Running 10 miles.....

Today was the second Memphis Runners Road Race Series 10 miler.. This race is at Shelby Forest and it is called the beast by the local runners. I was a little nervous but I was really excited to run this race today..

Two weeks ago, I had run the race the day after I had done my first metric century ride (64 miles). At that time, it was a beautiful morning in the 60's and I was running through this beautiful forest enjoying the beauty!! I had a great run at that time too.. I ran the 10 miles in 2 hours and 6 minutes.. Not bad for a Speedy Turtle, who normally would take FOREVER... to run 10 miles... I make the most of my races... At that race, I encountered the Beast of Shelby Forrest.. Yes, it is called the beast. You see, this race has some hills and more hills... and then at mile 9, there are switchbacks. These aren't just your normal switchbacks... These are killer uphill almost 90 degree incline switchbacks.. ( a little exaggeration but it is really steep).I actually really liked this run! I felt like a runner and I loved running again!!

So, here we are this morning... We, the hubby and I, got up early and got dressed.. We looked at the weather and the temperature was 39 degrees.. by the time we would run, it would be 40 degrees and not get warm the whole time.. Brr... I do not like to be COLD.. So, I bundled up (see picture). ... That is me at mile 3.5 having fun.. This time around the run may have been cold, but I had fun.. We got to the race a little late, so I was one of the last runners to cross the start line.. This was the first race that I started to pick off runners.. I would look ahead and tell myself, go catch that person.. you can catch that person.. and away I went.. It was so much fun.. My little legs and feet, just kept on moving.. I didn't have any music, so I could hear my cadence and my breathing and away I went. I caught up to the group of people, I have seen over the last few months in front of me and fell into a groove. I was having fun! I was becoming a runner!!  I walked the water stations and eventually took the gloves off and the ear muffs off..I got hot.. and there it was.. the switchbacks... I looked at them and said..."HERE we go!!" So I took one step at a time and conquered the Beast!! I walked sideways to stretch out the hips and it felt great!! I got closer to the finish line and saw the time 2 hours and 3 mins... remember, I started late.. so I knew I beat my time two weeks ago!! I crossed the line and felt this huge amount of accomplishment!! I  finished the race in  2 hours!! I may not be fast, but I am meeting my goals and getting better...  I am soo excited for the next triathlon season.. my off season has been busy training but this is my journey and I am enjoying it!!  There are no excuses and it is almost time for bed.. I have to get up early again tomorrow... I have a master swim class at 5:30 am..

Happy Training!!
Eling

There is no "Off Season"

Over the last couple of months, I have been training harder in the off season than when I was training for my Half Ironman and Olympic races... How is that?? Well, after my last race, I talked to my coach and I asked her to make me faster in my running... I want this next year to be the year I build a solid base... So, what do I end up doing?....I am running and running and running... I am swimming and swimming and swimming and I completed a Century Ride... Yes you read this correctly... One weekend I completed a metric century (64 miles) and then 100 miles.. Why, do you ask?? I wanted to be a good friend. I am a crazy person.. Anyway, I had a lot of fun on the 100 mile ride..

As a Speedy Turtle, my friend needed someone to ride with her as she trained for IM Florida. I didn't want to have her go by herself, so I went along. We met on Saturday and we took off. My husband wished me good luck and we took off.. It was a beautiful day when we took off..My coached stated that I didn't have to do this and that I needed to listen to my body... well, that is what I did. After 50 miles, we got back to my house, got fluids, nutrition and a bathroom break. This time, we completed loops around my house. I took each loop one at a time. As I completed each loop, I asked myself, could I go on... I answered Yes and away I went.. three loops later, we made it to 100 miles... What an accomplishment.. I don't think I will do that again for awhile, but I am glad I did it. While we were riding, Elaine and I got to become better friends and I am thankful for the time we spent together..The next day, I went to my running group and I trained with more of my friends. My other friends sent me messages throughout the day asking how I was doing... I am so thankful for these friends..

The friendships that I have made since starting my Journey has been so special and I know I will continue to have these special people on my journey during the Off Season and in Season. We will support each other and encourage each other as we conquer or accomplish our many goals and fears..

Friendships are a gift from God and I have been given a great gift over the years!! Thank you to all of my friends for helping me on my journey!!

Happy Training,

Eling