Day 11

Day 11 – 3 miles – Up at 5:25, Breakfast 5:45 Out the door at 6:00.  Note the close proximity of breakfast and out the door.  Probably not the best idea.  Undigested oatmeal pretty much feels like lead in the belly.  To compound matter, after reading everyone else’s entries about 7, 8 and 9 minute mile paces, I figured I was going to be holding everyone back so I better start pushing much harder.  I turned my course around and started out at much better pace.   Now I walk out my door, turn left and I have about a 1/4 mile climb to the top of the hill.  I was pretty much ready to turn back.  That wave passed and I tried to push the pace, but I kept drifting back to a comfortable pace.   (Note no pace is actually comfortable, I guess I should  say a less uncomfortable pace) I pushed through to the end and sprinted (sort of) the last 1.4 mile which is the steepest grade on this run.  I was pleased with the run.  I worked hard. But I forgot the goal.

I had a plan when I started out, to run a marathon.  I committed to a plan that did not include a pace.  As a team we agreed to a 10 minute mile pace.  This needs to be my focus, not keeping up with youngster.  I will push myself to get faster, but I need to avoid discouragement due to my speed.   I have a god plan, and a foundation is laid.  As long as I continue to build on this, the prize is within reach.  If I deviate, I am in danger of robbing myself.


11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

4 comments

  1. Good point, Chuck. We don’t need to sell out our bodies early for the best times. It doesn’t matter if we can run a 6 minute mile or 20 minute 5k because the race is 26.2 miles. Sometimes that is tough to me to remember, too. Good post.

  2. Good point, Chuck. We don’t need to sell out our bodies early for the best times. It doesn’t matter if we can run a 6 minute mile or 20 minute 5k because the race is 26.2 miles. Sometimes that is tough to me to remember, too. Good post.

  3. C, don’t worry about holding anyone back. The only reason I run faster is to get it over with. I’m 100% comfortable with running 10min miles come group run day. 3-4 miles at 8-9 min/mile isn’t a big deal…but running 7-20 miles at 8-9 min isn’t something i’m interested in. I, like you, am interested in finishing, not winning. Don’t worry about pushing for speed…just keep your eye on that checkered flag…

  4. C, don’t worry about holding anyone back. The only reason I run faster is to get it over with. I’m 100% comfortable with running 10min miles come group run day. 3-4 miles at 8-9 min/mile isn’t a big deal…but running 7-20 miles at 8-9 min isn’t something i’m interested in. I, like you, am interested in finishing, not winning. Don’t worry about pushing for speed…just keep your eye on that checkered flag…

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