Easy does it.....

Today's run was supposed to happen this morning but procrastination sat in and I didn't get out there until 3pm.  I ran an out and back on the Palmetto Trail, in preparation for the race Saturday.  I was planning to go out for a 2 mile run in the morning, but I leaning towards taking tomorrow and Friday off. Total distance run was 3.51 miles.

Racing recap from previous years

This is something I have been meaning to do for a while - keep a better account of my racing history.  Normally, I just save my race number and finisher's medal and write the date, finishing time, place and pace on the back on the race number.  Even though I can look back on these mementos and recall my triumphs or defeats, writing about my running lets me enjoy them more when I look back on them.  I'll add more detail and pics as it comes back to me.

2007

7/21/2007 - Hanes Park Classic 5K - Winston-Salem, NC - 28:20

• If I remember correctly, the temp was around 97 degrees! Nuff said!

8/5/2007 - Beat The Heat 5K - Winston-Salem, NC - 25:32
11/3/2007 - Boo Bash Dash 5K - Greensboro, NC - 24:43

Chilly 31 degrees!

 2008

5/3/2008 - 1st Annual UHC NC Half Marathon - Greensboro, NC - 2:14:32
10/4/2008 - Triple Lakes Trail Half Marathon - Greensboro, NC - 2:31:42

2009

2/15/2009 - St. Valentine's Day Massacre Marathon Relay - Greensboro, NC - 53:12

• 4 person marathon relay; 7 miles total for my leg (first leg) (2.2, 1.6, 1.6, 1.6)

3/28/2009 - Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon - Raleigh, NC - 1:59:44
5/2/2009 - 2nd Annual UHC NC Marathon - High Point, NC - 4:44:44

• My first marathon, really good experience.  10 of those minutes came from waiting in line to use the bathroom!

7/18/2009 - Beat the Heat 5K - Winston-Salem, NC - 23:30
8/15/2009 - Terry's Challenge 5K - Thomasville, NC - 22:11
8/30/2009 - Run to the Rock 5K - Chimney Rock, NC - 29:59

 Hands down the hardest 5K I've run! 7% grade the whole way!

10/3/2009 - Triple Lakes Trail Half Marathon - Greensboro, NC - 2:00:38
10/24/2009 - RHABA 10K - Rural Hall, NC - 46:57

• Sheets of rain came down 5 minutes before the start, but it felt gooood! Got 2nd place in my age group.

11/14/2009 - Danville Half Marathon - Danville, VA - 1:44:10

• Probably the best race I have had to date.  Finished 2nd in my age group.

4 days and counting....

This morning's run was a 4 mile run at a steady tempo.  Actual distance was 4.11mi. @ 7:57/mi.  It was a little chilly compared to the past few days in the mid-70's, so I wore my gloves for this run.  My fingers usually are the first part of my body to feel the effects of the cooler temperature.  I followed up my run with some strength training - push ups, crunches, planks and side planks.

The extended forecast is calling a chance for rain on Friday.  Hopefully this won't affect the race on Saturday.

FIRST RACE OF THE DECADE THIS SATURDAY

Good morning, afternoon, or evening to you and thank you for taking time to read my blog.  I've decided to keep a daily (or at least 4 or 5 days a week) journal of my progress, setbacks, and thoughts mainly pertaining to my running experience. For me, running is a good way to stay in physical shape, enjoy nature and the fresh air, and clear my head from the stresses of daily life.  So if you enjoy running as mush as I do, I invite you to read about my running experiences and share your experiences in the Comments section.

Now, on the the topic at hand.... the first race of 2010!

Last year I would say that I had a really good race year and finished it by setting a half marathon PR of 1:44:10.  This was my first time running sub-2 hours -- hopefully it won't be my last.  Now that I have broken that plateau, I don't plan to cross back over.

This year, and decade, did not get off to a good start for me professionally.  I do, however, anticipate a really good race year, starting with the Loco Ocho Uwharrie Trail Run in Troy, NC.  The race takes place in the Uwaharrie National Forrest.  I've never been there before, so I'm really looking forward to running this race.  As with all the trail races I run, my main goal is to not fall!