Saturday, August 23, 2008

Are You Ready to Rumble?

My next three weeks look like this:

- Nike Human Race 10K
- Chips and Salsa half-marathon
- Patriot Sprint Triathlon

I guess that means it's taper time (of sorts). Already? Yikes. And along with that I begin to question whether or not I'm ready for each or any of them.

In some ways I don't feel prepared for chips-n-salsa, so I decided to look back at my long run two weeks out from the Unser half marathon this past spring. That long run was 11 miles in 02:21:05, a pace of 12:50 employing a 9:1 run/walk. Today, two weeks out from chips-n-salsa, I ran 10 miles in 01:57:19, a pace of 11:44 employing a full run. I did end up with two short walk breaks (miles 4 and 6) due to back issues. I actually wasn't sure I could run this morning because I was having back spasms yesterday, but I made it to the end, and feel pretty good right now.

Anyway, just looking at the numbers, I'd have to say that I must be ready for chips-n-salsa especially since it isn't my A race. In general, I just want to put the miles on my legs and finish feeling good. Duke City (in October) is the one that I'm really focussed on for a PR.

Next, I wonder if I'm ready for the 10K next weekend. Admittedly, I'd really like to come in under an hour for a 10K some day, but I don't think this is going to be the race for that to happen. I want to have fun and injury free. With that kind of laid-back goal, I must be ready.

Then there's the whole question of the Patriot Sprint Tri. As much as I didn't train for Socorro, imagine even less triathlon training for this one. I didn't swim or bike once this week. So am I ready? Well, I'm fairly confident I can finish. I just need to keep my mind in a place where I'm okay with a goal of having fun so I don't beat myself up afterwards for being slow.


Recent workouts:
Thu - core+ 3.5 mi tempo run
Fri - REST
Sat - 10 mi easy run


Different subject - two comments regarding my last post:

1 - How exactly does one lock keys in a scooter? I locked my keys in the scoot by inadvertently putting them along wth my gloves inside my helmet and under the seat. I'll post a photo of the under seat storage sometime. Anyway, the only way to unlock the seat is with the keys in the ignition. From now on, I will make sure the keys are still in the ignition before I close and lock the seat.

2 - Why is it so hard to catch the bus? There is a lot of construction going on at the high school right now and depending on where you are in teh school you may or may not hear the last bell. Plus there is construction to dodge. On Wednesday, the teacher from her last period kept the whole class a little late due to not hearing the bell. Unfortunately, her bus is near the front of the bus line (a good half mile+ hike) which means no dawdling. With the class getting out late, she had to run and still didn't make it. She had to wait longer than she would have liked, I think she'll try harder to catch the bus in the future.

32 comments:

  1. What an exciting three weeks you've got coming up! You sound ready for them all. Best of luck!

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  2. Oh my goodness Lisa, you got it going on!! The Nike 10K, i was thinking about doing it but it is being held at a rather hard place for me to get to by car so a no go!!!

    I have a 10K planned sept 20 that i am very psyched about!!! I will have to pick your brain for last minute training tips!!!

    Good luck my friend!

    M

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  3. I think you are ready!! I was just looking at some numbers recently on my training runs, I have come a long way too ~ very cool.

    I posted the wanna race, head band for you!

    Em

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  4. I think you sound well-prepared for those races, and I'm sure you'll do great!

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  5. Wow what an action packed three weeks you have coming up. My first reaction was how exciting it will be. You are well prepared and definitely ready for the challenge. Relax, have fun and enjoy the experiences.

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  6. Heck yeah, you're ready! That's some pace for a 10 mile easy run!! You're gonna tear it up in all three races :)

    I'm thinking I might go to Cochiti with you and Misty Friday if my schedule works out okay. I wasn't going to go in Aug., but it's better to go when other people are there!

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  7. What us 'ready' or 'enough' anyway? You've been consistent and thorough - that will have to be 'enough', no?

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  8. Go rock all three races! You are ready! Just look at those times from the last long run!

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  9. What an improvement. Enjoy your taper and then go hard and smash them all. You'll kick butt. :-)

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  10. (reads post in awe. makes mental note to git off her arse)

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  11. Wow! You are going to be a busy athlete! So exciting though. A race every weekend. I think you are definitely prepared, and its good that you've identified which is your "A race" so you can drive towards that - and have a blast along the way with the others :-) Your times have improved so much from the past spring! I think you'll surprise yourself at Chips and Salsa.

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  12. I think you are so ready for the HM and the 10K, and if you think you aren't ready for the Sprint Tri ... just have fun with it!

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  13. You've made great gains, Lady! You're going to do great - especially with the positive mental attitude you have. Those bunnies better watch out! :)

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  14. Hmm, to me it sounds like you'll do pretty well at the races...especially the half marathon. You might not hit PR's in the other two, but you'll still do well and have fun. That's what it's all about!
    btw---I hate 10ks....I don't think I'll ever break an hour....in fact, I've given up trying!

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  15. You locked yourself out of your SCOOTER?? Dude. that is the funniest thing I've read all week.

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  16. you will kick butt in the three week sked...

    good luck....

    i wish i had a scooter

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  17. WOOHOO! It's going to be an exciting few weeks! Can't wait to hear all about them!

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  18. Looks like a busy three weeks. You will do great!

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  19. That is quite the 3-week stretch! You hanging around with Baboo or something?

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  20. I think you will use each race as training for the next, so you should be fine! Your numbers are up considerably in your run, and that makes you stronger for the bike. You can always make up any swim time on the bike and run.

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  21. Ready? Ready for what?
    You are always ready. All this training is overrated. ;-)
    Chips and salsa - I'd do that just because I liked the name...
    HAve fun.
    Jennt

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  22. It sounds like you're ready to me!

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  23. I dunno. With all that speed training you've been doing, the 10K is lookin good ;-)

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  24. I think you're ready to rumble ;-) An I ABSOLUTELY agree with Wes! You've been flying with the speedwork, Lisa. Sub one hr is def a possibility. If not now, very soon!

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  25. Chips n' Salsa half marathon? I think I just found my new favorite race...until I find a Beer and Brats Marathon somewhere.

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  26. The upcoming three weeks are going to be exciting for you!

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  27. Good luck and some awesome weeks ahead. Remember to breathe and enjoy.

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  28. Read in Running Times today that in taper, sleep may be as important as running. Now there's a piece of advice I can use.
    Thanks for stopping by... and good luck.

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  29. Busy three weeks coming up, no problem, have fun out there..

    You'll do great.

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  30. Sounds like you're ready to me. I never feel completely ready.

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  31. YEAH! You're next three weeks are going to rock!!

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  32. It sounds to me like you're ready (enough). have a good time out there!

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