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!!

Marathoning and Education

 

I ran my longest training run for the Soldier Marathon yesterday and was surprised to find that I would run into Morgan County before I turned around. I found myself thinking about how preparing for a marathon is a lot like education.

 

When preparing for a marathon, one must spend time on his or her feet. You must run slow. You must run fast. You must be certain to incorporate a weekly long run. You must rest.You must work on hydration and nutrition, so you don't collapse before the run is over. You must be prepared to accept physical and mental challenges.

 

When preparing for life's challanges, one must be involved in educational activities. You must do your homework. You must read extensively. You must study. You must think to gain deeper understanding. You must practice daily to gain new knowledge and skills. You must be prepared to accept physical and mental challenges.

 

If you fail, you can still be successful. Just take the time to rethink your strategies and move forward. Sometimes you will progress rapidly. At other times you will move along slowly, but forward progress will bring you toward your goal.

 

I feel good about my preparations for the Soldier Marathon as I begin the taper phase of my training. I felt really strong throughout yesterday's long run. When I arrived home, I had a clear head. I don't think I hit the wall too hard, thanks to my preparations. I'm looking forward to a great Soldier Marathon!!