2:20. That’s two hours and twenty minutes it took me to run 13.1 miles this morning. Of my five half marathons, this is my second-worst time, but only if you count my disastrous 2:45+ showing in L.A. that had me limping three miles to the finish.
I should probably be disappointed in myself and frustrated that my half marathon times have increased steadily over the past two years. Any semi-serious runner would see finishing as necessary, but improvement as paramount, and I haven’t been improving.
But if I sort out my running a bit, I remember that my last race in regular shoes was a scant year ago and that I’ve only been running full time in Vibrams for slightly over 13 months. In that time, I’ve run four half marathons, completely changed my running form and suffered through ITBS so painful I rested for the entirety of November 2010.
This also means I had a scant six training weeks to get ready for this morning, and as I sit here typing this, I’m aware of a few things that are certainly different than my other races.
1. I don’t hurt anymore
I’m stiff, I’m sore and I’m tired, but nothing really hurts. I didn’t lean on Katie in order to walk like I did in June at Seattle and I didn’t need medical attention like I did in L.A. I’m also not limping like I was after my 10-mile run last week.
2. I know exactly what I need to do to get better
I signed up for my first half marathon as a knee-jerk reaction to my pilonidal cyst surgery, knowing that if I spent money on registration, I was far more likely to train. I had no idea what I was doing then and subsequently hurt a ton after the race. I have a plan now.
3. I FEEL good
Yeah, I’m heavier than I should be and I’m sure I could be faster, but I can’t cut weight or get faster with poor form that injures me. Running no longer hurts as much as it used to.
4. I have a sense of purpose
Ironman 2012. I know it sounds crazy and way too much of a commitment, but dammit, it’s a helluva thing to be able to do. I’m sure it will hurt and I’m sure it will be harder than I can imagine, but you don’t get better by repeatedly doing things you’ve already done.
5. My friends run now
When I first started, I knew absolutely no one who ran. While I haven’t really met many new people (except for Corey Nagle, whose posts are noticeably absent) through running, I’ve met them through other activities. We’ve shared stories, traded tips and served to inspire each other. Without the support of others, competing against yourself gets really lonely.
So what’s next?
Cross training. Cross fit. Fat loss. Strength building. More running, biking and swimming.
22 months until Ironman 2012 here in AZ. Will you be ready?
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