To My Training Partners:
THANK YOU
!
Years ago in another life, we lived in Austin, Texas, and I had 3 running buddies. 2 were much faster than I and the other was a perfect match to me. We ran together maybe twice a month, but what we did as a group made my PR's possible in every distance.
For the past year or so, as I've met many of you many times, I've come to feel you are my training buddies. True, we only run together 2 or 3 times a year, always at races (In the words of Carrie: why do I run in Florida? Of course, I get to run with my friends! Wonderful comment Carrie), but when I see results like Jeff's sub-2:20 at Sarasota, and Dana and Steve's sub-4:30 on January 13, plus people posting great workouts, it truly inspires me to train a bit harder. Then when I'm out with my friends at races I can produce a result that both makes me proud, and represents my club well.
So today was my first outdoor run of the season. YES! It was also a scheduled tempo day, so I went to the high school track, ran 1/4 easy warm up, and took of for a 5K. My hope was 26-something. I went through mile 1 in 8:12 and felt okay, although that pace was pushing it. Mile 2 went by in 16:06, and I was sure feeling the pace and stress. I hoped to hold this for 1800 more meters, but I couldn't be certain. Each 400 meters that went by I calculated a likely finishing time, and made sure to leave something in my body for the remaining distance.
I went through 3 miles in 24:03, and finished 5000 meters in 24:51
. Honestly, I never imagined at my age I would ever go under 25 for a 5K again. I haven't run a 5K this fast in at least 10 years. So this was my over-50 PR (actually an over-40 PR for that matter). To say I'm feeling good about this is an understatement. In fact, I figured it was sufficient reason to get out a bottle of champagne.
I picked up this running thing again 3.5 years ago, and I'm still making progress and improving. Listening to people I like and respect get good race and training results makes me want to get out there and do the same thing.
This applies to people in the club who are faster than me, run pretty much the same pace as me, and especially those I love who finish a bit behind me in races. You all improve and surprise yourselves, which excites me and makes me want to match your achievements.
Thank you. I am so ready for the Minnie 15K and seeing my running mates. Can we do it this coming weekend?
Craig
Hope it's ok and the ice and rest helps quickly.
Check in when you get a moment and let us know how you are doing!
. Take care of it and don't sweat taking time off if you need it. You ARE prepared for the big race. Have faith in that and don't push through injury. 
. So back to weekly visits with the best chiropractor in the world. And per his advice I laid off the bike trainer, spin class, pilates, yoga, running, ski machine, etc etc etc today. *sigh* Being smart stinks sometimes. 
I want to go over there and look at their Garmin's. We tried going Saturday, but they were absolutely swamped. I will look for those socks while I'm there.
). I think the doctor needs some new toy to keep this up.
for his little ears!
). Oh, and these crazy people I've never met say I can do this marathon thing and we'll all have fun at WDW limping around after.
I guess that happens when you turn the big FIVE.
I will have to remember that when we go there. Ever notice that places are now known better by their nicknames? IHOP, WallyWorld, Mickey D's, Taco Smell, DQ, etc.? Do you know some more?
