Running on Faith

My training is on track and going as well as can be expected.  This past week, I ran 3 miles each on Tuesday and Thursday.  I probably should’ve run more but in the interest of time on a school night, I cut it short.  We usually reserve early Saturday mornings for our long runs but with Blake’s cross country schedule, this will be rather difficult.  This past Saturday we had to be at the State Fairgrounds at 7:30 a.m. for an unofficial track meet so that meant we would not be able to run. I was a little disappointed because I was planning to run 13 miles.  Saturday afternoon, Paul asked those dreaded words…”so, do you wanna ride tomorrow morning?”

So, Sunday morning we were up at 7:00 and on the road riding by 7:45.  It started out pretty bad, my legs were tired from all the running and the yard work we did Saturday.  The first 10 miles were bad, I struggled but I made it.  By the time we hit the turn around spot and took a quick water break, my legs were feeling better and stronger.  I took the lead on the way back home and it felt like I was flying.  I think Paul was drafting a little bit behind me because I know I could never go that fast alone.  My top speed was 20 mph and I averaged 16.5 for 20 miles!  I was wiped out when we got back but it was a good short ride.  In the spirit of efficiency, we decided to get our run in while Blake was a track practice Monday morning.  Did I ever mention how much I love running cross country???

Paul, Blake and I were at Highland Road Park for 7:50 this morning and ready to run.  Blake ran off to join his team and Paul and I went the other way (I wanted to get a good head start on the Catholic High Cross Country team).  My plan was to run the 3 mile loop twice however I was concerned that I would lose my way on the hills (sometimes it’s hard to see those arrows in the grass).  Paul stuck with me for 5 miles and I know it was hard for him because I run at a much slower pace than he does.  We don’t normally run together so this was a treat for me.  Considering the fact that I was running in wet grass and mud, up and down hills, across ditches, and with the Catholic High Bears closing in on us, it was one of the best runs I’ve ever had.  However, I accidentally cut myself short a ½ mile because I misunderstood Paul’s directions.  I decided on the way home that I needed to add a swim to my day, so we quickly changed clothes and headed over to Paul’s parents house.  I swam over a ½ mile in 30 minutes.  Isn’t Labor Day supposed to be a relaxing day?????

I’ll be traveling on business this week so I doubt I’ll get a run in before Friday.  Also, I’ll be competing in the Cajunman Triathlon in Lafayette next Sunday, (I’ve been signed up for this one for a LONG time).  And I use the word “compete” lightly because I’m not as prepared as I feel like I should be.  I’ll have to swim a ½ mile, ride 20 miles and run 3 miles.  This will be the longest triathlon I’ve competed in as an individual. I should have an interesting race report next Sunday night!

This is Flash and I’m running on faith that I’ll be strong enough and brave enough to complete the Cajunman Triathlon and that I’ll be running (and not walking) across the finish line!