17 March 2008
Getting There
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
We’re all one week closer to the big day. I had a busy work week, but managed to get in some quality running. Saturday I hooked up with Run Gazelle as it gathered at Forest Hills Aquatic Center. I latched on to Road Warrior Deb and her husband Tim as they too were doing the 11.5 loop. We chatted away, met some new friends and had a great time.
The course was beautiful but there were more hills than last week. As we headed down on steep length of trail my right knee gave me a scare. Just a couple strides with some sharp pain, but that was it. I was able to finish fine, just a little sore today. I’ll take the day off and see how it feels tomorrow. Am I the only one paranoid about injury! I don’t remember worrying this much when I was younger.
I do feel, however, for the first time, that I could cover the distance if the race was tomorrow. That’s a pretty good feeling after all this training. I’ve gone from just hoping to finish to starting to put time goals in my head. First I thought maybe 2:30 or better. Now I’m thinking 2:15 might be possible. Am I setting myself up for disappointment if I’m slower? I don’t know, there are so many variables leading up to and on race day. I guess I’ll pray for the right thing to happen and plod on.
I do need to invest in a good watch with GPS. It’s so cool to see those of you with that amazing technology. I’ll have to take that to the appropriations committee (my wife!) and see how that goes. I have managed to throw my share of dough to Gazelle already, what’s a little bit more? I think if I worked there I’d just hand my paycheck back and spend it all in the store! Do employees get a discount? Are there any openings?!
Have a safe and fun St. Patric’s day!
4 Comments so far...
Phil Says:
17 March 2008 at 1:42 pm.
Steve, if you have an ipod nano get one of those nike+ipod kits as an alternative to a GPS watch. If you don’t have the Nike shoes you can get a little case on line that attaches the sensor to your shoelaces. It has been very accurate for me and doesn’t cost much.
About the 2:15 - last year I ran my first riverbank run. Toward the end of my training I was doing about 9 minute miles and I did the 25k in 2:12 so it’s definately do-able. The race is just a totally different environment than training.
Terry Says:
17 March 2008 at 7:12 pm.
You have come a long way grasshopper. Great job on your long run. I think being a little bit nervous about your knee is normal. You will do great in the race.
Terry
Shelly Says:
17 March 2008 at 7:24 pm.
Steve–I’m REALLY paranoid about injury right now–I completely understand! Jig Weekend marks the weekend I have had to bail out the past two years–or the weekend I’ve gotten injured and kept going making an injury worse. You are training smart and doing an awesome job–you will be a Road Warrior Superhero come May 10! And on the gps watch–yes–I LOVE MINE! I do also have the iPod Nike+ chip (which you can get a pouch for online for about $5)–but the Nike+ chip doesn’t give me that little stick person taunting me during my training. However, Lance Armstrong occasionally comes on and tells me how awesome I am. Lol!
–Shelly
Trina Says:
24 March 2008 at 11:12 am.
Steve,
So glad to see you guys are participating this year! It’s especially nice to know you’re feeling well and getting ready to give it another shot. I hope the RW 2007 and RW 2008 groups are able to get together- it would be a lot of fun. Lots to catch up on!!! Tell Terry and Mike I said hello.
Good Luck!!
Trina P - Roadwarriors ‘07