"To Finish or Not To Finish" that is one of the thoughts that came through my mind while attempting to run miles 8, 9, and even 10 of the half marathon this past Saturday. Although, I never stopped moving the thought came across my mind. Once more the run portion of the half-iron distance triathlon really broke me down. Even after conserving some energy during the ride the legs did not have enough power to finish up the run in good fashion. Well, maybe next time I will be able to put together a good run. The next time this season will be the Greater Cleveland Triathlon at which I need to improve this bloody running because it is my next half-iron distance race.
All right, in order for that to happen I am going to need some wisdom/knowledge from those of you who read this blog. Please let me know any suggestion or tip you have in your bag of tricks that you are willing to share so that the Clot Buster can string together the run of his life in his upcoming half-iron distance race in Cleveland on August 12th. I am already looking forward to the race and your suggestions on how I can break through this issue I have with the run.
I am convinced that my mind is letting me down during the run and because I am feeling the fatigue from the effort the thought of walking and take it easy for a while always wins over my desire to keep going. There's got to be some sort of formula out there I can implement. If you know of something I can use let me know and I'll make sure to try it.
I do have to say that the course and the organization for this race were GREAT. If you are looking for a fast triathlon this one you need to do. Although the last 7 miles on the bike are a little rough the rest of it is a lot of fun. There was some wind out there but it was not a problem for me as I was trying to save some energy for the run... go figure. But all things considered I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this race to anyone looking for a fast half-iron distance race. Hopefully, some day I will be back to Muncie and I will show them how is done for sure!
So, after the race on Saturday I continued to rest and allow my body to recover a little. Big weekend ahead as I plan on heading to Cleveland on Friday night and spend Saturday morning training on the course of the Greater Cleveland Triathlon. Pretty cool that the organizers of the race are setting up this practice runs so that you get a good feel for what is to come during race day. Then after that practice run I will be heading back home and resting for the Columbus International Triathlon that will take place on Sunday. I have no idea how my body will react to this weekend's activities but one thing is for sure, after the race I am heading to the Jazz and Ribs Festival and I will enjoy some of the award winning ribs that come to Columbus once year just so that I can have a little taste...
By the way, the Pre-Race Auction from the Muncie Endurathon STILL OPEN as I am combining it with the Pre-Race Auction that would take place for the Columbus International Triathlon. So, go on, keep reading and PLACE A BID!!!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
I have a great idea for you Roland - (one that I'm sorely regretting not doing myself for my half IM in Nov): do a relay and get some other sorry sucker to do the run for you!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait until this weekend! We'll talk nutrition and long runs -- those are the two things I think may be impacting you on the run. The hardest part for me was learning to hold back on the bike (it is sooo nice to fly) and on the first half of the run (I still don't have it totally down -- witness Morgantown 07).
ReplyDeleteYou are going to get it figured out, and I hope it is at GCT!