Coming off the marathon, I was kind of disappointed in my time and how I felt, so I had a bit of a hangover from the race. I didn't feel like running for a week after the race and then when I did, it was sporadic at best for a few weeks. But as the weather got warmer and the days got longer, I felt better about getting back into a routine and got myself back on track.
What helped a lot was the fact that Katie started to get into a routine of her own and we started to alternate mornings to go out for a run before the kids woke up. It was nice to get out and actually run a few races together. Here's a recap of what I ran and how I did.
Stapleton School 5k
Kate and I ran this one together and it was her first race of the year. It was a fund raiser in Framingham for a new rock wall at one of the local schools here in town. We ran together for the whole race, and she did great. We came in at 26:28 (8:31 pace), and we had a really good time. It also helped me to feel better about running again and got me motivated to get back into my routine.
Boston 13.1
Because I was feeling better about running and I was still in decent shape from the marathon, I decided to register for the 1st annual Boston 13.1 race that was down in the Blue Hills of Canton. Tough race with lots of hills (obviously) which made it really tough to get into a rhythm for most of the race. I pulled a 1:52:53 (8:37 pace), which I was pretty happy about given the course, as well as the fact that I really half-assed the training leading up to the race (I topped out at 10 miles a few weeks before the race). But I have to say, the race was poorly run and I'm not sure I'll do this one again because of it. Lots of logistical issues (e.g. they ran out of cups at multiple water stops and were handing out the water jugs to take a drink.....no thanks).
Somerset 4th of July
This is an annual race in Kate's hometown that I ran last year. They cut it down from a 5 miler to a 5K this year, and Kate decided to run it together for the first time. Her cousin and a few friends also ran, and we had a good time, with plenty of trash talking before and after the race. It was really hot (even at 8 AM), but I pulled a new 5k PR for myself, running it in 23:51 (7:21 pace), which I was pretty happy about. Katie also had a great race running a 26:52 (8:39 pace). This will definitely be an annual event for us going forward.
Cape Cod Irish Pub Race
I usually run Falmouth every year, but because of the fact they moved the race back a week this year, it didn't mesh with our vacation plans, so I took a pass. As luck would have it, The Cape Code Irish Pub's annual race was the morning after we arrived in Dennisport and it was right up the street from our rental, so Kate and I decided to register. Mike McD. joined us as well for the 5.25 mile race, and it was a great time, with great weather. I think that I had more fun running this race than Falmouth (Falmouth is fun, but it's a logistical nightmare to get your number, get to and from the race and it's always way too crowded). Plus, there was free beer after this race with Irish music as well. I was able to walk (or stumble, as it were) back to our house before going to the beach later on. I had another decent day, finishing in 40:26 (7:42 pace). This was the first time Katie had run more than 4.5 miles and she almost didn't register because she was afraid she wouldn't finish the distance, having not gone that far before. Not only did she finish, but she ran it in 43:04 (an 8:13 pace), her best pace by a lot for any race she's entered. I was really proud of her.
One of the things I've done differently with running is summer, is that I invested in a pair of Nike Frees. I'm not one of these "running-barefoot-crazy-people", but I can notice a difference in fatigue in my feet and calves after I use them vs. my Asics 2150's and, given the fact my times have been coming steadily down this summer without doing crazy mileage, I'm guessing they're helping me to get a little stronger while helping me stay healthy (knock on wood).
So what's next? Well, I was able to get into the BAA 1/2, so I've been training for that as of late. I pulled 12 miles after the Pats game yesterday and felt great, running an 8:29 pace. I plan on topping out at 14 miles before tapering back down leading up to the race. I'd love to break last year's time of 1:52:14 and I think that I have a pretty good shot at pulling it off based on where I am right now. I'm not sure what to make of the updtaed course yet, especially with the prospect of having that big hill near Franklin Park towards the end of the race. The weather finally seems like it's turned more fall-like, which will help to get ready over the next few weeks. It was way too hot for too long this summer.
After the 1/2, we'll see. With soccer games, swim lessons, CCD classes, etc. on the weekends now that the fall is here, it's going to be tough to enter some races in the near future. I guess we'll see what November brings once soccer is finished.
Enjoy the weather.
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