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.