Group Running. Sure, why not?

For the first time in a long time, I joined a small group of guys to run with. I’ve run races with them before, but never a “training” run. To make things more interesting, the decided distance was 10 miles. Because of this, I was extremely nervous. My mile count has been very low, and the last time I did 10 or more miles was 2 weeks ago. I even treated the morning just like my race days. Same routine, same diet.

Fortunately, as I strolled up to meet the rest of the guys, I was glad to hear another runner sharing similar emotions. And then, we decided on the pace. Everyone was happy when the numbers being tossed around were between 8:00 and 9:00.

As for the run itself, the miles flew bye. A lot of chatter was about previous and upcoming races, shoes, and some friendly jesting. Pacing wasn’t much of an issue. We floated around the 8:10 mark for the majority of the miles, which were ran on a bike path and a few secondary roads. Minimal traffic made the run even more enjoyable, with the exception of having to stop a few times at a busy intersection.

Post run, we all were blessed with some Gatorade and more small chat as we gathered on the back porch. We all decided that this run was a good experience, and we started to make quasi-plans to do it again soon.

Running with a group made the 10 miles seem effortless. I know the pace was slower, but I think I needed that. Whenever I go out solo, I’m always at the edge or out of my comfort zone. I tend to forget that miles are miles, no matter how fast (with the exception of tempo or speed works days). Moreover, running with a group forces me to be accountable. If I tell someone I’ll run with them, I will. If I am sitting at home, thinking I should run – sometimes that is as far as I get.

Am I going to make it a habit? Hopefully. Will it replace me running solo? Absolutely not. I still need my “me” time. However, I do think that a group speed-work session will boost my training and make me a better runner. But for now, I’ll enjoy the company as we cruise through miles on the macadam. 

"How's everything going with you?"

It’s been roughly 2 months now since my diagnosis. Overall, I think things are going well! I ran 20 miles yesterday, I’ve been setting 5k PRs, and I feel “normal” (whatever that means).

To be honest, without the steady flow of medical bills coming, it’s like nothing is wrong...

Mentally – I feel tough as nails. The clarity that I have had is great. Not quite Zen-like, nor is it YOLO! Rather, I think I just see things for what they are.  I attribute most of this to upping my training and competing in races. This has also led to new friendships.

As great as this seems, it is almost a burden. Yes, it does help me with “mental endurance” for long runs or grading papers for an hour straight; however, if there are dishes in the sink, why not save the water and wait until the next day? (My wife hates this, by the way).

Physically – I’m running on all cylinders. Between my own training, leisure family runs and coaching I’m in great shape. Some highlights: I took 1^st place for my age group in an 8 series race, 7^th overall out of nearly 200 athletes, a PR similar to when I was in high school, and running 20 miles with relative ease until the last 5 or so miles (I averaged a 7:53 pace).

What does all this mean?
I. Don’t. Know.

Seriously. It seems weird. But I guess that’s why I’m typing this. I was back to my normal groove and almost blocked out the diagnosis from my head. But then, the question:

“How’s everything going with you?” A normal questions, but with the tone and look – the speaker wanted something more.

“Um, I’m doing alright.” Then, like a sack of bricks it hit me. It wasn’t small talk…

My response was genuine. I discussed how things haven’t changed and that all is well. No symptoms, no hardships. Just same ol’ me.

I guess this kind of got me back to thinking about that day. The day my life did a 180.  

Anger? No. Sadness? Not really. Just confusion.

To this day it is the same. However, now instead of “How and why?” it’s more like “Are you sure I have cancer?”

New PR and 1,000 Mile Stats

Two things to post today:  A new PR and a February update towards 1,000 miles.

First things first, over the past couple of weeks a switch has flipped. I don’t know what it is, but I love it. My old race pace is slower than what my current training pace is. I tackle hills with a new sense of ferociousness. 

My body has been like a well-oiled machine, handling long steady runs and short speed workouts with great acclaim. My legs recovery quickly and rarely are they sore (*knocking on wood as I type*).

Whatever the reason is behind this (rest days, innate awesomeness, or winning mental battles), I have seen nothing but results. Let’s take a look at the last 3 races:

Stickman Tandem’s 5K                  19:24     6:15/mile

Heart and Sole 5K                          19:02     6:08/mile

Lose Your Shirt and Shoes             18:43     6:02/mile

Talk about results! In 4 weeks, I shed 13 seconds off of my mile pace with a total of 41 seconds for the total completion of a 5K.

Again, I do not know what to attribute this to. I believe a lot of it comes from the support from others and feeding off of my success from the previous race. We’ll see if the trend continues next week when the last race of the Shenandoah Runner’s Club Winter Series happens.

Secondly, here is where I lie in my quest for 1,000 miles.

I admit, I’ve been slacking. With weather (snow, sleet, cold, and covered sidewalks/roads), many of the days have been spent indoors. And since I hate treadmills, I get 0 miles in on those days. I’m hoping after this polar vortex nonsense passes, along with winter storm Titan, I’ll be able to get back on the horse and plug in more miles. Plus, track season started - I’ll be running almost daily, but now I just need to remember to start my watch whenever I run with the kids.

Here’s where I am at 2 months into the year:

Total miles: 138.31

Where I should be: 164.38

Miles ahead/behind: 26.07

Average Pace: 7:09

Here’s to nice weather, so I can get out more often and for longer runs!

On a complete side note: I found a cool site called Strava. It works with my Garmin device and keeps track of my miles, speed, pace, climb, mile wear on my shoes, and a whole bunch of other stuff. It is similar to Connect.Garmin.Com, but it also has a big social media option. If you want to sign up, go to www.strava.com, complete a profile (or link through your Facebook), and add me as a friend. We can even compare our weekly stats for bragging rights/motivation for one another. Here’s my link. http://www.strava.com/athletes/2261215 (I’m lonely and not following anyone L)