Monday, January 26, 2009

Running Ain't So Bad--Tri Training Begins

Today was my first run in at least 3 months, maybe 4. I was a little wary about what it would feel like. Bridget asked how long I was going to go out for, "An hour?" she asked.

I shook me head. I was just going to play it by ear, but there was no way that my first run in such a long time was going to be an hour long. I don't hate myself that much. Besides, I still have to ride to work this week.

First, I headed out around a 1.2 mile loop around my neighborhood. I felt decent. The first hill was a little harder than I expected though. Instead of turning back to home I continued onward to a nearby school that has an outdoor track. The track is a little over a 1/2 mile from home. I started timing my half mile times once at the track. 5:07, then 4:53 and finally a 4:50. My heart rate was a little high during those times, but I didn't feel like I was dying. It also wasn't much more effort than what I had been doing...so I felt pretty good about that too. I ran a lap and a half and then headed back home. Roughly 4 miles total in about 43 minutes. Taking into account that other than the time at the track it was a hilly run, I feel good. My thighs feel a little tight tonight, which means that it will hurt to get out of bed tomorrow, but it could be worse.

I am pretty sure that if I had to do a 10K right now I would be able to hold sub 10 minute miles times on a fairly flat course. This is a great place to start my training for this year's triathlons. Much better than last year as I recollect.

Assuming that there will still be a spot available at the Ironman 70.3 in Boise this June I think I will do fine on the run if I can get a good training regimen going. Whether I can beat Fish or DTP is questionable. But then, that is not really the goal. I just want to do well with regard to what I am capable of, as in better than last year. If those yahoos beat me then so beat it. I am not overly concerned. I am not concerned because I have put this whole triathlon thing into its proper place in my life. I do them because they help to keep me fit, not because I enjoy them or because I need to beat such-and-such to validate myself.

No, I seek out my validation on the cyclocross courses. I get totally bummed out when I don't do as well as I envision. If I don't drown during the swim, and finish the bike in the top 1/3 and run the 13.1 miles without stopping all is well. Where I finish is secondary.

At least that is what I tell myself at dawn of this training season....


PACKFODDER WATCH: Days since blog was mercilessly killed, 13.

2 comments:

Fish said...

So, have you registered?

Mr. Flynn said...

No, not yet. I've got wait until taxes are at least filed so we know where we stand with money and getting other things going.



Money is still way tight. Still waiting for that 70.3 scholarship to come my way. For some reason it doesn't seem to exist.

Hopefully, we will file the first week of Feb and then I will use a credit card if I have to.

Of course, if we don't get back somewhat close to what we are expecting, then neither Bridget or I will be doing much of anything this summer.