All for Me!

Sat evening, the hubby and I headed to Houma, LA to run a 5k @ 6:00pm.  While I spent most of my day, catching up on blogs, twitter, TV, reading a book, resting up for my evening 5k,  my honey was at work.  He worked, rushed home, took a shower and sat down on the couch.  About the time he was about to doze off, I announce it's time to leave.  He LOVES  ME! 

He was able to get a quick nap on the way.

As we set out, YOU KNOW that I QUICKLY notice the temp.  78 degrees!  We have a quick conversation, my typical , hot and humid chatter, but the bright side ..... at least it's cloudy.   So as the hubby fades off to dream land, 15 minutes into the drive, the sun pops out BRIGHT, and the clouds quickly fade away.  By the time we arrive in Houma, we gain another 2 degrees.   It's around 80 degrees at race time, but the humidity is not as bad as it typically is in South LA.  Always a BRIGHT SIDE!

My last 5k was 3 weeks ago, and the starting temp was around 63-65 degrees.  Since then I have "tried" to focus on heat training, but this spring has been unique for us.   Back in Feb., we had some unusually warm weather, and lately we've had unusual cool fronts (great for EVERYTHING but heat training, and Dufrene's Guide Service ).  As my luck with racing goes, the cool fronts have come when I'm trying to train to acclimate to heat for racing.  Whatever....

As noted, I've been trying to do better with "REALITY."  In the last 5k, I averaged 7:39 pace.  So today, typically, I would have rationalized that I have 3 additional weeks of 5k training behind me, so for this race, I should try for 7:30-7:35 avg pace, totally ignoring the heat of the day.  15 - 17 degrees is huge for me, especially when I haven't been racing at that temp.   Today,   I decided to try to go out around 7:40-7:45, adjusting for the heat, before the heat adjusted for me.  

The last race my hubby met me around mile 1, or maybe 1.5, and ran the rest of the way with me.  That's the first time he's joined me for that much of the race.  Today, he surprised me when he decided to register for the race, and run the 5k with me.  Wow!   I don't think he has EVER run a race "for fun".  Fun for him, I would be "racing."

Around mile 1, we were entertained by a guy running off of the course, grabbing a beer, chugging it, and then returning to the race.   We laugh about it, and I tell my hubby, "see what you've been missing?"  (he's always been in the lead pack, all out racing)  We're at 7:42 pace.  I'm actually feeling strong.  I can feel the training paying off.  Today, I feel stronger through mile one at 80 degrees, than I felt 3 wks ago at 65 degrees (7:38 first mile 3 weeks ago).  Progress, not by time, but by feel.  The positive -  I'm happy that mile 1 was close to the same mile 1 from 3 wks ago, when the temp was better. 

Even at mile 2, I feel stronger than I did just 3 weeks ago.  Mile 2 - 7:39

During the last mile, hubby points out "pigtail" girl up ahead.  Hubby is really competitive, Ginny is not! (except with HER personal times)  I REALLY wish I had  some of that competitive drive to BEAT people.  I know it would help my 5k times.  

I know HE really wants me to get her, I really want to run as fast as I can, so, I try.  He points out that she's probably, only, 20 years younger than I am.  I'm thinking, EXACTLY!  I'm not out here to compete with 20 year olds.  I did "get her."  Turns out, she's a 40 year old pigtail lady.  Which reminds me, maybe I will wear pigtails.  They make you look really young, from the back, for sure.  Ha!

Obviously, the last mile hurt.  I thought we maintained the pace, and maybe even picked it up, but upon review, the last mile was 7:52.

So I ended the May 7th 5k at 23:57.  Last night, I was disappointed with mile 3,  but today is a new day, and this is what I think about the race today.  

April 16th 23:31 5k- 7:38, 7:32, 7:48, :32 Garmin 3.08  63-65 degrees and strong wind 

May 7th  23:57  5K- 7:42, 7:39, 7:52,  :43 Garmin 3.10  80 degrees, mild wind in the last mile.

Most interesting stat:  April 16th @ 65 degrees  May 7th @ 80 degrees
Average Heart Rate   -   165                             168
Max. Heart Rate        -   173                             176

(the creep begins)

*I'm 1 week, post half marathon.

*temp.

*I had some good "signs" during this race that I think will show themselves as I'm able to acclimate to the heat and humidity.  

* I can be in denial, or I can continue to acknowledge, the 3 lbs. gained after the Snickers marathon, in March. It DEFINITELY has an impact on my racing.  So, I can either continue to race with the extra lbs., or I can choose to do something about it. (broken record - sorry)  It is a CHOICE! 

*not only did I get the pigtail lady, we "got" the beer guy too.

I have 3 weeks of training until my next 5k.  I'm sure I will have ample opportunities to train for the heat.  (May is typically WARM in South MS and LA)   I'm excited as this personal challenge moves forward.  As the heat increases, the challenge for 5k improvement increases, but I'm enjoying the challenge.  

The blog title.... 

All For Me! 

  Today, I'm pretty sure, my hubby ran his PW (personal worst).  

He did that for me!

(after a long day at work)

Chad's sister and brother-in-law were at the race and we were able to chat, and have dinner with them after the race.  It was nice to see them, and have family at the race.    Andy came in 2nd in his age group, and ran a fast time, 21:33.  This is his 2nd race after many years of zero running.    Happy he is back at it! 

 dang it!  after, over a year of work, I still have high arms and thumbs up
when I get tired, argh.....

...saying a little prayer that I finish this race without a heart attack :)

Chad (hubby) in the white shirt running, oh so comfy