Contacts

First of all a tip of the hat to Tom Burke on his win at the Hospice 10K–no way I was keeping up with him! (I still want to know what he’s eating for breakfast these days – he claims it’s oatmeal, but I’m not buying it). And to Perry Rapp who outlasted me at the Lookin’ for Trouble 5K to take our age group. Thanks to all club members who took part in the Hospice event, we’re still working on the final tally, but we raised a bunch of money for a very good cause.

A Different Kind of Race

My highlight this past month was taking part in the American Odyssey Relay–a 200 mile trek from Gettysburg, PA to Washington D.C. Our team of 14 ran a challenging course, with some beautiful scenery, while raising money for the Hospital’s Pulmonary/Cardiac Rehab Center. It was a different kind of race for me because we had no illusions of placing anywhere other than mid-pack. I ran what was to be the “hardest” part of the rotation–runner #3, a total of around 19.5 miles in legs that were advertised at 8.2 miles, 4.5 miles, and 6.9 miles (my GPS didn’t necessarily agree). My first leg was run midday and was the longest 8.2 miles I ever ran (my GPS decided to stay behind on this leg). Great scenery, it just seemed to go on forever. Best part of leg one was the finish on a covered bridge (with a “road kill” count of 6). My middle leg was run after dark, and I was alone for most of it (“road kill” count of only 2 on that leg)–just me, the moon, and barking dogs. And oh, by the way, most of the first 3 miles was up hill at about a 10% grade, most of the last mile-and-a-half was down hill at a 10% grade. Nice! My last leg was on the C&O canal tow path along the Potomac River just after dawn. Beautiful; I left the i-pod behind and took in the sounds of the rapids on the river. Road kill count of 4 on the final leg (and I’m pretty sure one of the “killees” was a repeat from leg 1 and leg 2–he looked pretty irritated the 3rd time I passed him). I actually ran the last leg pretty easy, soaking it all in, because I knew it would be my last run for a while because...

It’s Time for a Break

Because I don’t believe Burke’s story about oatmeal for breakfast, I’m changing my training approach and switching to Jack Daniel’s formula (the exercise physiologist, not the whiskey distiller). In his book he talks about planned breaks, something I have never done. So I’m into one now (day 3 as I write this). Early May I’ll transition into the base building period of his 24 week marathon schedule. The infamous Mankato (MN) Marathon is the likely target this fall. Why this one? Unlikely I’ll see Tom, Perry (or even Travis) at this one...but, Kerry, are you in?

Peace,
– Ric