A Slump

I finished up a bad week to close out a bad month. The good news is that I fly to Florida tomorrow--no more winter running! It will be spring when I return and there will be a spring in my step. The Mother's Day 5K looms. It's time to get serious.

2:56:28.8

And now my focus is running.

But I got through it. And, I don't ever have to do it again. I'm sore all over but have no specific injury. My back feels like it was run over by a bus. My backside feels like the fella's in the photo above must feel after a vigorous session with his sex toy, also pictured.

The Marathon Beckons

I have run 8 marathons and prior to 2 of those I felt very confident. My training had gone well. I was convinced that I would have a great race. The race, of course, felt differently, and I suffered in the latter stages but still had results I was proud of: 3:10 (in '82) and 3:17 (in '04).

The other 6 marathons I approached with dread, knowing I was unprepared. The suffering started earlier in the race and the results reflected my lack of preparation, ranging from 3:40 to DNF.

My attitude in advance of next Saturday's rowing marathon is one of impending dread. I am underprepared and confident only that it will be a painful experience. I'm going to get through it, but it is going to suck.

That said, I had a nice 20K row Saturday, a fun 10K run Sunday, and a decent workout week.

5K of my Sunday workout was in the Irish Rover Road Race. I've posted photos from that. There's one of me, one of training partner Scott, and one of my brother Jeff.

Stumbling Into March

I had my lightest week last week, with some planned and some unplanned rest days. As a result, February finished a little off pace.

278 total kilometers for the month. 219 of those were rowing Ks.

Highlights include the 10 mile running race on Feb. 3, 10K rowing race on Feb. 16, and two rows which were longer than 30K (a 33 and a 31).

My average weight for the month was 230, an improvement from 233 in January.

I'm basically uninjured but will acknowledge that my back hurts. I will get through the rowing marathon (scheduled for March 15) but it won't be any fun. I'm looking forward to switching my focus to running.