Well, it’s been just over a month since I took part in the excellent Shamrock King Neptune Challenge, so it’s probably time for a blog update. It’s been a busy month with one thing and another, but from a running perspective, nothing major stands out.
March 23rd – 29th [24 miles]
Treated myself to a rare couple of days off after the Challenge, but with everything feeling good I was back at it early on Wednesday morning. Three days of easy running left my legs feeling good, so I jumped in on a local 5K and ended up with a pretty even-paced 17:47 finish and a bonus win.
March 30th – April 5th [66 miles]
Not a massive week, but some enjoyable easy miles and a couple of double-digit runs that ended up just under 7:00/mile pace. The “long” run for the week was only 13 miles, and I was able to add in a bit of weighted-vest hiking on the treadmill for good measure.
April 6th – April 12th [66 miles]
Similar mileage to last week, although the weekend miles included a confidence-boosting race at the Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon. Speedwork has been non-existent for many months, so it was nice to gut out a 4th place finish in 1:19:07, which I think ranks up there in my all-time top 5 Half Marathon finish times. Sunday was another speedy effort with 8 miles at 6:25/mile pace on possibly the warmest day of the year to date.
April 13th – April 20th [67 miles]
No racing this week (don’t want to push my luck!), so just a nice mix of easy running, treadmill hiking, tire dragging and a Sunday run at the local State Park. Seems like I haven’t run at First Landing State Park for months, so the miles were pleasant and the change of scenery most welcome.
April 21st – April 27th [? miles]
This week is pure taper week, as I’m taking part in my 3rd Virginia 24-Hour Run/Walk for Cancer on the weekend. I’m definitely excited, but hoping the lack of long runs since January doesn’t come back to bite me as the daytime hours tick by and we transition into those challenging Saturday night/Sunday morning hours when the race really gets started. In 2013 I hobbled away with 112.5 miles and a 2nd place finish, but frustratingly left 2 hours on the clock where I couldn’t get warm and decided to check out early. Last year’s race was a completely different story – I battled many demons throughout the day, but ended up with 126 miles and a new course record. It’s a funny old game.
24-Hour races are exceptionally tough, but I’m ready to toe the line once again and see what this mind/body can accomplish. See you on the other side…