(Re)Learning Curve

So what'd I think? That I'd pretty much be able to strap on a pair of running shoes and pick up where I left off?

A few weeks ago I ran the Silks and Satin 5k in Saratoga (NY). I finally met Jon and Lara before the race and we hung out for an hour or so afterwards - how cool was that? Top notch people. We were lauging because they actually had pace runners for a 5k THAT STARTED AT 4:30/mile! ....and then went on to 5, 5:30, 6, etc. etc. all the way to 10/mile. Man those kiddies in the 4:30 area could fly! I of course had to ask the question "where's 10:30, 11, 12, 13, 14...?" That would be a telling comment. I learned something important from that race. When we took off, I started at a reasonable pace but for the level of training I put into it, but I stayed there too long, (remember, I'm a Gallowayer) and almost from the first half-mile, my "race" was painful. Lots of shin issues. I'll get back to this. So I finished the thing and as I approached the finish line there were Jon and Lara cheering me on (see, I told you they were top notch people - thanks you two!)

So..... yesterday, I took Jon's advice and did LSD. I ran 5 miles in 67 mins. 11 secs. That's me now, that's where I'm at - a sub 14-minute-miler... and my shins did not hurt - at all - I started slow and stayed there. I did it in 1x1's (run/walk) and that's just where I am at the moment. It took me a full 30 mins. before I felt warmed up so I was already over two miles before I felt completely loose. Two years ago where I ran the CRIM I did it in a 10:01 pace. Yesterday's pace was 13:52. Whatever, frustration and disappointment only get in the way of getting better so I'm just staying focused on training. The C.R.I.M. is lurking, Aug. 26th, and this year we're doing the full 10 miles. I have my concerns :S

Oh yeah, my brother-in-law just turned up the heat by registering for the Detroit half-marathon. I'm in.

Chrissy/Jon/Lara - thanks for the birthday wishes for Heather - she got a kick out of seeing her name "on-line".