So I finally ran in my first road race of any kind whatsoever: the Shamrock Run 5k, right here in good ol' Billings, Montaner on March 15th. A 5k, for those who are metrically challenged like myself, works out to 3.1 miles.
The run started with a push up a hill at the beginning, but was fairly flat for the rest of the course. I finished in either 35:14 or 34:26, depending on whether I believe the guy who announced my finish time at the line or the official results posted on the RimRunners website.
Me? I'm just happy to have finished the darned thing without melting down. Either time means I actually held about an 11:30 pace or so for each mile--which was quite a bit faster than I would have imagined I'd be able to do. And it felt pretty good; I didn't cross the finish line feeling like I needed to be carried away on a stretcher.
Since then, I've kept up the four-day-a-week training, and will do 7 miles for my long run this weekend (tomorrow, actually). That should put me on pace for the big Bloomsday Run in Spokane on May 2nd (a 12k, or 7.6ish miles--on a pretty hilly course). We'll see how that goes before I decide whether to sign up for a half-marathon in the summer, or take a little more time and aim for one in the fall.
In either case, hey, I'm a runner. Err...jogger. I have official Brooks Running shoes ("The Beast") and everything. Even a bib number from my first race.
Still a bit disappointed to find the only food choices at the end of most races are oranges, bananas and sports drinks. After running any distance greater than 100 yards, I'm ready for Reese's peanut butter cups, ice cream and a couple pints of beer.
Wait. Did I say that out loud?
next book
Congratulations on finishing your first 5k run. Lymphoma is a great motivator isn't it! You really need to talk to somebody about ramping up the food at the end of your next run.
I have a serious problem and you can help me out if you will. When did FACES IN THE FIRE come out? I wasn't aware that it existed, shame on me. I just finished THE UNSEEN and loved it as much as the other two I've read. I would love to get an autographed copy of the FACES book, you can help me out by telling me how can I do that. I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you Tony.
Barbara B
Hi, Barb - "Faces in the
Hi, Barb - "Faces in the Fire" doesn't officially release until this summer--July 1 is the street date, I think. So there are still a few months to go. :)
Running for the Reeses
Uploading Reese's and beer stat! What kind of a race was that? I would have checked out the end first before running. If they don't serve martinis at the end, I don't run'm.
Congratulations! Youse are do'n good!
runs & food
The Race 4 the Cure in Helena has Great Harvest Bread as a finish line sponsor!
Wassup
Hey Tony,
It's been 6 months since your last ping. What's up? Anymore races? New books?
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