then in the evening I put the screw shoes back on and went out to see how fast I could do a mile. Wasn't thrilled with the results, but it does line up on the charts as comparable to today's 5k time. Clearly I have some speedwork to do if running faster is a priority for me. I think for this month anyway, it is.





My daughter decided she wanted to run today, too... everything went wrong and we were running late, so I had to run just to get her signed up, minutes before her age group started. She's in the baby-group, but started in the front this time and enjoyed herself. And we think my son placed 3rd or 4th... husband was at the finish and thought daughter's group was coming first, so wasn't looking for him.

Yesterday I logged on to Facebook while out of town and found out that the coach for our running program for the YMCA (across all Y's in the metro area) has been let go effective immediately. Seems to be a financial decision, they are going to make the triathlon coach the head of both the running and tri programs. I feel devastated. He built the running program, it's his method of training, he inspired all of us. I know there are meetings happening, and protests, and letter writing. I hope somehow it gets reversed or some other position is found. I would not be a runner without this program, and there is no program without our coach as far as we the runners are concerned. Just shocked and sad and angry.

Grrr...two attempts to run today thwarted by ice. First attempt in the park (that I thought would be better than the road but wasn't), second on the roads (which were mostly OK and then I'd hit a sheet of ice that was indistinguishable from the wet). Off to attempt to cobble together some facsimile of part or all of my 20 miler in the gym.

Hugs to @katharmonic -that so frustrating to lose such a good person!

2/1 Run 10.31 miles
2/2 Run 13.12 miles
2/3 Run 27.01 miles
2/4 Run 6.55 miles
2/5 Run 10.26 miles
2/6 Run 10.28 miles
2/7 Run 6.61 miles
2/8 Run 10.23 miles
2/9 Run 10.32 miles
2/10 Run 13.07 miles
2/11 Run 7.03 miles

2/1 - 3 miles
2/2 - 0 miles
2/3 - 3.1 Mardi Gras 5K
2/4 - 0 miles family stuff
2/5 - 8 miles
2/6 - 3 miles
2/7 - 0 miles
2/8 - 6 miles
2/9 - 3 miles
2/10 - 4 miles 5K and some extra
2/11 - 8 miles

38 of 110 miles



Skip and I ran together today, it was about 62F/16C but drizzly, rainy/drizzle most of the run, but it was warm so it didn't matter. Didn't want to wear my new shoes because I didn't want them to get wet ha ha. So pretty my new shoes.




@katharmonic I’m sorry to hear about your coach. It’s awful when you find someone you are comfortable with and like and have that happen.
@AlphaHowls your mileage amazes me, just awesome