So the running obsession continues...I'm running the Fall season with AustinFit, which of course is affiliated with USAFit....or something like that. It culminates in Feb 2013 with the Austin Half Marathon (the even-crazier people train for the Full Marathon). I'm never going to stop hating the name "Half Marathon". It ain't half of anything, it's a complete ass kicking of a race. Too short? Run faster then!
But I digress, which is the whole point of blogging, no? I'm so grateful to the program, and so glad I sucked it up last year and joined. It took so much for me to get in the car that first day, I was scared shitless. What? Run with people I don't even know? Last time I did that I was wearing combat boots and birth control glasses! It turned out fabulously, after training the entire season with my 11 min/mile group, I went out with a couple of our faster gals (shout out to Amy and Eliza!) and averaged 10:45 over the 13.1 miles. Not bad for such a tough course!
A group of us ran throughout the summer (read previous bitches and moans) and I'm so grateful to them all. Mark mostly, who loosely "organized" it by inviting us to keep our running fitness up. And Amy, who makes running look as easy as breathing to us mere mortals. We slogged through some hot, hot runs and I know we are all better runners for it. It will make those cool winter runs a piece of cake!
Not being injured is something I never take for granted any more, not since THE CALF....which for any new voyeurs, er readers, was the injury I suffered last Fall. I learned a LOT from that injury, I can assure you! I learned to build a proper base mileage before any race, and to not ramp things up too quickly. I hope to never make that mistake again!
So this fall, I'm moving up with our coach to the 10:45 min/mile group. My basic plan is to do faster tempo runs during the week, and build the mileage at a slower pace on the long Saturday runs with the group. I know given a good base, my race pace is always going to be a bit faster. This year I hope to run 10-10:30 at 3m (Jan 13th) and about 10:30-10:45 miles at the Austin Half, unless I just get super fast. Not going to happen at this age, I don't think! But speed is no longer my prime objective. Just staying in shape, and ENJOYING the runs is fine with me. Losing sight of the fun is the kiss of death for me!
My workouts are in a great rhythm right now, although quite a few people have commented on the lunacy they appear to be on the outside. There is a plan people. I have a bike I'm slowly paying off, and when I get on it this Fall to start riding again, I want to be in shape and hauling LESS ass up those hills. I'm fortunate in that I can devote a LOT of time to working out that most men my age can't. Idle and Perry do not get along well.
I guess that's it for now. Now go run. :O)
