2014 Looks Great!

Two Marathons

I'm feeling great! Since my last post, I've run two marathons and improved my times! I completed The Flying Monkey Marathin in 5:40. It was my training run for my latest reprise of the Warner Robins Marathon where I set a PR of 5:19.

Three Half Marathons

I've started 2014 with three half marathons. My first is a perennial favorite because it's in my hometown of Columbus, Georgia, AND it's always free: The Red Nose Half Marathon. I finished the race in 2:25, that's 10 minutes faster than last year. Plus, it's a course record!

The second half marathon was part of the Tybee Run Fest. I set a personal course record of 2:25. That's 10 minutes faster than the last time I ran it!! It was very rainy and I felt chilled before and after the race, but felt fantastic. Actually, I probably would have had a better time if my right shoe had not untied itself. I had to retie it twice because the first time it untied in seconds! Bad job! But a great run overall!!

The third half marathon was the Run the Reagan! Chilly temps were compounded be 29 MPH wind gusts in our faces for the first 6.5 miles. The wind seemed to help on the way to the finish of this out and back course which is run on the Ronald Reagan Highway in Gwinett County. My shoes were well tied, so no problems there!! The wind probably slowed me down, but I was able to set a PR of 2:20!!

Training with Christian Camfiield on the Covington Eastside Trail

It's got a good mix of hills!

Believe and Train

All I can say is I am feeling good about these results. Apparently consistent training and regular weekly speed work will get you to your goals. I'm planning to up the tempo for the rest of 2014. Who knows? Perhaps this old man has some fast paced running in his future. Feeling GREAT!!

Critz Tybee Half Marathon!

Considering the fact that I had left my Garmin at home, this was a pretty good run for me. I decided to run this Half like a training run and go along simply by feel.

It was a fairly warm morning. The temperature was around 55 degrees, but at the start of the race it was misty with the promise of rain.

We were treated to a fine rendition of the National Anthem. It was error free and appropriately sung. Shortly after we started out, it began to rain steadily and heavily. This continued until the fifth mile (55 minutes in for me). The entire course was soaked because of the heavy rains. Consequently we runners found ourselves dodging puddles. This was fun! Sometimes I found myself just running through.

Once again, I found myself slowing at miles 10-13. The finish was great fun with lots of crowd support. As a matter of fact we encountered great support throughout the run.

After the race I was thrilled to see the beautiful sight of multiple kites flying in the mist over Tybee Beach. Having been chilled by the rain, I especially enjoyed the hot chili provided by the Ocean Plaza Hotel. All in all, it was a pleasant day for a run, despite the rain.

I look forward to running this again!! With the right conditions, it will be a perfect place for a PR.