A Hood to Coast for the Memory Book

Last time I ran Hood to Coast was 2015 and it was painful. Even more than usual, my left hip was still giving me lots of pain. This year our office team again got an entry and I declined but offered to be one of their volunteers.  All was good.

Then last week I got a call asking if I wanted to be on a team of former cross country and track teammates from the late 60s early 70's from Yale...yes Frank Shorter is one of those teammates. After talking with the Old Blue captain and describing to him my conditioning state he was still encouraging. Ask for 24 hours to think it over, but assured him if I joined them I would increase their average pace and lower their average IQ.

My first call after hanging up was to Marky. After explaining the situation and my concerns about not being in shape to run well or even without pain, his advice, as sound as ever, was "Ricky it's Frank fucking Shorter!" He was right, I'm on the team.

Where upon I immediately hurt my foot and was in pain for two days and scared I'd have to now back out. But after icing and no running for 3 days whatever it was was gone. I did a hilly 6 mile run on Sunday doing 3/1 run/walk following by a 3 mile 3/1 on Monday. My legs were tired but no pain in hips, back or knees. Goal now is to not do anything stupid and get injured.

There is a team dinner tomorrow night, Thursday, where we will decide who runs which legs. Our start time is 12:15pm Friday. As I told Marky, I'll ride this high until I'm struggling on leg 2 or 3 and think, "what the hell was I thinking!"

more to come...

The end of an epic weekend. So much to reflect upon and savor. From the teammates of Old Blue, to my runs, to observing the bonds of decades of friendships. It was a privilege to be a part of this.

My runs:
Leg 11: 4.84 miles, 45:38, 9:15
This leg was my night run, Springwater Corridor, straight and flat. Goal was to run a faster training pace run. I was a bit tight and sore from riding in the van but loosened up. It was impossible to time my pace so ran of perceived effort. I was comfortable but felt like a quick training run. I went back and forth passing a woman until the last mile we agreed we liked each others pace and ran the last mile together and chatted. We high fived at the end. Paced was perfect, 9:15 what they had calculated for this leg.

Leg 23, 4.23, 37:26 (8:50)
This was my only leg on the road where the van could pass me and yell at me. I gave em a thumbs up. It was a gradual downhill with just a couple of mild bumps, perfect for a faster pace without much effort or leg pounding. I don't remember much about this leg other than I knew I was running quick, good leg turn over, but within comfort level, knowing my final leg was the longest and most difficult was ahead. Exceeded my goal pace of 9:15.

Leg 35, 7.07, 1:14:06, (10:28)
This would be my longest run in over 2 years. I've run 6 miles about 5 times this year. This was the leg where I thought I was thinking of doing run/walk the entire way. But after running with this group and feeling like a welcomed teammate I knew I had to "leave it on the track." I wore the Yale t-shirt I was given, I had to make the name on the shirt proud. Kurt had run these legs last year and explain this section to me and gave me some good advice about not taking the first slight downhill at the start too hard, and beware of the "fake" finish about a half mile before the actual finish. Both were good suggestions.  As I started out my goal time was 9:45. I knew it would be a real struggle to maintain that. My set my sights not on a pace but an effort. I found an effort level that was right on the balance beam, to fall one way would be running too easy, like a long easy run. To fall the other way was to collapse into lactic acid hell. My goal was to stay on the balance beam as long as possible and see which way I fell. I pulled out all the stops to help me...I carried water knowing I would need to hydrate on this hour plus run, I had Gu, and I had music, which I never run with. I also gave encouragement to anyone I passed or passed me.

As the early miles passed I set my time goal to finish in 70 minute, 10:00 pace. I got mental help by encouraging others. As I passed a fire truck with volunteers there to aid runner, I help out the relay baton and said, "This is a relay. Who wants to run?" No takers.

As I approached 5 miles I had to start the tricks. I set goals of running to that patch of gravel, then to that curve ahead, to the to of this incline. At 5.5 I had to walk. I drank so water and 60 seconds later I started running with the idea of starting the 3:00/1:00 run/walk. I was hoping I could still make 70 with the past pace. After a couple of 3/1 cycles it was time for the music. I made a playlist of songs to motivate and songs to distract. The first up when I hit shuffle was Enter Sandman, a motive, I was hoping for a distraction. I started running and ran through the some. When it finished I walked for 60 seconds. I did another cycle and mid way run a 3 minute run segment Three Dog Night's Joy to the World shuffled on. I love that song. That run took me to the 6.5 miles. I was hurting but knew the finish was near. I turned off the music as I passed signed warning flagger ahead, "Be Prepare to Stop" As I approached the intersection and was being waved through I said to the flagger, I saw the "Be Prepared to Stop" sign, I've been prepared to stop for a long time." That got a laugh and encouragement that the finish was close.

As I approached the exchange I saw my teammates. I think I picked up the pace, but I know I was in pain, my legs had been fighting me for the past 3 miles. But as I handed the bracelet to Bard I placed my hands on my knees in exhaustion, Jeff was near enough to catch me if I needed assistance, all I could do was mutter a breathless, "fuck!" I was welcomed with enthusiastic support from my van mates. I felt like a Yalie. Though I didn't meet the expected time nor my goal, I knew I ran on the balance beam for as long as I could and finished as hard as I could. I was wiped out and they recognized that effort. Thank you van mates for the support.

More on the epicness of the Old Blue companionship I had the honor of seeing...

Rare evening appearance from That Guy

Only on rare occasions does That Guy come out at night. Last night was one of those. A full moon made the meadow very bright, pretty awesome.

Haven't been running this week, my right calf cramped on a run earlier this week and the left did during the night. Did a couple of swims and a couple of elliptical workouts instead. Though not nearly as satisfying as a run, getting the heart rate up and getting a sweat on feels good. A cleansing of sort.  Hopefully with a new moon cycle starting a new productive run cycle with follow. 

Deschutes Dash Sprint Tri 7/14/18

As I wrote a few days ago, triathlons have too much organizing. I forgot to bring my swim goggles to the race, left them in the apartment. I didn't realize it until I was putting on my wet suit, so too late for even Rachel to run back and get them.

The water was about 61-63 degrees according to the race director. Cold! We were able to get in the water and "warm up" which was nice. I ddn't think the swim would be too much of a problem even without the goggles, I'd swim with my head up for most of it. Since there was a strong down stream current the swim would go fast. Right from the start though I was not able to get into a comfortable rhythm and get my heart rate and breathing down. The water was just too cold. I breaststroke most of the way.

Out of the water and through transition, wet suit came off fairly smoothly. Nothing forgotten here, check.

The bike was 6 miles out on a gradual up hill, so coming down was fast. I was able to maintain a decent pace going out and hit the mid and high 20s coming down without forcing the effort. However, I could tell my lack of bike training as my butt and hamstrings began to tighten the last couple miles. I also tried to remind myself to drink as it was a sunny day and getting hot.

Once off the bike I was really sore in the hamstrings and glutes. It was painful to sit down to change shoes.

Starting the run, my legs were bike heavy. I told myself just an easy pace to get your running legs. By this time it was hot and I was concerned during that first mile my calf might cramp and my legs were still toast. I walk the short steep uphills during to the turn around. I was going slow, 12 minute per mile pace. At the turn around I stopped for extra water and a Gu hoping this would give some energy. It did help, also it was now down hill back to the finish. I was able to run consistently and my running legs were back, but I was hot and tired. No big push to the finish, just a steady pace all the way to the finish.

 

Based upon my training, which basically was running, pool swimming and no biking, I gave it my best effort. Altitude and heat I couldn't train for. It felt good to finish and get another one under my belt. Will I do another? I seriously don't know.

 1:38:33

That Guy's satisfying run

That Guy was tired at the end of today's run. It wasn't an overly fast one, or of a more extreme distance. It was a run longer than ones of late, and surprisingly a bit faster. It was a run that was comfortable, yet challenging. Hands on knees, catching breath, sweat soaked, letting legs and lungs recover. It was satisfying.

The After Glow

One of my favorite parts of running, though one I don't get to savor enough, is being able to take time and enjoy the "after glow" of a run. The tiredness, the sweat dripping, still catching my breath, the freshness in my lunges from the miles of deep breathing, savoring the feeling of what my body is able to do. Clarity enters mind and body, senses at their optimum. A time for reflection, creation, joy.

Freedom 5k 2018

The details:
26:03, 8:24 pace
Splits: 7:56, 8:16, 9:13
101 of 252 OA, 3rd of 8 in AG

Pre-race

Start/finish

There were some fast old farts this year! 23:47 and 23:54 were ahead of me in my AG! Maybe we need to check IDs or drug test.

Was hoping for under 26, but I learned I can still comfortably run a sub 8 pace...then tie up the last 3/4 miles.

Good day for racing, overcast mid 60s at race time. Course is the July 4th Parade route through Mollala. Nice crowd all along the course.

The first mile felt comfortable and in control. I was surprised when it showed up as 7:56. I knew I'd pay later but the pace didn't feel taxing. I did purposefully slow though in hopes of delaying the agony for a bit longer.

Passed mile two at 8:16 later. Still not hurting but knew it was coming and as I turned the corner for the long stretch back through town I could feel it beginning to take hold. This stretch the kids are on the side of the road with their hands out. I took advantage of the kids offering high, well really low 5s, to distract me from the pain of the last mile. It worked for a short while.  5ks hurt in a way other races don't, especially longer ones.

When I passed mile  3 with the grass stretch to the track and finish line, I had nothing left. No sprint finish, not even an attempt to pick up the pace. Legs and lungs were in full revolt. I settled for a relaxed last couple hundred yards finish, well as relaxed as you can when your body is screaming at you.

Though I didn't break the 26 minute goal, it was a good effort on a minimal distance base with no speed work. And I can still run a comfortable sub 8 mile!

Post race, 3rd AG

#celebrating60/45

Up coming races

In the next 12 days I have a 5k race and a sprint triathlon scheduled. I'm looking forward to the 5k, not so much the triathlon. Though I'm swimming regularly and even enjoying it, it has all been pool swimming and the tri is an open water swim. I haven't been wanting to get into to colder water of the reservoir to train. I also haven't been biking much. I'm really thinking this will probably be my last triathlon or at least one that is open water swimming.

I've been enjoying this training cycle, running has been going well with no major pains. My right shoulder has been giving me the most trouble, the old baseball injury. It is aggravated and sore when lifting or moving it is certain ways. It begins to get sore after about 25 minutes of swimming.

As for swimming, I seem to have hit a high peak, at least in terms of comfort with the new form. I have been feeling much smoother in the water and more relaxed the past couple of weeks. Surprisingly I've been looking forward to the swims, having the pool cover removed and swimming outside helps also.

That Guy didn't make the Seaside trip

Some runs are just a blessing. This run in Seaside was one of those, too bad That Guy wasn't around to enjoy it with me. I had gone for a 30 minute swim during the lunch break at the COSA conference and just wanted to get in a few easy miles. I started out on the loop I run when I'm here. It allows for a longer run of about 4.5 or shorter on of 3.5.

I started this run telling myself to go slow, this was a run of ease not speed. I had a couple of  the aches I generally have but nothing to extreme. I had to remind myself a couple of times to slow down, wait til at least you get halfway. 

As I kept going, my knees loosened up a bit. I didn't feel like I had sped up much but was enjoying a comfortable pace. The evening was a nice temp for running and the sky was overcast, an occasional ocean breeze comimg from my right. It was as perfect of evening for a run as one could as for.  

I started up and crested the one hill on the route with little extra effort. The downhill side was as effortless as a 60 year old could expect. It interesting how perceptions and perspectives change over the years. There was a time when the aches I was feeling would have classified this as a bad run. Now it was looking like a gooder one.

When I enter my results in my log and saw I'd run a 9:13 average pace I was surprised at the speed. I didn't feel like I was going at a low 9 pace and was actually just wanting a mid 9 pace. My legs were tired the last half mile. Most likely from the earlier swim, but my stride felt fluid and purposeful.

The Ever Changing Goals of Running

When I was in high school and college, even for several years after college, my running goals revolved around getting faster and top finishes of races. Even though I enjoyed running for its mental, spiritual and physical aspects, racing and racing well is what motivated me. Over time the motivation has changed, and changed several times.

As I entered my 30's, it took me awhile to accept the fact that there would be no more PRs and fewer top finishes. Once I accepted that my lifetime PRs had been set I focused on age group finishes, looking to podium finishes in the age group categories. Yet during this time other life responsibilities began taking more importance and time; kids, job, marriage, community involvement.  I found myself training less hard, achieving my age group goals less frequent. But running remained an outlet to recharge my soul and spirit.

Entering my 40's my running goal changed again. I realized the level of training I was doing would allow me to compete for a top age group finish in only small races. I turned my focus on improving annual and decade PRs. Trying to run faster in June than in March, or faster at 46 than I was at 43. This goal lasted through my 40s and into my early 50's when a new decade started a new set of PR opportunities.

However, midway through my 50's something caught up to me, injuries. For most of my running career I'd had only minor injuries that a few days or a couple weeks off would heal. Not this time. After running through some pain that I should have known better, but was training for a half marathon to run with my daughter, I tore a tendon in my right foot due to a change in my gait from pain in my left hip/glute.  Surgery was required to fix the tear.

The goal became to heal and strengthen the weaknesses in my hip so I could run again. It turned into a journey that had me questioning whether I should retire from running all together. It took several years to reduce the pain in my hips while running. Pain that caused me concern that my body was telling my it had put in enough miles. Weekly sessions with a personal trainer saw steps forward only to encounter nagging injury, step forward another nagging injury.

As I approached the year of my 60th birthday, I was finally feeling as though running was still a part of my future. My hip was stronger, I was working on my flexibility and running was becoming more enjoyable. It was time to re-adjust my running goal.

I recall a meet I was at in college. I watched an older runner running the steeplechase as the meet was also an all-comers meet. I remember admiring that he was still running and obviously trying a new race. So the goal for my 60th year is a year to celebrate 60/45, sixty years on this planet, forty-five years of running on it.

Every run is a good run. Some are gooder or goodest depending on how my body is feeling. It's a celebration that my body is still doing what it loves to do, though going slower and not as far. A celebration of longevity, pride in still being able to participate in the sport that has brought me joy, challenges, rewards. A celebration that though my body has changed over time, my mind is still excited about the challenges ahead. It's no longer about PR's or placing. It's about feeling the wind in my hair, the sweat on my face, thoughts of past races, the peace that comes with setting aside the ego and enjoying my body in movement.

Memorial Day weekend ride

Sometimes the body remembers what it was like to run as a 35 year old. Saturday was one of those times. Nothing really hurt, just minor knee ache, stride felt fluid and comfortable. The 9:18 average pace means I dipped below a 9 minute pace for a couple miles on my 4.7 run. I considered going longer but better to play it safe, enjoy the experience and hope for another one soon.

Recovered today by going on a 26 mile bike ride. Longest of the year and generally my longest when training. I do need to work on doing longer rides but this one felt good and two hours on the bike is a nice workout. It was a beautiful day for a ride and Mt. Hood was visible from west of Mt. Angel.

Also the nurseries were looking good as well. It's nice to be able to work the workouts into the day as it progresses rather than having to fit them in before or after work. Makes retirement seem more and more attractive. 

An Ode to Legs

Legs, you've carried me through tens of thousands of miles over 45 years of running. You've been fast, heavy, sore, injured, light, slow, cramped, yet, reliable. You have been a gift that has allowed running to be a physical, spiritual and emotional activity. You have been taken for granted, but still show up for workouts. You gradually remind me of the years and miles you have supported me. I acknowledge that by slowing down, reducing miles, giving you more days off. But it's a selfish motive, I want you to continue carrying me through many more years and many more miles. #OdeToLegs celebrating60/45

Beaver Freezer Report

It didn't turn out as planned but...

Started the day with a text to Marky, asking since our two poop principal is for running for triathlons is it three poops? He called saying "whatever moves you." His real reason for calling was to let me know his dad had passed away that night. It was expected but still sucks losing a loved one.  Told him this race was dedicated to him and his family. I'm still looking for a card that says, "why can't the people you dislike die first?"

After setting up and then having to run back to the transition area to get my goggles and swim cap, it was time to start. The swim was uneventful, which for me is a win. Felt more comfortable than in past swims, thanks to the lessons I took leading up to this. BK, I recall you talking about the Total Immersion swim lessons. That's what I took. Has really help my swim confidence and relaxing and not fighting the water.

After the swim I changed into dry shorts since it was cool, windy and possible rain. Last time I did  Beaver Freezer my crotch got very cold. After a fairly smooth transition headed out on the bike. It was windy but other than that nice conditions. Pleasant ride, being aware not to over exert and to hydrate. Then at mile 6 I attempted to downshift approaching a hill and my chain slipped and got stuck between gears. It was good and stuck. Another cyclist stopped to help but both of us working on it couldn't loosen it. I started the 3.5-4 mile walk back to the transition area.

It starts out well

Coasting into transition w/broken chain

A couple of volunteers said they would call back for a rescue ride but none came. As I walked back being passed by riders, I 1) was glad it wasn't raining, 2) thought about packing up when I got back to the transition. As I continued to walk with plenty of time to reflect, I was proud to be out here and decided that Marky would tell me that the run is what we look forward to, it's the best part. So I decided I'd finish the run.

I finally reached the transition. As I walked up to the entrance and dismount line the volunteer gave me an inquisitive look. I said, "Oh this is where I was supposed to dismount!"  I changed into my running shoes and headed out. No wobbly bike legs to adjust to just stiff legs and back from walking four miles in cycling shoes. The run course is 3 one mile loops with a .1 to the finish inside the campus quad. First mile was 8:20, second was 16:36, third was 25:05. I like the mile laps, they seemed to go by quickly. Very pleased with the run.

Finishing with the best part!

Even though I wasn't able to complete the event as planned, I am happy with my swim and run.  Dropped my bike off at the bike shop on my way home to get the chain fixed and a spring tune up. Better bike leg next time.

Beaver Freezer coming up

My expectation for this event has gone down since the last run I did 4 days ago I still have some hamstring pain. Rather than try for a time close to 5 years ago when I did it. Now the goals are:

1. comfortable swim using the new technique.
2. bike at 14-15 mph
3. start run conservative like the St. Pat's day run and gradually pick up the pace depending on how the hamstring is.
4. finish feeling tired but not wiped out.

The weather is looking nasty, rain and strong wind. The weather may be more of a challenge than the physical effort.

Celebrating 60/45 on St. Patrick's Day

My race day, birthday FB post:
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I am blessed ,and not because my birthday falls on St. Patrick's Day. When I ran my first cross country race, still running 45 years later was not a thought. 60 years of aging and 45 years of running has taught me not every race is about testing my limits, every run is a celebration of physical, mental and spiritual health, and the people you encounter along the way are the blessings. #celebrating60/45

The Run to Get Lucky 5k was meant to be a test of my current fitness. I'd had several very good runs and was looking forward to the race. Then Wednesday morning before the race, on my morning run coming off a downhill a sharp pain struck my left hamstring. I stopped immediately and walked home, with a very sore muscle.

I spent the rest of the week icing it. On Saturday, it was better but I could still feel some irritation. As I warmed up for the race it became a bit more sore and I was concerned it would get worse as I ran. My race plan changed to going out very slowly and hoping it wouldn't get worse. As I ran the first mile I was very cautious and remained concerned. As I passed one mile in 10:20 I felt a bit of relief that it was no more sore than at the start. I decided I could gradually increase the pace.

During the second mile there were some slight up and downs. I was concerned even the mild downhill would cause it to get worse, fortunately that didn't happen. The second mile dipped to 9:24 pace. When I hit mile 2 I decided I'd pick up the pace for a faster finish. The last mile was significantly faster as I passed mile 3 in 27:54 and crossed the line with a watch time of 28:34. An 8:10 last mile.

Though it wasn't the race I wanted to run the  significance was that on my 60th birthday I was able to run. Jared ran with me and I appreciated his company. He was kind enough to hang with me and I'm sure he would have walked me back to the start had I pulled up lame.

As I noted in my FB post, not all races are about testing ones limits. This one turned out not to be about testing the limits of my current fitness but about being able to continue racing now and into the future. Embracing the lessons of the tens of thousands of miles run, to run and race smart among them, will help me continue to celebrate beyond 60/45.

That Guy and I attacked the 5 mile hill loop

It has been a couple years since I've run the Evans Valley/Steelhammer loop. It is a 5 mile route with 3 significant hills. This weekend That Guy and I ran it.

 

 I hadn't had the confidence in doing the run. I knew the hills were glute busters and then you have 2 more miles to get home. I finally felt mentally and physically ready.

It was as tough as i remembered, but I was able to do it, not with ease but without feeling wiped out or discouraged. Rather i felt encouraged after, knowing that I'm getting stronger. Even running

down hill was better than I expected, my knees ached but not painful.

It's two weeks before my birthday run and a month before the sprint tri. I'm feeling pretty good about the 5k, I hope to get time on my bike in the next several weeks.

Sometimes I actually show the wisdom of my age

Years ago when I experienced a bad run, I would run through it. It's different now. If I don't have any zip in my legs or knees or back are discomforting sore I back off, shorten the run and call it a day. I'm not training for speed or distance, just longevity.  So backing off and waiting for another day is perfectly fine. I still have the mental discussion about whether I should continue on in hopes the run gets better. It's the young competitor not wanting to give in. But fortunately the wiser veteran wins out, the majority of the time.

This morning I was planning on a 5 miler. The past two Mondays I did 5 so why not this one. The main difference is the previous Mondays I had not swam 1500m the day before. I don't know if that was the reason for my sluggishness but it's something to track to see. Last week was also the highest mileage running week and a gradual increasing in the mileage the past 2 weeks, so maybe it was a signal to have an easy day/week.

Silver Falls, trails

SFC 5K loop. Drizzly this morning. Ran solo, with Kasey last week. Not sure if I ran faster but it felt harder today than last week.  Still I felt good. Knees were slightly more sore today on the downhills but still tolerable. A big improvement over the past year!

This is a good place to run,, trails are challenging and its beautiful. In good weather the falls trail will be busy with hikers, so will have to do more running on the other side of the park. I need to get my miles up more and more hills since the loops are longer and more hills.  The falls were heavy with rain today!

I'm beginning to enjoy running again. The last few months have gome well and I'm running pretty much pain free and have begun to look forward to longer runs and looking to enter races. I've already signed up for a 5k on m birthday and am hoping to get into the Beaver Freezer Tri. I'd really like to do the Eugene half again but that would mean building mileage too quickly. I want to be conservative and not injure something again. Maybe a 10k or two and one or two tris this year and a half next year if training progresses well.

It feels mentally good to again be looking forward to racing I feel like I'm getting in better shape, though pounds have yet to begin to come off.

Sitting here in the lodge after my run...this is a very pleasant place to wind down after a run, hot coffee, comfy surroundings. Good place to reflect after a run.

Received L. Fleshman's announcement about her Wilder writing/running weekends.  Added a less expensive one in Bend. Would like to attend but seemed silly to R last time I suggested it. Running and writing are a good mix.  It would be a mental challenge for me to see if I could put depth into writing. It's always been my challenge to put thoughts , personnel ones down on paper. Descriptive writing is not easy for me. also opening up emotionally if frightening, opening up oneself to being vulnerable and self-conscience.

Daylight and running

It's interesting how a little daylight can improve a run. This morning I started out in the dark, the run was going well but nothing to write home about. When I was about 1.5 miles from home, I began to notice the beginning of daylight. At about the same time I began to feel a second wind. Things got a bit easier on the run. The remainder of the run, when I began to feel a fade I made sure to look skyward toward the rising sun. It gave me a bit more energy. I finished the run feeling tired, my longest in quite a while, but feeling refreshed and renewed.

Silver Falls run with Kasey 1/20/18

I went about 3.5 miles whiles she continued on to complete 8.  This was my first trail run in several years. My knees have been stopping me. The pain of the downhills were too much to be able to enjoy the trails. But today, they felt good. No soreness, stiffness. The pace was very easy almost 11 minute average, we took the uphill portions very slow and had to stop a couple of times to let hikers by.

No matter, it's always fun to run with the Kasey. She has gotten to be a strong runner.

Running for me began as way to earn a letter jacket in high school. There were only about 10 of use on the team, one was my older brother. If I could make the top 7 I would letter as a sophmore. I ended up being the #2 runner, being faster than my brother, and finding a passion and identity.

Ever since that first XC season I've been a runner. Though I was never fast enough to be recruited I was able to run in college, to maintain that passion and identity.  By the time I left college running was a part of me, etched into my identity.

Now it's a way to connect with my daughters, well Kasey at least.  Surprisingly she's the one who has found my love of this activity.

Why I Tri

Unlike many others I currently don't have a desire to do an Ironman. I'm a runner, not a triathlete. After 4 decades of running I found myself experiencing more frequent nagging injuries and more soreness after long runs.

About that time one of my daughters did IMAZ and challenged me to attempt a triathlon. I told her if I could work up to being able to swim a mile I would sign up for one.  I achieved that, eventually did 3 sprints and 2 olys over the course of the next few years. But rather than falling in love wit the triathlon I discovered it helped my running. Fewer injuries, better flexibility and even found some speed.

Triathlons forces me to cross train which as we know is a good thing. But as a runner, I really don't get the same satisfaction and joy that I do when I run.  My most high tech pieces of tri equipment are my Timex Ironman watch which I use to time all my workouts and my cell phone which I use to listen to podcasts while I cycle.

The challenge for me is finding the right balance between swimming, cycling, gym sessions and running. My goal is a minimum of 4 mornings of running with the other workouts scheduled in throughout the week as after work workouts.