2011 Bucks 5K Series Opens

Today was the opening race for the 2011 Bucks 5K series and it got off to a chilly start – about 39 degrees at race time. But, the sun was shining and there was a great crowd. This is a relatively flat course and the first 5K I've run since June 2010. Finish time was 27:17 which won't give me any new records! I finished the same course 2 minutes faster last year so I clearly have work to do to increase my speed and strength. I keep reminding myself that my foot has been through a lot this past year and I didn't get back to a serious training program until January so a slower run time this year is to be expected. I definitely need to add hill repeats and tempo runs to my training program. Although I've felt strong at the finish for both this 5K and the half-marathon I completed last weekend, I clearly need to do more work.

Central Bucks YMCA 5K Race Results

There are 6 more races in this series. Not sure how many I will compete in. The next race is on Sunday, April 3 in New Hope-Solebury.

Happy Trails Everyone!
John

2:06:12

Today I ran and finished the Sarasota Half-Marathon in 2:06:12. Not a new PB for me but considering the condition of my foot and 2 surgeries over the past 6 months, I am pleased with the outcome. Race day started off cool, about 49 degrees but temperatures rose steadily and it turned out to be a beautiful day. The most challenging part of the course was the bridge where we were greeted with a steady head wind. Fortunately, that was in the early part of the race!

All-in-all, the Sarasota Half-Marathon is a great event – well organized and beautiful scenery along the way. I plan to make this one a recurring annual event.

Next up is a 5K race for me next weekend – it's the 2011 kickoff for the Bucks County 5K series. Last year, I ran 6 out of the 7 races in this series. This year, I am planning to run at least 3 of the races in the series.

And then, there's the annual 10-mile Broad Street run in Philadelphia which is on Sunday, May 1 this year!

Happy Trails Everyone!
John

Training is Finished

Tonight I finished up my training with an easy 3.1 mile run. After completing a 10-mile long run on Saturday, I treated myself to a massage on Sunday followed by 3.5 mile runs on both Monday and Tuesday, and a 5-mile run last night. I am ready for the Sarasota Half Marathon on Sunday! Feeling a little sore so I iced my shins and knees after tonight's run. Plan to do plenty of stretching and some walking on Saturday. The weather forecast looks good – temps around 50 degrees at start time (7am) with a high of 75 degrees for the day.

I'll be happy if I finish in less than 2:15:00. My objective is stay focused and finish strong – not planning to set a new PR for this race. That will come later in the season, I hope!