Wednesday, December 27, 2006

22 Mile Legs

We enjoyed absolutely beautiful weather through Christmas. And yes, Michelle, I did get to go for another sleeveless Bonelli run between opening gifts and breakfast in the morning and our Christmas dinner in the late afternoon. It was wonderful. I really enjoyed the mid 70's temperatures. I just threw on the shorts and shirt and got the run in without any second guessing clothing layers like Saturday. I did the loop counterclockwise this time and felt much better than the day before, finishing in 48:39.

I've wanted to incorporate a map into this site somehow. I was thinking as a header with the states I've done colored in but I didn't really know how to do it. I came across a cool alternative on Scott Dunlap's blog and borrowed it. Check out the "My Maps" link on the right.

One thing on my Christmas wish list was entry into the Eugene Marathon and my lovely wife came through for me. I'm officially registered and have been assigned bib number M509. So far that is all that's on my calendar for 2007. I started 2006 with only SEAFAIR and ended up with three other marathons and miscellaneous other races so I'm not too concerned. Dr John and his wife are trying to convince me to sign up for a couple of other races, but I really want to concentrate on qualifying for Boston at Eugene.

Christmas's Bonelli run was the third day in a row of running. I haven't done that for nearly a month, since before Tecumseh. I took Tuesday off in keeping with the reduced year end thing I've got going, but I ran tonight. The same loop from home I did last Thursday. Boy, did I feel sluggish. My legs were toast from the very beginning. They felt like they feel at the 22 mile mark of a marathon. I really wanted to walk, but I wouldn't allow myself. I figured I could muddle through 4.5 miles one way on the other. I made it but never really felt the rhythm. My overall pace was 8:45, which I guess isn't that bad, but.... I think this is just my usual post marathon slow down. I may only get one more run in before the end of the year so that should give my legs a little bit of down time. I'm going to have to be careful ramping back up after January 1.

Friday we are traveling to Pennsylvania to spend a week with my father-in-law and his wife. No marathons that weekend in PA or I might have signed up. I may get a run in on New Year's Eve so I'll wait and tally up 2006 then.

Just in case I don't make it back here before the New Year, I wish you all the very best in 2007. Set some high goals and go after them.

"There's no point in not trying. " - a wise 7 yr old -Thanks, Sarah. I hope you don't mind me borrowing your quote.

10 comments:

Backofpack said...

Darrell,
I must be nuts, I can't find "my maps" on your sidebar. Eugene is shaping up to be a fun race! I'm jealous that you are running sleeveless. I'm waiting at home while Eric is out checking out the icy-ness level of the roads. After a wet and gray day yesterday, it's a lovely 26 degrees out this morning. I'm delaying my run for daylight today!

Sarah said...

You can borrow that quote anytime! : ) I've been going back and forth on Eugene, and your post finally convinced me to register. So I'll see you there. Happy New Year!

Wes said...

Have a safe trip, Darrell! And Happy New Year!!

Anonymous said...

Don't worry Darrell, I found your "my Maps" link. You sure have a lot of races plotted. :)

Congratulations on your registration to Eugene. Merry (belated) Christmas & Happy New Year to you too.

Anonymous said...

Hmm. I'm sitting here in my in-law's house in Eugene contemplating a run right now! I've been debating about the marathon in April and your post is inching me nearer the edge. Looks to be a good one, and on my birthday!

Greg said...

Hi Darrell, have a great new year, am looking forward to running with you soon.

Unknown said...

I sent in my registration for Eugene as well. Now I just need to decide whether I am going to run a 50 miler the day before to make it a little more interesting.

Rae said...

I think Eugene will be a great race, it sounds like all the Western RBFers will be there!!

Have a safe trip and Happy New Year!

Joe said...

Darrell, enjoy the time in PA with the in-laws. Not like you don't know the cross-country flying thing by now :-)

Glad your recovery is going so well...very encouraging!

TRI Vortex said...

Hey, I'm thinking about doing the Bonelli Olympic Triathlon and Wes said that you would be familiar with the area. Maybe you could show me the coarse sometime.