I ran my first race in a year this morning, the second in over 20 years (1993 NYC Marathon). Inspired by my chat yesterday with a colleague, Lanse Natsch, I ran it as "training" run and a good base time to build from.
My wife and three of our five kids "ran" with us. Milo and Olivia, the toddlers were the youngest among a field of 24 kids who ran a fun run once around the track, they came in dead last, but got trophies nonetheless and were an inspiration to all.
I absolutely loved the course because it was a tough climb up Division Street, right before Mile 2. Back in the days, hills were my forté, so although I struggled up this one, I'm looking forward to making this route a regular training run.
I did a 8:19 first mile, 17:53 second (at the top of a long hill and finished at about 28:00 (my 2 year old daughter walked out to me at finish line, so I walked a few feet with her to the tape).
On average the time converter says I did an acceptable 9 minute mile. I was happy with the results and fantasize that if I can get back to training in earnest I can reduce that mile time by two minutes. Having endured two Crossfit WODS in a row on Tuesday and Wednesday ( Abigail! and Metcon Grinding) and then two River Runs on Thursday and Friday ( New York Life Home Office Fitness Center River Run (4.43 Miles) my legs were pretty sore and stiff, so I cut myself some slack.
More critical to my diminished performance was the fact that I was catching my breath through the whole ordeal, indicating that I am significantly out of cardiovascular shape. I'm eager to improve that.
In 2013, when I'd run a 5k on the treadmill at the gym at work, roughly once or twice a week I averaged 7:20 or so on a good day. Inspired by talking to many of our colleagues about their marathon training has renewed my passion for my favorite sport (see Your Marathon Story & personal transformation). I'm sharing all this so that I might hold myself accountable to this challenge, like Jason Brooks has shown me to do.
Thank you one and all for reigniting that fire.
