A RUN TO REMEMBER 2011

It’s over. I’m two days past the run to remember. It went really well. I set a PR @ 2:20. That’s a pretty good improvement for me, especially considering the 89% humidity. I’m real happy with the discipline I showed during the race. I was really focused on keeping MY pace and running MY race. Last year I went out way to fast and was completely gassed at the half race point. I had to do so much walking last year, that race was an epic failure. This year was so different. Everything worked. It was the hardest training id ever done. I followed it to perfection. The rest schedule, the days off from hoop, lifting with Doug, quitting tennis, the green drink and yoga all combined to help me kick it.




The race seemed a lot more crowded this year. I’m not sure that’s the case, but it felt that way at the start. There were around 5,200 half marathoners. I was up early again, never sleep well the night before a big race. I was at Dunkin Donuts at 5:20. I need my coffee before I run even though I know it’s not recommended. I had my coffee, snuck back into the hotel room and had my green drink. (what a difference that made). Then I sipped some Gatorade and headed to the start line. We took off running to firework by Katy Perry and it was a pretty frantic first half mile. I felt like I was running with the bulls. I really had to bear down and focus to keep my pace and not get caught up in the moment. I put my music on pretty quick this year. Normally I like to chat with some folks or hear the crowd. Not this year, this was redemption. I ran it I like ran my training runs. This was a very workman like effort, all business.



I couldn’t help think during the run, why do we do this. You don’t run 13.1 miles to get in shape. You can do your local city 5k for that. I’m pretty sure everyone out here is either running to something or from something. For me, I guess it’s a little of both. Fuck, maybe it’s a lot of both!



The heat was taking its toll early. I saw my first drop out at mile 2. Around mile 4 to 5 seeing people dropping out or walking was a regular occurrence. I really had no issues and I just let my training take over. Around mile 10 my sister joined me for a 1/ 4 mile and it was great to see a familiar face. I really cruised the rest of the race, as I seemed to get stronger as I got closer to the finish line.



Musically, it was a solid day. Uncle Kracker got B listed, this was for the big dogs only. Rob Thomas, Bush and Creed were all there when needed! Meatloaf’s “I would do anything” was definitely song of the day, and earned a threepeat at mile 9.



I have mixed emotions now that the race is over. I’m thrilled at my performance, but I don’t know what lies ahead. I’m doing the Warrior Dash in a few weeks, but that’s is more of a fun event. I need something to push my limits physically and mentally.



Congrats to Courtney Love on Your graduation! You are a special person and I know there are great things ahead for you.



I have a recovery run this afternoon, we shall see how that goes!



Til next time,



Ross