I had all my excuses ready before the race even started: I'd been sick for the past 2 days, I was about 50% healthy on race day; I hadn't done any running in for ever; and my right foot still wasn't 100%.

But, strangely enough. I did not have to use any of the excuses. I ran pretty well. Not my absolute fastest, but as fast as I could run on that day, and probably the fastest I've run in a while. I even dipped into the highly uncomfortable zone for a few minutes in order to shave a few extra seconds.

Final time was 21:23.5 - Good enough for 11th overall (out of 66). But get this... 2nd in my age group. I couldn't believe it when they called my name for the medal, I actually asked the guy, "are you sure?"

The course was fairly flat and straight. It torments you a little at the end, because you can see the finish line clear as day from about 1.5 km out.

My splits:

1k: 4:07.85

2k: 4:13.58

2.5K: 2:10.04 (10.31.47 elapsed; 4:20 pace -> slowing down big time)

2.5K to [5K minus 1/2 mile] (I didn't notice the 3K or 4K marker, but there was a 1/2 mile turnaround for the 1 -mile race): 7:28.67 (4:24 pace)

Final 800m: 3:25.5 (4:16 pace -> digging in).

Is running on a full dose of Extra Strength Benilyn considered doping?? I sure hope not because I'd have to turn in my medal if so.

But enough about me. This race also marked Guylaine's first official race. Opting for the 10K - she managed an almost personal best for herself (56:43) - even though she forgot to take her planned pre-race energy gel.

Labels: Race Report

My wife kicks my butt on the bike this year:

No, the foot is not broken.

Yes, it is still uncomfortable.

No, I haven't run in 12 days.

Yes, I will run today at lunch.

No, I won't go hard.

Yes, I might race a 5K this weekend.

On my way home last night. I was fortunate enough to see a very hot lady out riding her bike. She was sprinting up a slight incline in her drops, like it was the final 50m of a stage race.

Grr Baby... Very Grr...

Yes.. it was my wife. Finishing her 40K ride... avg speed 27.1 km/hr.

The image on the Left is the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine. The image on the Right is the Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll. My sponsor, ordered herself the item on the left, after much research from yours truly to replace the older Minoura unit in our arsenal of off-season sweat toys. The unit on the right was in the box. A $160 upgrade.

I am interested in how well this unit works with the Power Computer that was a small add-on. I quite like my Tacx, but find the power readings to be mostly useless, as they (from experience) are greatly affected by wheel-to-roller tension: which begs the question, what's the right tension.

For the Kurt models, wheel-roller tension does not factor in their power estimates.

I assembled it tonight. I have not ridden it yet. So far, all I have to say is, Holy crap - it's huge. I'm not sure what the going rate for steel is, but the frame alone has got to be worth a small fortune. This bad-boy sure is beefy.

Oh, it also came with a Spinervals DVD.

I've been putting something off for over two months now. A trip to the doctor's office.

I've been experiencing continuous discomfort with my right foot. The top of my right foot. I'd describe it as mostly mild discomfort and tenderness to occasional excruciation.

Common sense would say to back off on the running. But, until now I have not.

My wife (tired of hearing me complain?) looked up my symptoms ... looks like a classic metatarsal stress fracture.

Of course, after hearing that I may have a broken foot, it hurts 10 times more than it used to.

Lovely.

...at least that's what my old boxing coach use to say.

Speedwork, with the Man again today.

New routine: 10 minute warm up, (1 minute @ 5K pace, 90 second recovery, 30 seconds - all out, 90 second recovery) Repeat until pain is unbearable, and then do one more, and then cool down.

Labels: The Man

Was dreading this workout all night long. Pretty happy with effort. 3:42 avg pace for first 6 bursts (5:57/mile).

Labels: The Man

I love yellow lenses. Always have. Always will. My current sunglasses are brownish-tint... they're ok. They cost $14. They're not the most stylish, but they cover my eyes - especially in the aero position.

Friday, the sponsor and I, went for a long ride. It was a little overcast - I used my new shades...


$9.98 Safety glasses from Home Depot.

Honestly, they are awesome. They look a little stylistically challenged. But, they completely cover all around the eye - blocking 100% wind, and with Yellow lenses... EVERYTHING is crystal clear.

Who needs Rudy Projects when 10 bucks at the Home Depot can buy such optical nirvana.