Old Pros 10K July 4, 2009

Wed - MJ Tribute Spin Class with Nat and V.
Thurs - 5 mi
Fri - 5 mi
Sat - 10mi (10K Race)
Sun - 7 mi + gym + 1 mile jog home
Mon - 7 mi
Tues - 4.5 (Achilles pain) + PT

Mileage June 19 - July 5 = 42mi (6 days of running)

Old Pros 10K

Time: 38:30
Pace: 6:13
Place: Overall - 6th. Age Divison - 2nd
Splits: 6:09, 6:22, 6:12, 6:13, 6:20, 5:57, ??

The experience of running has changed dramatically for me since college. First of all, I've had to fight to be able to run for over two years now. That's given me a new appreciation for how much it means to me, and a stronger drive to take advantage of my abilities in running. I also have more control over how much I run, how fast I go, and what races I do.

But I think one of the most exciting things for me is I feel like i've finally gotten rid of the demons which have haunted me since High School. My confidence was shaken and I don't think I ever really recovered. But for the first time in forever I don't have this feeling of impending failure when i step up to the line. This past race I had a goal of running a specific time for the 10K, and I KNEW I could do it, despite not being all the way in shape. It was teh strange confidence in my abilities that I never fully embraced. Part of it is being in a new environment. It's not HS or collegiate racing anymore. Another part is that I am tackling distances which I have never raced before. I'm starting fresh with no PRs and no expectations. And also I've had a significant break from competitive running. This fall will mark the first time I am running a season in shape in over four years.

In other running related news, I've been given the privilege of joining our local adidas-movin' shoes team. I am super excited about this because I really do enjoy being on a team and I'm already friends with a good portion of the guys on the team. I've been getting to know the women on the team as well and am excited to get to know them more and race with them this fall.

Ok, that's long enough.