When I first embarked upon the sport of triathlon, I was a runner first and foremost. My first year of competition proved that point with me finishing up near the top of my age group with my run split in most every race. However, in the 4 years since then, my run has periodically let me down. Now the reason behind this could be one of many factors (ie. too much effort spent on the bike, poor nutrition during the race, or improper pacing) which I won’t discount, but the biggest glaring culprit, my ego. You see, that first year I grew to depend upon my ability to run people down and got ahead of myself and have forgotten how much time I spent running and specifically running speed workouts and bricks. I haven’t been putting in the time like I used to and I have been expecting the same results.
News flash: those strong finishing runs have not been there. Sure, I still have been running well and holding my own, but I am not chasing people down like I know that I can. More telling is that the ease with which people have been able to run away from me in races. With that said, I vow that this year I will get back to the dedication of running and finish my races stronger.
Part of this dedication involves running more consistently and running more off the bike, but mostly it involves more road races. I have already run 3 road races since Ironman Wisconsin and I have the itch to race more, especially with the success that I have enjoyed to this point. A 2nd place overall finish in the Bourbon Stampede 5K, 4th place AG finish at the Thoroughbred Classic 5K and 1st place AG at the Hangover Classic yesterday (some of you also know about pacing my brother in the marathon). More important than the finishes is how well I have competed in the races. I have been able to find my pace early and hold it through the end and still be able to pick it up slightly to bring it home.
So, like I said in previous post, I need to restructure my training to include more running and longer bricks so that my body can get used to settling into a pace. The desire is there to get back to being a good runner and the early indication is that I can once again have success as long as I continue to focus on the run instead of being over-confident in my ability. I will continue to race to see where I stand, but the true test will come when it is time get off the bike and run after those long, hot summer rides.
I’m gonna do it, what about you?
Jeff
