Saturday, February 16, 2008

Double Digits!

Lets take a trip down memory lane. Two months ago I ran 10 miles in one week for the first time in ages. I was absolutely pumped about it, actually being able to run again! Since then, the post-injury firsts have been coming left and right. Bam, bam, BAM!

Today another one: my first 10 mile run post-injury. The amazing part about it all, is that it wasn't a challenge. No struggle. No praying afterwards that my hip will somehow hold itself together. No worrying that I overdid it and would have to take time off. It was just another run.

The realization that it felt like 'just another run' was almost as rewarding as the run itself! This hip thing is in the past. Completely. 100%. It is out of my mind.

This morning I ran to the Arboretum to meet up with Team in Training, ran four miles with the Tri team, and ran back. With TNT, I ran with Anna who was able to keep up with me better than I thought! I honestly had anticipated running alone once I got out there.

It was a fairly relaxed run, and Gimpy held up so here's the stats:

Distance: 10.27 miles
Pace: 7:44/mile
Avg HR: 155 bpm

I was glad Gimpy held up and didn't turn off during the run, although he did a few times before I started. I have an RMA to send it in soon, but I want to see if I can at least get this evenings bike ride done before I send it in!

Afterwards there was a nutrition and hydration clinic with Team in Training. I expected most of it to be old news to me, but maybe pick up a tip or two. It ended up being a waste of time, but I'll get over it. The lady talking gave the presentation as a "do as I say, not as I do" since she constantly told us habits about the bad things she does. If I was a beginning athlete, I don't think I would have listened to her advice.

Everything has been going absolutely perfect for me lately, although I'm hoping not to jinx it. I got my first project wrapped up and aced my Compilers exam. Then the other day my cousin and I finally patched things up (we hadn't spoken for nearly a year, something small had snowballed). Running is going great. Constant breakthroughs in swimming. Making progress on the bike. Some other stuff too. Basically anything that could go my way, is going my way. I'm not sure what I did to deserve it, but I'll take it!

Finally, I almost forgot to mention, Bill has the Myrtle Beach Marathon today! It looks like he has absolutely PERFECT weather: high of 61 degrees, party cloudy and a light breeze. He's finished by now, but they haven't posted the results yet. I'm sure you rocked it Bill!

2 comments:

Ax said...

That's awesome, Doug! I actually did my first 10-miler in a long time this weekend, too. The hamstring is feeling good. Didn't slow me down at all.

I love reading about how good things are going for you. It motivates me to keep working hard. I even caught myself this week on a tempo run when I was tempted to slow down, "I can't slow down, I gotta keep up with Doug!" So, thanks for being a motivating training partner!

Nibbles said...

Congrats, Doug! So happy for you!