I originally started this blog as a way to keep a record of my races and workouts when I was neck deep in the triathlon and cycling scene four years ago. Loyal readers (Hi Dad!) may even remember when I had a race calendar and training plans posted on the site. The combination of med school and overtraining injuries sidelined me for the last two years, but I’ve been getting back into running in the past few months. This time, I’ve added mileage gradually and really focused on listening to my body. To really kick my butt into gear, I accepted an entry to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon in July. Now that I have a reason to train – not embarrassing myself in front of my Brooks ID colleagues and friends – I’ve kicked my mileage up to about 35 miles a week. This is far more running in a week than I ever did when training for cycling or triathlons. So far the results are paying off. I feel fitter than I ever have.
As a “tune up” I signed up for the Follow the Child 5K put on by the Madison Montessori School District. I wanted the pressure of a race situation and the race fit my schedule. Needless to say, the event today was very low-key. There were no mile markers, no timing chips and no…. Regardless, I felt enough pressure to push myself so the mission was accomplished. Timing wise, I was close to a 5K PR, but the 90 degree heat made the race much slower than I had hoped. It was definitely a suffer fest!
I did manage to get first place overall (med and women) in the race. It was a family-focused run, but it still felt great to cross the finish line first in my nightlife yellow Brooks ID kit!
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