Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 48 Days to go

It's been a tough week but also a wonderful one. Let me explain.

When I got back from vacation, it was hard getting 100% back into the training. I did alright Monday and Tuesday, but then Wednesday planned on a long swim at Clemson. Weather knocked out that possibility at the last minute, so I got in no training on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday I had plans for training in the afternoon and again, things came up that interfered. In other words, I wasn't giving the training the priority that it demands. There will ALWAYS be other things coming up to block your training time, that's why you do it early in the morning or do it after those things or "just do it" as the Nike slogan states.

I got an email Friday about a running group on Saturday which was running from our downtown, a few blocks away. I had promised myself earlier in the week that this was the weekend to run a 1/2 marathon to show myself that I could do it. I decided I'd join this group, run 4 or 5 miles with them and then continue on.

Saturday morning I joined that group at 6:30 am downtown. Several people from my church were there and it was a nice group of folks. They decided on the 5 mile loop which is used for the Simpsonville sunrise run. I told them that I'd be continuing on at the end because this was a long run day. We started off and the pace was blistering for me. At first I was behind them 30 feet, then 30 yards, then 100 yards. By late in the loop, I was probably 1/2 mile behind the group. The run was difficult and mentally, I was having a hard time believing that 13.1 miles was possible. The problem is, if it's not possible for me then neither is this Ironman 70.3 that I've been training for. I pushed on through and at the end of the 5 miles, as I approached the group that was finished. One of them yelled out, "how much more are you running?" I said, "At least one more loop." They started saying things like, "You're the man!" "Go for it." and other words of encouragement.

All in a sudden, there was a spring in my step. I felt strong and able. I may not be fast but I was doing something special. I continued to run. During the next 5 miles I called home and Cindy came out along my path to give me water. It was wonderful to turn down my street and the boys ran down to meet me and run alongside. Cindy passed me a water bottle as I ran by and I was at the 9 mile mark.

The last 4.1 miles became far more difficult. I kept checking my gps watch to see how far I had left. 4.1, then 3.5, then 3, then 2.8, then 2.7. The further I ran, the slower the mileage seemed to drop off. My legs were burning and there was a bit of cramping in my hamstrings but I was able to run through it. With less than 2 miles to go, I had to stop for traffic to cross an intersection. It hurt to start running again. The last mile was very tough and seemed to last forever. The last 2 tenths of a mile was uphill and the finish was at the hill's apex. I was wiped! I considered calling Cindy and having her pick me up once I'd finished because it was a 1/2 mile walk home. Instead I decided that walk was important to maintain some flexibility in my legs. My t-shirt was soaked and I peeled it off.

I'd done it! I ran 13.1 miles in 2:36:28. That's inline with my goal of finishing under 8 hours AND my supergoal of finishing under 7 hours. Cindy had a great breakfast waiting for me and I took a nap in the afternoon. I'm writing this on Sunday morning, and while I'm still sore, I'm quite pleased with how well I'm doing. I plan to swim this afternoon to continue to limber back up the legs.

This coming weekend, I have a sprint triathlon, which should be a great workout and I'm starting to get my training second wind. 48 days to go!