A Few Thoughts

I said that I wasn't going to race again until my half marathon at the end of June, but I'm just itching to do a trail run again, and I think the Tender Knee on May 27 will fit the bill perfectly. It just means that I will have to delay my cutback week by one week. Actually that race, if I enter, will be my cutback at 12 km instead of the regulary scheduled 18 km. I don't think a race really sounds like a cutback, but oh well. I'm just wondering if I can survive it without any specific training because I think there is a monster hill in there. Hopefully but hill repeats that I've just started doing will be good enough.

I can't decide on a July race. I was originally planning to do a 10K and I really want to do that to try to improve on this weekend's time, but I'm also considering to do one of the 5 Peaks. I think that would be a fun mountain run. I know there will be more 10Ks that I can do, but if I don't do the one in July, I don't really picture myself entering any until next year. I still have a few months to think about it I guess.

I survived my first ice bath after the race on Sunday. I was wearing a sweater, and a toque and gloves and yelping like a dog. The real torture is in the first minute and then after that you kind of get used to it. It was really worth it. I felt so rejuvinated the next day and it didn't really seem like I need my post-race massage that badly. I will be doing more of these torture sessions as I increase the mileage. Probably after most long runs more than 14 km and after hill sessions and intervals if necessary.

I'm thinking about getting a pair of lightweight trainers to throw into the mix when doing speedwork and for short races. Actually I got the idea when I was at the Sun Run Expo and a pair was on sale. The felt really light and snug, but I didn't want to risk buying them and not having my orthos fit inside. So, no lightweights for now.

Tomorrow: 4 monster hills

Largest 10K in Canada

So I just got back from this year's Vancouver Sun Run. They announced the registration total at 54,181 participants. It's still going on now as I type, as the walkers will be pouring in for the next hour or so. It's nice to live so close to the finish line. I usually end up walking for 30 or 40 minutes to get home or taking a bus across town, but for this event, the finish is just 2 blocks from my condo.

It was a great day for a race and it was already feeling pretty hot by 9:30. My unofficial time was 46:47 which would make that a new PR. I would really love to break 45 minutes one day. I wasn't trying to do that today though. I just wanted to run about 5 minute kms for the first half and then pick it up to about 4:30 and then 4:15 depending on how much energy I had left. I started out a little fast, I just couldn't help myself. I timed my splits:

1 - 4:33
2 - 4:59
3 - 4:50
4 - 4:48
5 - 4:57
6 - 4:38
7 - 4:41
8 - 4:33
9 - 4:35
10 - 4:09

I'm glad I had such a good time because I won't be racing again until my half-marathon at the end of June. I just stretched and I'm just finishing off a protein shake now. I'm going to attempt my first ice bath now. Wish me luck!