I decided to run a 10k and 5k last weekend as a sort of test of my fitness. Also it was put on by my brother-in-law as a charity fundraiser so it was a good cause. My wife did the 5k and the kids did the half mile so it was a fun family event, but I digress. I expected just to run it real slow, since my training runs didn't seem to indicate that I'd be able to run much faster than 8:30 miles or so. I ran into a friend though and we decided to run the 10k together and he went out a bit faster than that. The pace was very comfortable and I chatted with him the whole way, sensing that he was pushing it a bit and I wanted to try to bring him along. We finished a bit under 50 minutes at about a 7:57 pace. The 5k was about 20 minutes later and I did that one at 8:06, just over 25 minutes. After I finished I backtracked to find my wife and did another mile at over 11 minutes but it was a good warm down.
So I was glad that I was able to hold that pace for a good distance but really disappointed that I had to be happy with a 10k and 5k that were really several minutes slower than they should have been. Still thought it was a positive indicator that I could finish another marathon comfortably.
Going through the week though I just decided it wasn't there. I want to do it, I hate giving up on a goal I've set especially since I know I could continue it but I'm skeptical if I'd be able to keep the streak alive for the rest of the year so I might as well cut it off here. Streak is dead.
So this frees me up to do some triathlons this summer (if I can get myself to the pool) and to do a race this weekend. My son, 10, is going to do his first 10k and I get to run it with him. My daughter, 7, is going for her first 5k and she'll run with my wife. I think my son will be fine but my daughter will be the interesting one. I'm kind of glad that I'm not the one running with her.
8/19 6.2 at 7:57, 3.1 at 8:06 and 1.06 at 11:21
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- AZ
- 2010 goal is a marathon each month. 2011 is an iron distance triathlon. Read about how it goes down.
Currently Training For...
- Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2011
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The next (scheduled) race starts in (give or take a day):
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Personal Bests
- 5k 18:31 Jan. 31, 2007 Oda Field Time Trial
- 10k 40:48 Feb. 4, 2007 Kanagawa Half Marathon
- Half 1:28:18 Feb. 4, 2007 Kanagawa Half Marathon
- Full 3:18:13 Feb. 18, 2007 Tokyo People's Marathon
- Half Iron Triathlon 5:49 June 9th, 2009 Liberty Triathlon
- Olympic Triathlon 2:42 June 2008, Oshima Japan
Followers
6 comments:
Sounds like you made a wise decision. If your instinct is telling you no, you need to go with it. Get to the pool - I see an ironman in your future ;)
I agree with Karen, your instincts seldom take you in the wrong direction. At least you'll be strong and have more energy for the family, right?!
Chick-o-sticks were so good!
Well, you're running comfortably. That's the most important thing.
AZ - great to hear from you! I hope your other health issues have resolved themselves.
You know - I think I said this before - the marathon is such a mental event. If you aren't in the fram of mind to do them, why suffer the torture? Plus - they will always be around when you are back in the game mentally. Go out, enjoy your family and enjoy life for a chnge.
I'm sorry about your streak but I'm so glad that you are feeling better and able to run. That's great that you may do some tris! I'm doing Door County which still has spots open in the sprint, and the YWCA which of course you can't do- unfair since a men's only event wouldn't be tolerated. Square Lake is a great event in September. Look into that one. Hope you continue to feel well. I'm rooting for you!
that's a valid point you made about the goal. perhaps another year you may decide to tackle it again. obviously you probably should pull back some if your 10k and 5k are less than where you think they should be, but i know it's not as easy to see that ourselves right away. (i think i'm in a similar boat!)
maybe a triathlon or two will be just the change you need to get your bounce back
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