Emma's Run Report

In summary. I didn't PR, but I took 2nd in my age group and 18th overall mens so I felt ok about it.

It was a little hectic at the start. I think I wasted a good 15 to 30 seconds because I started too far back and there were a lot of people I had to manuver around. I was also just going way too slow. Just wasn't mentally "into it".

After the first 1/2 mile I finally got into a groove. The second mile was really good. The girl who ended up 3rd overal for womens paced me perfectly through the second mile. She was probably really annoyed with me.

I ended up passing that girl at about the 2 mile mark and ended up in "no man's land" for the 3rd mile. It was a little slower than the second partially because I was alone and also because it was slightly uphill and into the wind.

Although I placed ok, I am now wishing for another shot at it as I reflect. I feel I left a little in the tank and the starting left much to be desired. This distance is really tough for me because there is so much pain involved. It's hard for me to balance the need to push hard, but not so hard that I crash after a mile. I'm sure there will be plenty more 5k's to get it right.

Also, Paige ran this race with me. It was the first race we've done together and her second 5k. She did really well considering it was esentially "off the couch". It was really cool to see her cross the finish line. You can't help but feel a swelling of emotion as you see somebody you love come down the finish chute. She is thinking of doing the provo river 1/2 marathon this summer. I can't wait to watch her go through the joys and pains of training for and running a 1/2 marathon. I love you Paige.

All over the internet

Posting is hard, so now I just Twitter. It's like blogging for lazy people. Check me out under "rundignan" for more frequent updates. I also got going on facebook, but don't know how dilignet I will be in keeping up there becauese I like Twitter much better.

This is a "taper" week and I'm really enjoying the reduced training load. I've got the "Emma's Run" 5k on Saturday morning. As the race gets closer I'm feeling more and more optimistic about how I'll do. I finally got a new front wheel for my bike, so I am looking forward to biking to work a few days next week.

I saw that the SLC marathon is in a couple of weeks. Thinking that would be a great one to train for maybe next year. The timing works great for training in decent weather here in PHX, plus I get to visit home.

Also really thinking about giving up caffiene. I just read this thing about how it makes you have anxiety and sleeping problems and all sorts of negative things. That would be a big deal for me since I am pretty much dependent on diet mtn. dew every morning. I drink about a 2-liter per day which is about the same caffeine as 2 cups of coffee. Probably not an excessive amout of caffeine, but sure would be nice not to "need" it. That's a big hill to climb for me and I'll need to save up some willpower to tackle that. I'll keep you posted.


-Later

-Later