Pipestem Test Run

First off, I want to say Hi to anyone visiting from Phedippidations. I have been run/walking for such a short time and at such short distances that I haven't actually caught up with the current pod cast. I am downloading it now to find out what the buzz is about, but a friend emailed me that my blog is mentioned on the current podcast - episode 116 I expect. Thanks Steve at www.steverunner.com . I have something in common with you now - uncomprehending awareness that more than my family is looking at this Blog. Why? I don't know, but I hope you find me interesting.

I did my hardest run for the week today. I left the comfort of the hayfields behind and risked shinsplints by hitting the pavement. My goal for the fall is to run the Pipestem Pumpkin Run 5k in November. I have been aiming my training at that event and this weekend I chose to go out to the park and give it a test run instead of going back down to 'the creek' like I had done last week. It was just me, a couple of deer, a dead squirrel, and the traffic. Minor traffic compared to what most people experience on runs, but I am happy to say I handled it well by not getting hit. I did have to share some disgusted looks with some drivers though - 30 mph is pretty reasonable, slow down and enjoy the park for a minute, please!

My fellow local runners will agree that the Pipestem course is not flat. I really enjoyed the flatness of that run on 'the creek' last week since my typical choices seem to be made up of hills. The course I will be doing for the "drumroll please" Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and Kick the Couch 5k is in the town of Athens, which is - wait for it - hilly too! So anyway, Pipestem is hilly, Athens is hilly. When I start running in Hinton it will be hilly. I can't avoid it so I just as well train for it, which sort of explains my love of that hayfield. I just hope all of these hills help flatten out some of my personal rolls and lumps. LOL

Oh Steve is talking about happiness. I think I know why he mentioned me now. Still crazy though. Good music - I need to get this band from his pod notes.

SO the Park. I have been reading a lot about different training plans and have decided that the best plan for me to follow is to run with walk breaks. Today I did 2 minute run, 3 minute walk X 3 turns before I just had to walk. My heart rate monitor was not very happy, if it could glow red and give me dirty looks it sure would have. I ended up walking for about 12 minutes before I continued running and then it was run for a minute to the sign, walk up the hill, run for 2 minutes so that I could pass the three seniors out on a nature walk, walk up the hill, run for a minute to get around the curve, walk some more and then finally run past the cemetary so the residents didn't catch me. HA. I made it!

Overall it took me 47 minutes and 14 seconds and I ran 12 minutes of it. Not burning up the road, but as a friendly dofus just said in my headphones "Life is about pushing yourself as a human being both for yourself and for others." One month from now I will be back at Pipestem running the sanctioned race. I will be able to push myself because there will be people to chase and I might even have a new friend with whom to share the race. She is just getting out of the Army so I would expect far beyond my pace, but I will invite her to participate in my new adventure.

Goals are a big part of what I am using to keep me motivated. I know I haven't even really run a 5K yet, but I already have another goal. I have become aware of the Marine Corps Marathon over the last few weeks because a friend in the office has entered and received his bib. I think that is a wonderful goal for him. I on the other hand have another goal. I was an Air Force jet avionics mechanic from '84 to '94 and just can't bring myself to do another Service's race before I do the Air Force race. So, my extended goal is to run/walk the Air Force Half Marathon in September of 2008. I know it is way out there, but I figure if I can add just one mile a month onto my start of 3 miles, I CAN do it. Life will have its way with that plan, but I will do what I can do be there when the race starts. Maybe I will meet some of you there.
There I am! Featured blog! WOW!
Thanks again for the comment Steve and everyone for visiting.