2010 Will Speck Memorial 5k

Cranston, RI
June 20, 2010
20:49
6:43 pace
28th place

I have run a 5k slower than this, but not for 5 years.  I was really disappointed after this race, since it's a team competition, and the top places count.  But my legs have nothing left in them.  I've been feeling this way for a few weeks now, and not getting much better.  Throughout the race I felt weak the whole way, with no kick left in the last mile, or the 300 meters around a track to the finish line.  Yes, it was over 80 and humid, and the course was mostly rolling hills, but I'd rather be getting faster than slower.

I've been increasing my mileage gradually over the past month, running up to 36 miles last week.  But even my shorter runs have left my legs tired.  This race felt like a marathon finish.

I'll see what this week brings, and if my strength comes back as I get used to the mileage.  I'm open to suggestions.

My week of "rest"

I ended last week with an extra-slow long run. After two races and a track workout, my legs were getting pretty rubbery.  Might not have gotten enough rest after that last marathon, and it is still lingering.  This week, I missed the track, and put in some long, slow distance.  I'm definitely feeling a little better, even after a nice 10 miles around my town last night.  Saturday, I'm planning to bump up the miles from where I've been, and should be able to handle it.  I don't want to fall too far from marathon distance training.  So, I'll call this an off week or recovery week, or mental health week.  Whatever the name, I needed it.

As far as marathons go, I'm heading to Maine and Cali this Fall, and planning my weekly mileage and work leading up to them.  Gotta keep getting those states in.

2010 Red Rooster Ramble 5 Miler, Week 11

Warren, RI
June 3, 2010
34:22
6:53 pace
7th place

I definitely lost some time each mile I ran tonight, starting around 6:45, and running mile 4 at 7:00.  I've had a hard week, starting with a 5k, running a good workout last night, an easy 4 miles recovery this morning, and opting in for a 5 mile race an hour before the start.  But I still don't feel strong and fast on my feet.  I'm gradually adding mileage recently, and feeling healthy overall, but still not great.

The weather was hot, humid, almost dank.  But a warm dank.  I skipped the water stops, because I didn't want to lose time in such a short race, and I think it's safe to say I lost a few pounds by the end.  Post race included a beer and pizza, prime recovery fuel.

This series runs every week, and it's close to home, so I'll be back on the course, hopefully posting faster times along the way.