First 100 Mile Month

Been wanting to hit the 100 mile mark for awhile and finally did it this morning.  After a very cold run that I didn't want to do and I did very slowly (still counts) I ran my 100th mile for this month.

The End!

10K Turkey Trot Recap

Been focusing on the 10K race for about the past 3 weeks heavily; with Reese being in town and talking a lot of smack I had my brain on this constantly.  In fact, I barely could sleep the night before.  I had run the distance or further almost every weekend for the past 3 months, but still was very nervous about this race.

I went into the race with good spirits and plenty of training but lack of sleep and a nervous stomach.  I lagged behind the rest of the fam for the start so that I wouldn't feel compelled to go harder than I can sustain and get tired in the first half mile.   I passed Josh pretty quickly in the run but wasn't thinking about the Race within the Race just yet; completely focusing on being consistent and staying strong. The first mile was a little hectic with so many runners and a small road way, but it felt great and helped me get rid of some of my butterflies at 8:53.

About the 1.5 mile marker, I caught up to Mom who mentioned Reese wasn't too far ahead.  I had to remind myself to stay steady and just hope that my training would prevail and he would lose his steam.  The sun was beaming and it was extremely hot, but I pushed through and clocked a 9:00 flat mile. They had water set up at this point and it was much needed as the course offered very little coverage and even for November, it was hot.  In the 3rd mile, I could see I was gaining distance from Josh and was hoping to see both Dad and Reese at the turn around. Held steady in this mile with another 9:00 mile.

As I approached the half way point turn around I saw that Reese was just about 100 yards ahead but seemingly running strong.  He never saw me at the turn around and had no idea how close I was. I never saw Dad and was concerned he had dropped out (having spent the previous 24 hours in the hospital lack of potassium again, I was expecting him to run a little easy).  Luckily at the turn around I had some awesome back to back music come on which helped to keep the pace going.  I caught up to Reese at about the 3.8 mile mark and it felt great. I was mostly focused on racing a race I could be proud of but knowing that I could potentially beat him (just a little friendly sibling rivalry) really put a smile on my face.  We ran together for about a minute and he confirmed that dad was in fact still in the race.  I knew I could never catch him or run his speed but the thought of closing the gap helped finish up the 4th mile at 8:57.  I was actually feeling a little tired and slowed a bit with a 9:11 at the 5 mile mark. By this point I was still leading Reese and glad to be in the final stretch of the race.

Although time was last on the list of goals for the day, I quickly saw that I over estimated the time it would take to run the race...which felt great.  I wanted to pick my pace up for the last 1.2 miles to try and hit under the 56 minute mark.  I stayed focused and didn't look down once at my watch for the last part.  Just focused on running my hardest and finishing hard.  Overall I was very happy with my time at 55:51; but with a 9:00 average mile pace, I would like to see my next 10K be in the 8 minute range.

We held the annual awards ceremony once we got back home and all that participated got a sweet trophy.  I took 2nd in the fam and mine was topped with a cow.  There is no real explanation for the types or sizes of the trophies picked but it sure was a great ceremony.  There has been a few changes for the race next year:

• This year's winner must carry the cup and 6 beers during next year's race
• This year's winner will be in charge of selecting the trophies for next years race
• Next year's race will be an improvement race 

The Race within The Race

My brother has been working in Iraq for some time now but just last Friday found out that he got a job at the Space Center here in town. We haven't lived in the same town since I moved out of the parental's place nearly ten years ago...so this is pretty exciting news. With that being said, he picked up and moved here yesterday. Since he is staying with us for awhile, I got him out and running with me this morning.

With just over a week left until the Suntree Turkey Trot 10K and more importantly the race within the race, The Annual Swenson 10K Super Run World Cup; rumors have been stirred up as to who is slated to win this thing. Everyone seems to agree that the little brother is a clear leader, but after this morning's run, my spirits are lifted.  The run started out great; we were both running about an 8 minute mile for the first half mile (I was showing off a bit, because this is just a little faster than I can sustain).  About the half mile mark, I clearly slowed down and he continued to run ahead.  I'm pretty comfortable with being behind since I have adopted the policy that I am my only competitor.  Reese was kind enough at the two mile marker to wait the roughly two minutes I was behind him, or at least I thought. I turned around and he picked back up with the pace, except we were now keeping the same pace.  He mentioned at the 2.5 mile point that he was out of shape, but I was assuming he was pulling my leg.  But then as we approached the 3 mile point, running came to a halt for him and I decided to walk the last mile back home with him.  Nothing like a little sibling rivalry, but it felt good that I might not be completely out of the race.

The grand prize for taking first place in the Annual Swenson 10K Super Run World Cup; a shiny cup that holds 6 beers.  And yes, you do have to consume a portion of that after the race.  More importantly though, beating Reese, the creator of this prestigious race would mean bragging rights until next year.  Let's hope for the perfect conditions, and the will power to push through when he slows down.

Getting Inspired

For as long as I can remember my family has been active and has competed in endurance races. In fact, I can remember running a 5K before I was even a teenager. Both my mother and father have completed multiple marathons in multiple countries. My dad also completed his 9 IronMan this year. Because of this, Josh always says it in my blood to be a runner. Although, somehow in my early and mid twenties, I got lazy. In the previous 4 years prior to getting motivated with my running again, I can only remember running twice.

What sparked my interest? A couple months ago, three colleagues of mine pressured me into joining their gang. Okay, so they aren't really a gang, more like a group of individuals with a passion to run and the crazy staying power to do so for many, many miles. Right around the same time, all three of them had registered and committed to a half marathon. I had already been running short distances again for a couple of months and saw the opportunity to challenge myself just as they did. So I jumped aboard the crazy train and registered myself. I gave myself about 6 months to prepare and had to convince my mom to do the first one with me, but it is penciled in on the calendar. Since August I've taken this commitment serious and have started preparing myself for this new chapter of my life.

What's keeping me inspired? My family have been big supporters and great cheerleaders thus far. My mom and I have been sharing our weekly running routines with each other, both keeping us motivated for the January race (and then my February race) and keeping the spirit of family (friendly...bahhaha) competition alive. My dad has become my coach, giving me tips and advice on how to improve, stay focused, and still have fun. Josh has been great and is even joining me in some of my runs now. Then their is the NSCS gang. Their support coupled with their enthusiasm and willingness to share their experiences through twitter and blogging have kept me consistent and serious with training. When it comes to actually putting in the miles, space coast runner crew is where its at. Who knew in such a small town, there were so many dedicated runners and bikers. This group of people have been amazing and running with them is great. Running with the group gives me a good perspective to see that training is paying off, yet I am not at the level I could be at. Through these last couple months, I've quickly realized that it is easier doing anything with the power of numbers and friends backing you.