21 April 2008
Stunning Weekend
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
What a difference a week makes, eh?! Compared to the O’Brien death march last Saturday this weekend was paradise. I hooked up with my fellow Warriors and a pile of people at John Ball for the 15k training run. My new Garmin 305 at the ready, we were off at 8. Beautiful day. I over dressed and fought a nagging cramp for the first couple of miles, but kept my time up. Once we got to the first aid station and I had some water things got better. I’m not sure what I was thinking with a long sleeved shirt…
I fell in with a gal who had the most unreal ability to pace! I was glued to my Garmin the whole way (mainly because without glasses I can’t read the thing!) and she just ran, no watch, nothing. I told her after the race I could have saved a couple hundred dollars not buying the watch and running with her. A lot of people would think that was creepy, you know a little sweaty guy complementing a complete stranger on her pace…not her. She and her friend just laughed saying it’s been noticed before.
It was amazing to see the really fast ones of you passing by at the end. I’m in awe of your abilities. Hopefully, as I continue to improve, running will become more intuitive. I know I’ve come a long way since the start of this grand adventure so I’m on the right track. My watch at the end of the 15k said I averaged 8:44 and I’m happy with that. If I can slow up a bit per mile for the 25k I’ll be right on for my goal time (which changes almost daily). I wasn’t happy with my ability to drink on the run. A couple of aid stations I had to slow to a walk for a couple gulps and plod on. Otherwise I have the tendency to suck water into my lungs and blow it out of my eyes. That doesn’t help the effort much either I can tell you.
We met up Sunday at the East GR library for a what was to be a slow loop of the lake. I broke off with coach Mike and his equally Gazelle-esque buddy. I’m not sure how fast we were going (my arms were swinging too fast to read my watch) but, when we finally stopped, a rush of debris floated by. Thanks guys, that was really relaxing. I have lactic acid everywhere including my ears (from flapping) and I can’t get this vein in my forehead to go down. I’m taking a day off just to let you know.
Road Warriors you are looking great, I’m proud of you all. Julie we’re praying for you. It was great to see Jamie, a Warrior from last year and spend some time with him, way to keep at it. Don’t look now, May 10th is almost here!
5 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
21 April 2008 at 2:46 pm.
Steve–CONGRATS on your Garmin!!! 
You can set little irritating alarms to keep your pace on track if you want–then you, too, can learn to pace yourself. Hope you are getting some of it figured out. You’re hoofing it about 2 min/mile faster than me right now–rock on! You’ll do awesome on May 10!!! I’m sorry I missed you guys yesterday at RL–sunburn and a starting-to-get-really-sore-foot kept me home yesterday! I am icing as I type right now–hope your lactic acid works its way thru quickly!
Terry Says:
21 April 2008 at 7:57 pm.
You’ve come a long way since last year Steve. Great job.
Terry
Deborah Pieri Says:
21 April 2008 at 9:33 pm.
I’m drooling over the Garmin. . . . giving lots of hints to Tim! I will definitely need to have some lessons from Shelly on how to work it if I ever get one though! Great job Steve. . . you’re on track to run a terrific race!
Heather York Says:
22 April 2008 at 11:16 am.
Hey Steve great job - and your right May 10th is right around the corner - last year you were standing at the finish line with all the spectators cheering on the road warriors due your injury -this year - GO GET EM’- Mikey and I will be cheering you and all of your fellow road warriors this year once again from the start to finish.
Tom Says:
27 April 2008 at 9:26 pm.
Steve,
Great Job! We ran 5 together in the begining of April before you turned back, you had to go to work and I was left in no man’s land until Greg Meyer past me and one of your buds who is training for the marathon. I didn’t think I was walking but they past me like I was.
Anyways, this is a good time of the year for running, hopefully, as the winter training is finally paying off and less than 14 days to the event that, at my work, gives you bragging rights for the next 365 days of the year.
Good Luck! and Awesome Job