It's been a few months and I have a few races to discuss! I've not really been on top of this thing lately, kind of a lot going on most of the time. I need to learn to just sit still sometimes!!
Anyway, I didn't end up running Johnny's Running of the Green! First time I haven't run that one in years....just wasn't feeling it that morning. Oh well, on to the next run.
After a few training runs, I ran the Flower City Half Marathon on May 1. I was nervous b/c I hadn't really trained for it and wasn't sure I should have been running it. I had been in the gym alot working core and weights, but not really running. Fortunately, I had an awesome run right up until about 8/9 miles. I was actually running at a pace that kept me in front of the 2:30 finish pace group! That is crazy for me considering my best finish was 2:37. Unfortunately, my lack of training came through at that point and I struggled with the last few miles. My foot cramp started up again and I had to keep stopping and stretching it every half mile or so. Then, just before the 12 mile marker (I could see it up ahead, I was that close!) my foot cramp was so bad that it collapsed my Achilles and lower calf and I couldn't get my foot or leg straight again. Not good! And all of this with only a mile left. I had actually been on track to have my best finish time ever. Booooo!! Luckily, a very nice runner stopped, laid me down, and stretched my calf to work out the knot. I checked my Garmin later and it noted that I was on the ground for 7 min. Sucks with 1 mile left!! At least I was able to finish and I still beat last years finish time for this run. Not too shabby.
The week after the half, I decided to run a 5k with a friend from the gym. It was her first 5k and she really wanted me to do it with her. I haven't run a 5k in ages!! It was great, I felt alright through most of it. I had the massage people work on my leg before and after the run, and that definitely helped, but it was still bugging me. I ended up having my best ever 5K finish time at this run, so that was exciting! I think I'm going to add a few more 5k's in this year, I'd like to keep getting faster.
Overall, it's been a good start to my 2011 running. Next up will be Temple Beth El 5K on June 5th. I haven't done this one in a few years so it will be fun to get out there again. Also, getting ready for Boilermaker in July, that is sneaking up really quickly!
Happy Running!
