2014 goal: 5000 total miles.

And, a 15k, 13.1, 70.3, 26.2

Game on. 

Jingle Bell Run 2013

12.23.13

We're back!  For the 2nd year in a row, we are back for the Dallas Jingle Bell Run. We booked a room at the Anatole, invited some friends, and lined up Lela to watch the boys during the event.  This event is fun and festive. It will be a staple on the annual event calendar. This year we were joined by Craig and Lisa and Courtney and Kelly.  Gage was struggling with a stiff neck and wanted his mommy. As a result, Lindsi's run, once again, got derailed.  I was hoping to improve on my previous 5k times with this one, and did. Due to the crowd of people, or was difficult to get started, but, after a mile or so, I found a little space to move.  When it was done, I booked a 27.11, a PR, and 6.5 minutes faster than last year.  

Some Like it Cold 5k / 10k 2013

12.21.13

In an attempt to find another event for December, I stumbled upon this one.  Since it was hosted at Trinity Park, it would be an easy, convenient 10k, and would fit into my 70.3 training plan. 

My running had tapered off over the past few weeks due to a nagging knee injury, but, was beginning to feel better.  

When I went to pick up my packet on Friday, I was underwhelmed by race "office", but the race director seemed like a good guy. We talked about the forecast for the race and the Y a bit.  

As forecasted, this morning was in the mid 30's with a steady rain. Yuck. Of the 300 preregistered runners, only 128 showed up. 

The run was cold and wet, my shoes and socks were soaked, and much of the trail was underwater, leading to runners running in the grass for periods of time.  While I eventually warmed up, it took about 4 miles for my hands to stop hurting from the cold.  

At one point, I thought I could finish in a sub 1 hour time, but, the nasty conditions slowed me down a bit. I continued my steady pace, and finished in 1:03:30. A fairly standard time for me for a 10k. Due to the low partication, I placed in my age group and received a medal. That made the poor conditions and the wait for awards worth the effort.  

My knee was pretty sore after the event, and will need to improve quickly, as the jingle bell 5k is in 2 days.  

I suspect I may seek out a few events from this race group again, as they are local, and seem to be good people.  

Let the training begin!

In 2013 my wellness events evolved a bit, as I dipped my toe in the pool of multisport events.  As one might imagine, this has led to a desire to increase distances in said events. So, 1st challenge: ironman 70.3.  I asked Tarp, one of the local Tri gurus, which event to target as my 1st half ironman, and, Galveston was the recommendation.  (http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/texas.aspx#axzz2nUJvL8lf). 

So, tomorrow, my journey begins.  I will follow this 16 week training plan: (http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/09/training/super-simple-ironman-70-3-triathlon-training-plan_12364). 

I'm entering this training program a little out of shape and banged up, as I have not been diligent about my training in several months, and have a sore right knee. 

I'm hopeful that I can push through the knee pain. 

When training for my 1st sprint Tri last summer, I found great motivation in training for the event, and, saw good results as well. 

I suspect that the cycling will come easy, the improvement on the running will come, and the swimming will suck. It will also be a challenge to find time to "open water" swim between now and the event. 

Game on. 

Derailed.

A nagging knee pain has brought my running to a halt. I have only run a few times since the turkey trot.  I am registered for a 10k on the 21st, and scheduled to begin my 70.3 training on the 16th. Hoping for a good response from my right knee.  

here we go again!

Game on. 

FW Turkey Trot 2013

11.28.13

As a member of the FW Y team, this event will be a staple on my fitness calendar.  The 5k option of this event was my 2nd 5k last year, and, due to my newness to running, I was forced to walk a bit.  My 2012 time for the 5k was 35:13. What a difference a year makes. I opted for the 10k option this year, my 2nd event of that distance. Lindsi and the boys opted for the 5k, and, Griffin was excited about running with mommy.  We took separate cars, and, had a little trouble connecting pre-race.  As a result, I was nowhere near the starting corral when the horn sounded for the 10k.   As I worked my way to the start line, Butler was on the microphone chanting "go derek go".  I had some catching up to do.  The weather was in the 30's at the start, and I had layered my clothing.  About 2 miles in, I realized that I needed to shed some clothing, or, I would overheat.  So, gloves off, fleece jacket around waist, and continue running.  I found a steady pace, and for as hilly of a course as it was, felt good about my rhythm.  My goal is to be under 1 hour in 10k's.  I recognized that I wouldn't quite be there, but, would be close.  As I rounded the corner towards the finish line, I picked up the pace, and, finished in 1:04:40. Not bad, but, a long way to go to be competitive.   As expected, the boys were challenging for Lindsi. Gobbler Trot 1k it is next year.