Vacations are Important
I think that it goes without saying that vacations are important. Leading up to my family vacation at the end of August, I was due for a vacation. Being a person whom in the years past whom has worked 9, 10, and even 13 months between vacations, life can be a little taxing. It has been a long time since I have count down to a vacation. I think it has been close to 10 years since I actually looked at a clock and calculated 'out loud' how long until my vacation started. That happened this year.Prior to getting our our destination, we stopped to visit some family for a couple days. Its nice the the kids get some time to with their cousins. Just like when I was kid, as soon as all the girls see each other the adults don't matter until they get hungry or it's time to somewhere. That is actually fun for me. While on our visit, I did sneak in a run.
10k or 10 Miles
My whole premise in going for a run near my mother-in-laws was to run in the park across the street from her neighborhood. It has been a while, but the I remember the park has a bike/running path and its not that long. I figure, Ill just run about 6 miles and then head back to house. Shower and have breakfast. It was nice clear crisp morning for late August. That means there was like no humidity, perfect. I started off on my journey following the main path, which didn't take me through the park. It took me past the park and down the road a bit. No matter, its early in the morning and its quiet out so I make the most of it and keep on going. I am having fun. I am on vacation.Needless to say this kid went too far. If I am doing less than 8 miles total, I do not have to take water with me. I normally have it in my car or I am in an area that has plenty of water stations. If I run on the higher end, I make sure that I stay hydrated. Well I had gone 5.25 miles before my ears heard the sound of an engine that I have not heard in some time. Then my eyes spotted what was making that sweet sweet american muscle sound. My personal lime green whale, unicorn, mystical '68 Dodge Dart Swinger. Yes, the car is Lime Green. And yes, Ill get into it more later on why this particular is #1 on my list. But lets say I tried to chase her down and I knew it was stupid, but I was going to need to turn around anyway. Lets just put a pin in this and sum it up that I ran a little over 10 miles. Took until I got over 9.5 miles in until I got water. Overall, I did really good on this run. I looked at my pace later to find out I was staying within 13:30 - 14:00. which I hoping will be the case when I finally get to my big race.
What happened to Vacation???
- The turtle at the aquarium has been there since day 1. And I have been going to the same aquarium since day 1. It's been over 30 years. Happy Birthday buddy.
- The water park may have had a few name changes, and has been updated over the years but its also 30 years old. Fantastic!!
My picture is no longer up at the light houses and I am no longer being sought for whatever reason they said. 35 proud years on that. Happy Anniversary to me and my juvenile vacation life.
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| We saw 5 pods of dolphins. Even had to wait for a large grouping to clear in order for the boat to make it back to dock. |
13.1 Miles or BUST!!
I have previously written about how I was aiming to run 13 miles at least once a month leading up to my race. In August I did not make it. My scheduled long run day was cut short due to not feeling well. But all the recent weekly runs including the ones on my vacation, I have been feeling really good. Leading up to Rock N Roll Half, I am feeling confident up until a few days before the race. My wife asked me if I was ready? I was like I was until you just asked me. I got knocked off my game a little.Anyway, that got put outta my head with a few other things going on in life. More pressing things came to light that I needed to attend to, which were unforeseen distractions. In addition, I got so many supportive messages from family and close friends who want to see this new side of me do this distance. My man Scott the whole week leading up to the race is trying to keep me motivated in his own relentless way. The only thing I can do come race day is stick to my plan and do my best. Just one foot in front of the other.
Friday before the race I pickup my bib and other race essentials with my partner in crime Joe. Just another day going to the Rock N Roll Fitness Expo. We both toured around and saw some cool things. Even ran into our friend Jill at the expo. Really funny because I was just asking if we were meeting up with her after the race. Really excited to get some time to catch up and just hang out.
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| Picture courtesy of Jill K |
Race day comes. We are back at Eikins Oval for the Rock N Roll Half. This race is so big that there are 20 corals of people running. And you guessed it, I am in the last coral. The upside is that I always meet a couple new people. That the one thing I like about running. I always meet people I would never have met in life if it was not for this. I met Julie first, who live in Baltimore. We met another nice lady from Brooklyn. I did not write down her name, I am so very sorry. She was super nice. She was with a group of us that paced together during the first 5 miles of the race. Then I also ran back into Michael whom I met at the HC15k earlier this year and his friend Lauren. They were back in town from Baltimore too for this race. My hometown people always find me, so I never far from home.
Michael and I ran half the race together. I actually have to give him credit for showing me how to setup the intervals properly in one of our apps so I could execute the 4/30. (4 mins running, 30 secs walking) After 8 miles Michael told me to leave him. My pace was getting a little faster and he rolled his ankle a little. He stopped at the Aide station to get checked out, plus he did not want to be too far ahead of Lauren in case she needed him. That right there is a good friendship. Looking out for each other. I understood and kept going.
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| Michael and I about 5 miles into the race |
After about 8.5 miles into the course, my quads started hurting a little. Good thing there was a water and Gatorade station ahead. After getting hydrated I started feeling better and powered on. I really have to say, this course which has us running through Center City and all the landmarks, then down Kelly Drive and finishing on MLK Drive nice. You really get to enjoy the city. After 11 miles I basically am with the same grouping of runners since the early part of the race. Many are asking for Michael, I explained he is ok and asked me to keep on going. Really nice because everyone wants to make sure each other is healthy and having a good time.
I also meet Dee and her friends from Charlotte. Dee is doing 50 States before 50. Today's race is state 43. The previous day she ran a half marathon distance in Delaware. Then got right up and is doing another half in Philadelphia. My legs heard that and were like, I am not the one. We got to chatting a little too. After we hit 12 miles they said, "You did 12 so far. 13 is right around the corner. You aight." At that point it dawned on me, yeah, 12 miles are down. I am a little tired but it's time to finish this.
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| 13.1 miles and still smiles |
I do not think I felt this good since running my first Broad Street. We have one more race this season. The Philadelphia Half. I have a few things to work on. Especially trying not to feel fatigued after 8 miles.
For more details about the Rock N Roll Half Philadelphia and my overall race experience please read my review.
I hope you enjoyed this entry #bighomieonthemove
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| RnR Philadelphia Half Course Map |
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