Rock N Roll Dallas 13.1 2015

3.22.15

take 2.

I participated in this event last year, and, really liked it.  RnR does a great job with their events.  As a result, they cost a bit more, but, they are worth it.

I was on the fence on this one, as my training continues to be poor, and, like last year, this event fell on the weekend after the 1st 2 days of March Madness.  As a result, my beer consumption has been high, and, my diet has been poor...just like this time last year.

To add insult to injury,  my weight late in the week was higher than it has been since mid 2012.

I fought a bit of a cold / sinuses and some lower back pain early last week, so, waited to register.  I finally did so at the Expo yesterday.

The course changed a bit this year, and, I was interested to see the changes.

I had no problem getting to the event early and finding parking.  I saw a few folks I know prior to the event, and was glad that I 'd decided to run.

My bib had me assigned to corral 12, I'm assuming due to the late registration, but, I moved up to 8, as the 2:15 pacer was there.  I knew a few of the folks running with that pace group, so, figured I would tag along.

I picked up a new pair of Brooks PureCadence 3's at The Cowtown, and was eager to get them out on a long run.  I loved my PureCadence 2's that I ran much of last year in, and had been underwhelmed by everything I'd worn since.

I got of to a good, steady, pace, and felt great...shockingly.  I stopped for a pee break at about mile 5, but, quickly found my pace again.  the 2:15 group passed me by while I stopped, but, I knew that a 2:15 was still within reach.

I was headphone free on this one, and, much like RnR NO, enjoyed the sights and sounds of the race.

I really enjoyed the new course.  It was a bit hillier than last year, but, a great course.  I felt good until about mile 10, where I began to feel some fatigue.  I suspect the lack of training led to that.  I did walk quickly up a hill around mile 11,  but, resumed my running just after.  I picked it up near the finish line, and booked a 2:17:03.  Interestingly, only 1 second slower than the same event last year.   I felt pretty good about it as I haven't trained at all.

I felt good on this one...new shoes felt great, endurolytes and gels kept me from cramping, etc.

Just after crossing the finish line, I ran into Hider.  I didn't even realize that he was racing today.  We hung out, listened to Eric Hutchinson (headliner for the event), and drank a few beers before hitting the road.

Today was just what I needed to boost my confidence.  I'll look at Big D Half in a couple of weeks, the Caveman Tri later in April, and, likely, the OKC 13.1 on 4.26.

Racing season is here.  

36 months

3.12.15

3 years ago (on 3.24.12, to be exact), things changed for me.  After nearly 8 years of inactivity, I bought a bike, and began my journey back to wellness.

Some milestones along the way:

2012:

• 2981 miles traveled in 9 months.  
• my 1st bike rally ever - ended up completing 3:  42 miles, 57 miles, 63 miles
• 3 5k's completed.  After thinking I would never run again, this was a big deal
• participation in a Hoop It Up 3 on 3 tourney.  the 1st in many years

at one point my weight dropped to under 190 - too light.

2013:

22 events, including:

• 7 5k's...began to figure out the running thing
• 1 5 miler - 1st ever in October
• 3 10k's - 1st ever in November 
• 8 50+ mile bike rallies including Hotter N Hell 100
• 2 triathlons - 1st ever in July
• 1 duathlon - 1st ever.

I maintained a weight of 190 - 195. 

2014:

43 events, including:

• 6 50+ mile bike rallies
• 7 5k's - much faster!  PR of 25:02
• 1 6k
• 1 4 miler
• 6 10k's - much faster!  PR of 56:04
• 2 15k's - pacing improving
• 3 10 milers
• 3 duathlons - not yet competitive, but, improving 
• 9 triathlons - not yet competitive, but, improving.  this included 1st OWS swim event for me
• 5 half marathons - what the hell??  I never thought I could complete this distance.

but, my training sucked in 2014, and I maintained a weight 10 - 12 lbs above my ideal racing weight.

2015:

I'm struggling to get motivated to train.  Some of it is weather, lack of daylight, etc.  Some of it is pure apathy.  As of today, I feel heavy, lethargic, lazy.  I've completed 6 events to date:

• 1 10k
• 1 10 miler
• 3 half marathons - considering 1 a month this year
• 1 duathlon

I've been slow in each of these events....my lack of training and poor diet is showing.  

As I approach my 3 year anniversary of my 1st bike purchase and my commitment to wellness, I'm hopeful I will find some motivation as well...

Cowtown 13.1 2015

3.1.15

A year ago, this was my 1st 13.1 ever. As a non runner who had never completed more  than 5 miles prior to November of 2013, that was a pretty big deal.  I went on to complete 5 half marathons in 2014, and, today would be my 3rd in 2015.

I have had incredible difficulty committing to my training this year.  While my work schedule and the weather / sunlight have been factors, much of it feels like apathy.  I'm going to have to sort that out.  My races have felt sluggish due to the lack of training, and, in general, I feel somewhat lethargic.

I last exercised 2 weeks ago...let that settle in...not last raced two weeks ago, but, last exercised.  I competed in a duathlon that day and felt decent.

I went into this weekend having no idea what to expect, as my fitness level was a mystery.

To compound this issue, we have had a winter storm this week, closing schools, the Y etc.  As a result, the Cowtown 5k and 10k were cancelled on Saturday.  Late yesterday, the decision was made to cancel the full and ultra marathons, as the icy conditions made them unsafe.  The only event that would be held was the half.

I was unsure what to think about that, as full and ultra runners were offered the option to run the half. However, in looking at the results, there were still fewer runners than last year.  Clearly, lots of folks, including many that I know, skipped the event due to the weather

I laid out my gear last night, and debated several times on what would be best, as the temps would be in the mid 30's with the potential for rain.   I finally settled on running tights, a thermal compression shirt, a dri fit shit, a jacket, running gloves and a beanie cap.  I figured I could lose the gloves and vent the jacket along the way if needed.

My insomnia continues, as I awoke at 3 a.m. and never went back to sleep.

Living close to Will Rogers makes the commute easy.  I parked at farington field and walked down crestline to the venue.  Same as last year.

The corral set up was different this year.  While it helped with the staging, it did make things fairly congested for the first half mile, as, for whatever reason, they cut the starting line down to one lane.  Last year, it was 2.

I got off to a slow start, as the aforementioned congestion and slushy roads through trinity park made it difficult to find and room to run.  Like always, I also felt the need for a restroom stop, and, took it early.

Once I got on to 7th street, I found some space.  However, I already felt a bit out of sorts due to the insomnia, weather, and slow start.  I settled into a 11 min / mile pace.  Slow...

I really do like this course.  It is much hillier than RnR NO etc, but, I like running in areas that I know.   As I mentioned last year, the stockyards and main street hill are cool elements of this event.

Slow and steady on this one, until about mile 11.  I stopped to walk up a small hill, and stopped and walked once more about mile 12.  I'm clearly out of shape.  Early in the race, I realized it was going to be a slow day, but, wanted to be faster than the Texas Half a few weeks ago, as it was a disaster.  As I watched my Garmin, I realized today would be even slower.

I did my best to finish strong, but, posted a 2:27:38.  My slowest half marathon ever, and, a full 11 minutes slower than last year...almost a minute per mile.  yuck.

I'm glad to have this one done.

I keep saying I need to start training...maybe now I will.  I'm toying with a couple of more events this month, including a tri and another half. We'll see.

https://www.strava.com/activities/261638701