A race and a long run

This morning was the Creve Coeur 6K race.  It was a beautiful January morning in the low 50s.  I wore shorts to the race.  When we got there I felt the cool wind off the lake and thought I might be cold but the sun was out and it was a beautiful  day to run in shorts.  6K is an unusual distance for a race.  It is about 3.7 miles.  I ran it in 30:46 which was a 8:14 pace.  This is a 6K PR for me.  I beat my previous 6K time by 9 seconds and nabbed first in my age group.  Winning is a matter of who shows up.  I compete against myself and try to improve.  My award was a water bottle and a ribbon.    I wasn't sure if my legs would be tired after my week training but I felt good and was happy with the results.  Jim did well too.

My training schedule said 13.1 miles.  Kathy was supposed to run a half marathon today but the flu or some winter bug kept her down.  My choices were to run more after the race or to do a long run tomorrow.  Tomorrow is supposed to rain and today is beautiful so I ran 9.5 miles after the race.  This brings my total for today to 13.7 (.5 warm up before the race, 3.7 mile race, 9.5 walk/run after the race).  I rolled out my muscles after the run but I feel some soreness.  I may not be able to walk tomorrow.

I am experimenting with fueling on the long runs.  In a marathon it is wise to digest some calories along the way to keep energy levels up.  I had Clif Shot Bloks which work well for me.  Note to self:  Open the package of Shot Bloks with scissors before you leave for the run.  Opening those packages is like trying to break into Fort Knox.

Music for my long run:  John Denver.  I know this won't make me run fast but a little "Rocky Mountain High" makes me smile.

Three weeks into marathon training and life is good.