Running Renaissance: One Skip Ahead of my Doom

[The Expert]

I’m fortunate to be a naturally gifted mediocre runner. As long as I do *some* training, I can run sub 2.

I would do crazy things to be this "mediocre" at running!

 

[GollyGadget]

I would do crazy things to be this "mediocre" at running!

I get it. I would do crazy things to be sub-elite!! That’s why I wanted to mention it. I know a lot of folks who are putting in loads of effort and have slower times.

Don’t let comparison be the thief of joy! And if you are going to compare, compare against yourself. We all have different talents & strengths.

 

[GollyGadget]

Hi all, since I'm not officially training for anything, my updates will be more sporadic (not that they weren't already ). I'm guessing that I will return to regular updates when marathon training kicks off this fall. Until then, I'll be trying to get my hamstrings to calm down by focusing on consistent mileage & strength work.

In the mean time, I'll try to pop in when I have something sort of interesting and/or amusing to share. Which brings me to this morning....

I went for my first pre-work, below freezing run this am. Running in 15F is not very pleasant. Despite wearing my fleece leggings & fleece top, I never warmed up. I suppose my body adjusted to the Florida temps these past few weeks and now I have to readjust to actual winter .

Per usual, my thoughts were wandering during the run and I accidentally took a wrong turn. My body is routinely on autopilot during easy runs. I quickly realized my error and reconfigured my route to get back on route. This shouldn't have been a big deal and it wasn't until I crossed a bridge only to realize it was closed on the other side . Not wanting to retrace my steps, I hopped over the pedestrian barrier into the road . Fortunately, not many cars out that early in the morning.



On the bright side (pun intended ), I finally put the lighted vest I received as a Christmas present to good use. I don't know if it was correlation or causation, but this was the first run where a vehicle spotted me and backed out of the crosswalk.



The Capitol was also looking fabulous this AM.


That's all for now. Happy running folks!

 

[RuntheMouse]

Did you decide on a HM for the fall or are you focusing on the marathon in January?

 

[GollyGadget]

Did you decide on a HM for the fall or are you focusing on the marathon in January?

I haven't decided. Good Life is still the leader but that was based on the assumption that we were going on a summer vacation. I limited my choices to quick weekend trips. We decided not to do a big summer trip this year so now I feel like I could expand my search to more interesting locations.

I've also been noodling on the idea to sign up for the NYC lottery. I don't really think this is a great idea given the current state of my hamstrings but the odds are so bad that part of me is worried this could be my one lucky year.

Basically, my entire year is TBD

 

[RuntheMouse]

I haven't decided. Good Life is still the leader but that was based on the assumption that we were going on a summer vacation. I limited my choices to quick weekend trips. We decided not to do a big summer trip this year so now I feel like I could expand my search to more interesting locations.

I've also been noodling on the idea to sign up for the NYC lottery. I don't really think this is a great idea given the current state of my hamstrings but the odds are so bad that part of me is worried this could be my one lucky year.

Basically, my entire year is TBD

Too many choices! You’ll figure it out.

 

[JediKnightXan]

Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, NE. Anyone have experience with this race?

I did the good life halfsy back in 2016, but haven't done it since. I didn't care for the course at the time as once you got to the downtown area/end of the race it was a bunch of out and backs, but they have since reworked the course since then and I don't think that is the case now. I was also injured at the time and didn't do as well as I had hoped so that probably colors my memory of it a bit.

It starts at the southeast end of town and ends downtown so you need to plan transportation around that, but I think they run busses to get you back to the start if your car is there.

My brother in law really likes the Halfsy and he prefers it to the Lincoln Half which is in May. Several of my coworkers also really enjoy the event.

The organization that runs it does a great job with all their events. I do one of their 10Ks every year and they put on a relay race between Omaha and Lincoln that I have been lucky enough to participate with on work's teams.

It is a fast corse and is good for setting a PR! I had considered signing up last year as tune up for the Marathon but figured I haf already spent enough on races with the Disney Marathon. Weather can be kinda hit and miss though. Last year was rough weather wise it was really cold and rainy, and year before was really windy.

If you have any questions let me know and I can try and get some answers from folks who have ran it recently!

 

[GollyGadget]

I did the good life halfsy back in 2016, but haven't done it since. I didn't care for the course at the time as once you got to the downtown area/end of the race it was a bunch of out and backs, but they have since reworked the course since then and I don't think that is the case now. I was also injured at the time and didn't do as well as I had hoped so that probably colors my memory of it a bit.

It starts at the southeast end of town and ends downtown so you need to plan transportation around that, but I think they run busses to get you back to the start if your car is there.

My brother in law really likes the Halfsy and he prefers it to the Lincoln Half which is in May. Several of my coworkers also really enjoy the event.

The organization that runs it does a great job with all their events. I do one of their 10Ks every year and they put on a relay race between Omaha and Lincoln that I have been lucky enough to participate with on work's teams.

It is a fast corse and is good for setting a PR! I had considered signing up last year as tune up for the Marathon but figured I haf already spent enough on races with the Disney Marathon. Weather can be kinda hit and miss though. Last year was rough weather wise it was really cold and rainy, and year before was really windy.

If you have any questions let me know and I can try and get some answers from folks who have ran it recently!

Thanks for sharing. I did look at the course and I don't remember a bunch of out & backs but I'm also not familiar with Lincoln so I had no idea if it was an interesting/good course or not. I also don't mind out & backs because it allows me to see the other runners. If I decide to go, I may have more questions.

 

[GollyGadget]

I had one truly garbage run last week. Didn’t really want to do it and had zero energy but did it anyway. I’ve had 3 good runs since then so definitely just one of those days but it was bad enough I was questioning why I do this. As long as the good days keep outnumbering the bad, I’ll keep at it.

Registration for the Grand Blue Mile opens tomorrow and I’ve decided not to register . It’s the first time I’m not running it since 2022. My hamstrings aren’t bothering me as much. However, all my miles have been easy. I’m certain they wouldn’t like it if I started speedwork again. The race fee is only $10 but I know if I registered that I’d be too tempted to push it. Better to not have that temptation and spend a few more weeks focused on consistent easy mileage & strength. I know it’s the right call, but I’m still a bit sad about it.

 

[GollyGadget]

I did a few strides at the end of my run yesterday and my hamstrings felt okay. it’s the first time I’ve done anything other than easy since my half marathon 5 weeks ago. they’re a bit touchy as I type this but I think that’s from my sliding hamstring curls today and not the strides.