Monday, February 04, 2008

ME TIME

Saturday the girls went to see the Hannah Montana movie. Given that it already cost like $50 for just my wife and girls to go – I opted for 90 minutes of free skiing. I’m definitely using different muscles because although I have no problem running for 3 hours, 90 minutes on skis is about all I can handle.

After starting the week with a 20 miler, I finished the week with a whopping 37 miles in 3 runs, plus 20 more ski “miles”. I guess the good news is those 3 runs consisted of a long run and 2 hill workouts.

Sunday the girls went to a baby shower, so I had lots of “me time.” I drove to the lakes so I could get in a long run while watching the City of Lakes Loppet. I wasn’t really sure where or when the skiers would be coming or how well I’d be able to see them from the paths. I was able to figure things out pretty easily and even did an okay job of spectating while getting in 21 miles.

I guess if nothing else, between the long runs and the hill workouts, I’ll at least be able to run halfway decent at Boston. I probably won’t be in 2:50 shape – maybe not even 3:00 shape – but I’m okay with that right now.

A look at the ski race results show a former college teammate in 19th place, frequent commenter, Adam, in 128th place, and my latest interview in 134th place. Another thing I noticed is that out of 709 finishers, only 131 where women. That’s less than 20%, which seems low.

In other racing news, it looks like a lot of Minnesotans made there way down to Naples. results show a couple of age group winners from the state, including another former college teammate and the wife of a frequent commentor. Congrats.

Quote of the day;

“I wish I learned to ski really early, so I could have taken it further than I was able to take it.” - Jan Guenther

3 comments:

  1. I'm just curious, please don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you're backing off on your expectations for Boston somewhat yet still running the race. Is this a change in philosophy from what you were feeling back in sept/october when you decided to forgo the TCM:

    "Yes, I’m sure I could go out and run 26.2 miles. I may even be able to run around 7:00 pace – at best. But, thinking long-term – as in next year – I think the costs exceed the benefits; costs being the pounding my body would take and the number of weeks I’d have to delay my next buildup due to recovery, benefits being a t-shirt and a medal."

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  2. Chad --

    Thanks for the shout-out for Jan's finish at Naples -- she ran a great race. Good eye to spot that.

    Glad to hear you are rediscovering some of the enthusiasm we "new runners" get.

    And BTW, the Bowerman book you mentioned a couple of months ago was excellent. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  3. Brian, no problem. I saw your time too. I hope you enjoyed the vacation from winter.

    Glad you liked the Bowerman book. After going gang busters on it, I slowed towards the end and actually just finished it tonight.

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