4th of July 5k!

First, let me catch up:



Monday 5.0 miles/43:34/8:43 average pace

Easy run in the heat. It was really only in the high 80's but it has gotten much hotter in the last few days, up to 104 yesterday!

Tuesday 1500 meters swimming in 33:37.

Yes, that's right, I got a watch. (ok, Zach got a new watch and I got his old one) Whoo hoo! Look at me with my minutes and seconds. :P Nice long swim and felt comfortable.

Then... this week's MAIN EVENT:

The Run San Ramon 5k Race!

Well, I admit I was anxious, even though it wasn't a goal race at all. Despite all my understanding of mental training- visualization, positive thinking, etc.. and I usually am very good about this stuff, but I just can't help but psych myself out sometimes. I honestly didn't think there was any way I'd come even close to my PR of 22:08. Who is that fast runner, I wondered! Plus I also admit I was worried Zach would beat me, and then I felt guilty about worrying about that. Ugh! In summary, I was not confident.

But I did give myself a little pep talk before bed, and I slept really good. I woke up feeling energized and excited! I wasn't really confident, but I wasn't down on myself either. I knew I'd try my best, and Zach would too, and it would be fun. I was ready to race!

We drove down and registered before the crowds got there, about 7:15. Then we did a 1.5 mile warm up jog around the park as more people started arriving. It was already pretty warm, about 70 degrees at 8:00. Finally, after the standard delay, we were off!

I went out fast, too fast actually, as I was swept up in the fast pace of the crowd. Felt great for about a quarter of a mile, ha ha. After that it became more and more difficult to maintain a fast pace. First mile: a smokin' fast 6:58!

The course is just a big loop around this big park and the surrounding office park. So we made a couple of turns, I was tucking behind random people trying to get some pace help from them without their knowing it. I slowed down a little, which was inevitable, but kept on running. Second mile 7:28

Now I'm really panting, and my legs are heavy! We're out in the sun again too and man I want this to be over. About mile 2.5 I am trying to find a pace buddy to help me along, when I hear a loud throat-clearing behind me. I turn around and who do I see but my surprisingly speedy husband! Drafting off me this whole time without my knowing it! Ha ha!! My brow furrows and I laugh simultaneously. Before I can stop myself I yell at him " YOU F#%&-ER! What are you doing?!" Ha ha. He pants "Just trying to hang in there." Pretty cool. Now I am NOT letting him beat me, after trailing my like a sucker this whole time. I didn't realize it at the time, but he told me later- I sped up right away. How - I do not know. Competitive nature I guess!! We blow by the mile 3 marker with a 7:12 split, and sprint to the finish.

Last .1 miles: 45 seconds.

My finish time: 22:25!

Zach's finish time: 22:27!!

What a race! I was soooo pumped that I came so close to my PR, I did great! I was sooooooo impressed and proud of Zach for hanging in there, and he saved himself a painful existence by not passing me at the end (he insists he couldn't have if he wanted to, which I want to believe). We might have even got a picture together from the official race photographers. How cool! I know I am competitive with him, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it. We spent the whole day telling each other how awesome the other did, and how proud we are of each other. I had a fantastic time at this race, and I'm so grateful for my lifelong running buddy. :)

Well we stuck around and ate Popsicles and cheered on other runners for a good half hour. I had one lady who was nearing the finish offer me 100 dollars for my Popsicle. :D Hilarious. We left before results were posted, and they are not online yet, but I'll update when I see them.

We had a great rest of the holiday. I jumped in the pool when we got back to the apartment (did I mention it was 104 degrees??) and then later we rode our bikes up to watch the fireworks in San Ramon- got about 8 miles in (half in the pitch dark!). So I ended up doing a triathlon yesterday! ha ha.

Got up this morning and went to the pool. I swam 1000 meters in 22:34.

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Long Run and Weekly Summary

First,

Friday 6.0 miles/54:xx/9:xx average pace

Easy run in the morning on Friday, felt really good.


Then,

Saturday 15.0 miles/2:12:08/8:49 average pace

Zach and I went for a long run looping through Golden Gate Park, with couple hilly miles on the streets of the city, then up the big hill past the Cliff House. Zach finished at 12.5 miles and I continued out and back on a path along the Great Highway (the road that parallels the beach) for a total of 15 miles. It was a really exciting run- I forgot how much can happen when you are out on these long running adventures. In the park we saw turtles and a waterfall (oh, and don't forget the buffalo), then we climbed up a long hill to a gorgeous view of the coast and the city, and then I ran along a busy beach path with tons of other runners, some were cheering for each other (training groups are common there, and they cheer and yell for all runners!). We were consistent with our pace, even on the hills. There were lots of street crossings and other obstacles, which made it hard to get into a groove, but oh well. There was so much going on around us, the run flew by. :)

I went for a short, easy bike ride yesterday - about 6 miles including one stop at the library and another at the park. Otherwise, took the day off.

TOTAL miles for the week: 40!! This was my goal so I'm very happy. I've never hit 40 miles a week when not in Marathon training. Cool.

PLUS: 2000 meters swimming, and just 6 miles on the bike. (I know, I know).

Here's my plan for this week:

Monday: 7 miles

Tuesday: swim, 3 miles easy

Wednesday: 5k Race!

Thursday: swim

Friday: 5 miles

Saturday: 11 miles

Sunday: swim, bike

The 5k race should be fun. I did the 10k event in 2005 and placed 2nd in my age group! My PR for the 5k is pretty fast for me- 22:08, so I don't know if I'll beat it. But if anything it's replacing my speedwork this week. I don't think it's too close to my half to cause any problems. Weeee!