2014 Crazylegs is in the bag

Well, my first race greater than 5k is over and done. And I can't think of a better day for it to happen on. The weather was sunny, cool, and a light breeze. Couldn't have asked for a better day. I spent a bit of time wandering around the farmers market at the square, being tempted by some great looking baked goods. Tried to stay in the sun as best I could, it was still a bit chilly out. I lucked out and was able to park in the ramp right behind Camp Randall, so that was a total bonus (even if it did cost me $10).

Once we were all queued up, the excitement just built. Slowly, we made our way to the start line. As the horn went off for our wave, there were members of the UW Marching Band there, and got a great send off with On Wisconsin. Bucky Badger was there and so were a few of the student athletes. It was a very cool experience. It was a really nice route. From the Capital Square, through the campus, finishing at Camp Randall. How many people can say that they ran out onto the filed...legally. The most challenging part was running up Bascom Hill. That was just after the first mile, and some people just got gassed. It's a pretty tough climb, and just when you think you're at the top, you still have more to go. Then there's going back down. Still haven't figured out how to go down hills gracefully, I kind of flop all over. Some of the route traced where I had my first 5k. With about a mile to go, there was a house, that I guess has been doing this for many years, blaring the Rocky theme. That was pretty cool. And as we got close to the stadium, there were some band members on the balcony of one of the houses across the street from the stadium playing On Wisconsin.

It was really great to see all the support along the route from students, the Madison community, even the cops. The enterance to the stadium was by far the coolest. It's too bad that part went so quick and I coudln't take a picture or anything. To cross the finish line at the 50 yard line was pretty special. I just wanted to stay there and soak it up. It really was a great run, and one that I think I'll keep on my radar for next year. So glad I was able to shake that cold or what ever it was in time to run today!

And the final official results: 42:31, 3127 out of 10409, 295 of 613 men 35-39, and 2357 of 5393 men.

The un-official results with the route

2 days

Well, it's 2 days to race day. Right now is probably the best I've felt in in the last few days. Between a cold or allergies, I've really been run down this week. I've tried to work out and finish my last week of Combat, but it's been really rough. Most days, I did half or a little more than half of the workout. But today was the final day, so that means a really good rest day tomorrow. Going out tomorrow for some great pasta.

So far the weather is looking good for Saturday, upper 50s and partly cloudy. Not too bad. The one thing that will be interesting is I won't be running with my hydration pack. The stadium where we finish has a no carry-in policy, that applies to participants as well, and I can't get a clear answer from the organizers if it's ok as long as my bottles are empty by the time I get there. Some people have said that I should be find for an 8k run. Physically, they're probably right. But it's something that I've become accustom to (plus there's a nice little pocket for my ID and other things). I can kind of see their point, but at the same time, it's pretty lame. But what ever, I'll work something out.

So 2 days to go, then 1 month until Boulder. Can't believe how fast things are going.

And, I have my outfit for Saturday already picked out and set out :)

A year

5 miles in this morning! :) Just to think, a year ago I started running, and 1 mile seemed impossible, let alone 5. Looking back at my first "run", 1.46 miles in 15:41, a 10:45 pace. Now I'm starting to average 8:30, and covering nearly 2 miles in that time, and wanting more. I really have a lot of drive and desire to go faster and farther, even if it sometimes feels like I'm running with a heavy heart. What weighs us down, makes us stronger. 

A week to go until Crazylegs, and a month until Boulder. I can't believe how quickly things are going. And don't forget, Team Munky still needs your help in reaching our goal for StandUp2Cancer.org. 

Living for the moment

Every day that comes and goes is a blessing. Every morning I wake up, I breath in. I know that I can only improve on what I've done the previous day.

Today was pretty awesome. Around lunch time I checked my e-mail, and there was a message from the fine people at BolderBoulder. I received my bib number and start time! I'm EC259 with a 7:18 AM start time. It's really beginning to feel so real now. Not only that, but their social media person has followed me on Twitter now! I've had a couple of re-Tweets from them before, but now they're following. That's really cool.

Went for a run after work today. Followed the course from the Haunted Hustle 5k. 27 and some change with a 8:29 average pace. I can live with that. After all, that was after I had been sitting at my desk for 8 hours. It was a bit of a struggle today, but I can only assume that has to be with it being after work. I'm hoping that I can get a couple of more runs in before next weeks Crazylegs 8k. I can't wait to cross that finish line near the 50 yard line at Camp Randall, I think that will be one of the highlights from this year.

40 days to go!

Only 40 more days until BolderBoulder! 10 until Crazylegs. I'm getting pretty excited. I had a couple of good runs over the week. I was away from home, and managed back to back days of running, 2.5 miles each day, and then 4.88 yesterday. Yesterday really shocked me when I finished with and 8:30-something average pace. I'm going to try and get out and run after work tomorrow. I'm thinking of following what I can remember of the Haunted Hustle route, and see how my time compares to October.

40 days!!!!