Issaquah Run at Salmon Days

Last Sunday I did the Issaquah Rotary Run at Salmon Days. I completed the 10K in 57:27, according to the official chip time. This meant I was a bit slower than average, and way slower than the first place runners, but it was an awesome race, and I really enjoyed it. My pace was faster than I ran for the Livestrong Challenge 5K back in June, and the Runner's World Smart Coach actually had me running slower for the race, so I beat what I guessed my time would be. The Smart Coach app on my iPhone is predicting a similar pace for the Seattle Half Marathon at the end of November. I laugh to think it is even remotely possible for me to sustain less than a 10 minute pace for 13.1 miles, but it doesn't mean I won't try!

Looking at the training schedule ahead, it's not too crazy. My biggest fear is the waining light in the morning, as well as the rainy weather. My feet were definitely cold in the Bikilas while I was warming up for the race last Sunday. I tend to like to run with very little exposure protection because I do heat up so fast. I don't ever understand the people who run in long pants and long sleeves on 50°F days. Granted, I'm cold when I leave the house, but all it takes is a block of running at a moderate pace and I'm plenty warm. The rain/mist is more of my concern, as well as the slick, oily roads I'll be crossing in the morning hours. And people drive like idiots, and I wonder what good visibility will do me when most people in Seattle ignore the laws of physics (ie. just because you have the traction to go 45 mph in slick, low vis conditions, doesn't mean you can stop easily when you absolutely have to.)

I've been toying with the idea of re-upping my gym membership for training on a treadmill. I know that I won't get the kind of training I get from road running, especially locally, because any run means hill training. I've also been hoping to hold out in case I get hired at my current internship, because then I might get a free gym membership close to work, making mid-day runs more feasible.

I would love to find some training buddies locally. I don't want to be ridiculously serious, but I really just want some people to share my hobby with. I've always been a bit of a loner, and it's my nature. It's something I'm thinking about, at least.

Now, to go shopping for weather related gear. It's supposed to be a cold, wet winter. I wonder how my running will survive!

Running in Chicago vs. Seattle

Yesterday I probably walked over 5 miles - it was wonderful, especially considering the amount of fried food I ate yesterday was more than the past month combined. Today I went for a light, long run - it's a break week, so I only did about 45 minutes for the run. My pace ended up just under 11 min for the entire run, and I ended up doing just over 4 miles. The biggest treat was going along the lake in the bright summer sun. It was a bit breezy and, of course, hot - but it was wonderful. Running in Chicago makes me feel like I could run forever. It's amazing what running up and down hills in Seattle will do for your perception of effort. My heart rate was pretty low for a run (around 120-140 a good part of the time) due to a lack of effort needed. It was a fun vacation run, to say the least.

Today was also my first run in myVibram Five Fingers Bikila . They are definitely an improvement over the Sprints - and I'm glad to once again be running a minimalist shoe. My knees ache so much less after a run. The only problem I seem to be having is that my big toe on my left foot gets a little unhappy - similar to the problem I had first with the Treks. At least I'm relatively certain these are the right size. Not too big, not too small. It will take a few more runs before I'm certain - but I think the Bikilas are likely the winner.

Now - back to my break!