SUB 30!

NUUN YEAR DASH 5K

Two weeks  approaching the end of my off season , I jumped into a virtual 5K. My decision was that I wanted to run on NYD this year, but with the weather so awful, I wasn't going to risk it. Plus, being A NUUN Ambassador this year, this race being sponsored by them, I felt obligated to run. So, why not?! 

Really the whole Sub 30 and me have went back and forth. I have wanted it , then said goodbye too it, then wanted it again, and let it go. I decided just to let it happen whenever. The weekend before I  had been at the gym and had swam and cycled for a while. I then decided, hey lets do a tempo check to see if this is a possibility. I covered 1.7 miles in 20 min. I knew right then I could do this, and that became the goal. Also, because of being selected to pace this years Knoxville Half Marathon, I wanted to make this a race, and a hard tempo run. My PR before this race was 32:59. So this was going to be a big time pr if I could hit it. 

The week before, I had been on a taper-ish week. I had lifted some, swam some, and taken some time off too make sure that I was fresh. I just wanted to do this . After seeing that I was able to see what happend in 20 min , then I was confident I could do this. I was hyped all week leading up to this. Kinda my driving force during taper. 

Race day , I planned to loosen up 10-20 min on the bike, and then hit the mill for the run. I got up and ate that day, and took my gear to the gym with me. I was in full race trim. The whole thing. Singlet, shorts, etc. They also provided us a bib and a medal. and a shirt. So full race awards and I could run when I could. 

I got to the gym and jumped on the bike. I felt really good that morning. Confident. Already jamming out as I warmed up . Once off the bike, I transitioned into the rest of my run gear. This would be my first race since Thanksgiving. 

Once I got to the mill, I setup my water and Ipad that would have my music of choice on it, METALLICA! What else is there? LOL!

I then set off on this journey. My goal was to control my breathing. If I let it get ahead of me, I know I am screwed. I have to keep that going right to have any kind of chance at it. Once off I knew I had to average 9:59 a mile to keep it rolling. The first mile came and went. By the end of that, the latic acid had started to set in, and I could feel it. Also, my core began to hurt like cramps. I knew I had to zone out and go. I slowed it down for 30 seconds to grab a splash of water and then rolled. Mile 2, I ratcheted up the pace harder. I wanted to push. I wanted to see how I could do . Bad Idea. I started to suffer even worse. I had visions of missing my goal and I wasn't going to accept it. So I kept going. There were moments I slowed the pace down. But I kept trucking. As I approached mile 3, I was suffering . Horribly. Hurting. The whole thing. But I wasn't giving up . I poured on the coals even harder. Mile 3 came. I was close. I still had another .12 to go. So I gapped it. Why not. Leave it all out there. Finally when i pounded that stop button. 3.13 in 29:54! FINALLY ! I HAD DONE IT!

I texted my friend who knew I was after this, and then posted in our private team page. I had finally accomplished a huge goal , and honestly I didn't have words to put to it. I tried, but I just didn't. Frankly, the reason this blog is so late is because I hadn't had words to put to it till just this past weekend. Its finally starting to set in that I have accomplished this . Something I had worked so hard for and so long for is finally done. Frankly , It feels AMAZING! 

So, it seems the offseason has elapsed here soon. Mid week next week, I resume working with my coach. Frankly, its time. I have a lot of things going on this year. Some of those include: 

- Meeting my running hero, Meb Keflizki and running a 5K with him. 

- Pacing the front half of the Knoxville Marathon & PR'ing at the same time. 

- My first ever Triathlon(s)

So, its gonna be a productive season. I am so excited for 2018 and can't wait to get going. I have been busy in the weightroom, and the pool, along with the bike this off season. I have written my own workouts , been challenged, and excelled. I am happy with where I am at now. Ill have a full writeup on that hopefully by the first weekend of Feb or so. 

So, until then- 

From one "IDIOT" to another

John 

IRC # 2148