Moving on...ramblings

# Thank you for the lovely comments on my race report! I have been on cloud 9 since the race. It was only a 5K, but it feels so good to accomplish a long term goal! But life goes on and I need to change focus to my last big running race on Sunday. I raced almost every single weekend this year, putting in 45-65 miles/week, and my running legs are in serious need of rest. I am actually feeling fine, but sometimes I think I am like a ticking bomb and if I don't rest soon, I won't be able to train well for my June HIM. One more race, legs!

# No soreness post race. E 21 + 5 mile easy running back home + 1 mile swim post race = happy legs!

# Today I did my last key run before Sunday, 6 miles w/ 3X 1 mile @ 10K pace. I ran in shorts! Although I do like winter running and race best in cold temps, I am truly excited to show off my pale legs and arms. The run went well, though it was a good reminder that I really need at least 3 miles warm-up in order to run well. Hence, my first mile repeat was rough and the last one ended up as a 5K pace mile. Now, the tough part, I rest.

# I am not nervous about the race on Sunday. It's like I am already giving myself permission to have a bad race. Don't get me wrong, I plan to race hard, but if my legs don't show up, I won't be upset (I think!).

# A lot of people asked me how I gained so much speed in so little time. My first half marathon was a few years back, and I ran a 2:06. I personally think consistency and hard work are the most important factors associated with improvement in running. Consistency implies not getting injured, or catching injuries early on so that you don't have to take too much time off, and hard work meaning having a few miles every week where you feel like death, however that may be for you (for me it is getting close to or actually vomiting). I don't think racing success is in the training plan, although having one that fits your style and schedule is important. OK, I don't mean to sound like an expert, because honestly I am not, just my opinion here!

# On Monday I will switch to tri training only. I have this vision of having mega weekends where on Saturdays I do an hour or so on the bike before running to the Fresh Pond race and doing the 5 mile race as a brick. Then I'll swim in the afternoon with the family. On Sunday I plan for a mega bike ride, 3hours or so, followed by a short 3-5 mile run, and a swim with the family in the afternoon. Not sure if this is smart, but I know my body will let me know and I'll make changes if I get pooped. I am getting excited about tri training, which makes me happy!.

# Wish me luck surviving this taper week. I did not use to believe in taper, but now I do and will stick to low running mileage, almost no biking, and, gasp, a full day off on Saturday! I think someone out there should market an exercise anti-withdrawal pill! In the meantime, I am hitting Lululemon in Harvard Square after work tomorrow!