Monday, April 25, 2011

Centering - Year of the Run

My multisport journey is not over...I am just taking a break.  Does that mean I'm done training completely?  Absolutely not.  In fact, my training is just going to shift somewhat.  I have decided that 2011 is the year of the run.  While I love triathlon, I really have to go at it alone.  Until I'm in a location with more triathletes that have similar goals and aspirations, I think I'll center my energies on running.  With a focus on running, I get to spend time with others (read Ted) and I love the camaraderie. 

Merriam-Webster defines camaraderie as a spirit of friendly good-fellowship, and that is exactly what I get when I'm out training with Ted.  When we head out on the rail trails and roads around Western Massachusetts, we enjoy some great conversations and spirited competition, pushing each other physically to limits we didn't know we could reach. 

For instance, I've done an open marathon, the ING Hartford Marathon, plenty of half-marathons and countless 10k and 5k races.  But never have I truly enjoyed them as much as I do when I'm running with a friend.  And while I reached a few PRs on my own, it has only been since I started training with Ted that I continued to meet success. 

The first big race of the year is less than five weeks away.  We signed up yesterday to run the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, VT.  And I am scared.  As I said, I've done an open marathon and it wasn't pretty.  I did well for 19 miles, on pace to a 3:30 marathon, and then I hit the wall.  I thought that "the wall" was a myth...and I was wrong.  When I hit that wall, it was miserable.  I went from a runner to an emotional basketcase sitting on a bench overlooking the river trying to decide if I was finally going to be a quitter.  I was _ _ that close to my first DNF.  Thankfully, I met some great folks who helped pull me through.  Would I have ever gotten to that point if I were running with Ted?  Probably not.  Which is why, although scared, I am really looking forward to taking on this challenge.

So, wish me...rather us...luck.  We are going to need it.  Stay tuned for more running updates.  I am also going to try to do a better job reviewing the shoes, equipment and nutrition that I use, too.  Also, if you have any advice, I'm all ears!