Fifteen Minute Miles, But Enjoyable

Of the three events that make up a triathlon, running is probably the one I fear most. Not because I am not capable of doing it, just because it is painful. If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have told you swimming was the most scary. I now know that while you can get fatigued in the muscles, it does not compare to the joint pain (knees and ankles) that running can cause.

Today, I surprised myself. It was the first team run at lake Calhoun, and they offered us three choices. The good runners were welcome to go out and run around the lake. The middle of the road runners were welcome to run out 15 minutes and then come back to the point of origin. The runners that would need to walk at some point were given the option of running and walking 12 minutes and returning to the point of origin.

I had a conversation last night with my "Iron Will Finisher" friend Kim, and expressed that I was not looking forward to the run on Saturday. We discussed that everyone has an Ego. The nice thing about participating in TNT is that it is not about yourself. You are out there doing this for others, so your Ego does not need to get in your way.

As everyone was lining up for the group of their choice, I had that moment of doubt. Should I go to the 15 minute group? Should I go to the 12 minute group? I know that I am not good enough to go with the fast group! To Hell with it, I am going to go out and let my body tell me where I belong. I will not go fast, I will just go out and enjoy the run and the morning. Off we go, on the first run of the season.

I met another Clydesdale, (anyone that does endurance events over 250 pounds), the morning of the kick off party. His name is Marcus. I think Marcus was as relieved as I to see another big man on the team. We did not line up together in a group, we just seemed to find each other on the run. We set a nice steady pace, and chatted as we went. We were ahead of the 12 minute group, and slightly behind the 15 minute group. But I will tell you it does not matter where you were, because you were out there doing it. I am proud of everyone there that was testing themselves.

After a while some of our teammates were coming back at us. They told us that we could turn around and go back. Marcus and I looked at each other and we both said "no, were good". We kept our pace and soon our coach was coming back in our direction. Mike said "you guys can turn around and come back now." Marcus and I asked, can we keep going? Mike said sure. Marcus and I continued around Calhoun. We made the whole three miles in about a fifteen minute mile pace without stopping for a walk. I was even able to sprint the last twenty to thirty yards. My heart rate average was 144 beats a minute over the course. My maximum heart rate was 178 BPM due to the sprint. I used to get sick at about 165 BPM. Maybe all this exercise is paying off.

I really enjoyed my run this morning. I had good company during it. I let my body tell me what I was capable of doing, not my mind. I did not let my Ego inhibit me. I even got that infamous runners high. I have never gotten that from running. I usually only get that after a bike ride and occasionally after a swim. I like that feeling.

All in all, I have to say the season is off and going and I have enjoyed the first week. I have to tell you, that silly endorphin grin is on my face as I write this. Enjoy your weekend, as I know mine is off to a great start!