Tag Archives: road racing

Halfway Through The Race Season Already? And What’s Next?

Seems a little unreal, actually, but here it is, early February, and I am planning March, April, May, and June (it’s too hot to race in July and August here). Except for a small issue involving a strained knee ligament (and with runners, almost all issues are small, even when they aren’t), it’s been aContinue reading “Halfway Through The Race Season Already? And What’s Next?”

Sugar, Grease, Protein: The Post-Race Food Groups

It was hot out there today, even for a 5K. And that’s eight days after an 8K trail run. Not a huge complaint. More of an observation, since this is acknowledged to be the hottest summer since anyone began maintaining meteorological records. I am a pre-race creature of habit. I eat the same things, withContinue reading “Sugar, Grease, Protein: The Post-Race Food Groups”

Two Weeks And Counting Down…

The first race of the season is coming. September 2 and it’s a tough 8K trail run. For me, it’s sort of like doing the Super Bowl first thing, and the other games after that seem easier. I did this race last year and wanted the challenge again. Oh, and the swag was awesome. Let’sContinue reading “Two Weeks And Counting Down…”

Congrats, Cheapskate. You Made A Kid Cry And An Old Person Mad

I get that road races are hard to do. Not the running part. The management part. Being a race director or volunteer anything at a race can stink. Trust me. As a runner, we mostly love you. Unless you cheap out and screw people over when they’ve paid for the race and the swag thatContinue reading “Congrats, Cheapskate. You Made A Kid Cry And An Old Person Mad”

Old Body Parts: The Reality, And Hope For A Drag Show Of A Race

I was only half-kidding when I referred to being tired and having body bits give in and give up on me. I am seeing a neurosurgeon in June. But not so much for something worn out. More like something built up. Just in the wrong place. Calcification on my spine, to be exact. Good, strongContinue reading “Old Body Parts: The Reality, And Hope For A Drag Show Of A Race”

Cold Enough For A Double Shot (And Tea…And Ramen)

Today’s 10K was a 100% rain event. In other words, it started raining 10 minutes before the gun, and it still has not stopped. And it’s chilly in this part of the country. And while not even close to freezing, once you’re wet, it does not get better. I drove home wet. It was rainingContinue reading “Cold Enough For A Double Shot (And Tea…And Ramen)”

And We’re Off! With An Espresso Boost, Of Course

The racing season is underway. One trail race, one asphalt race, and one swim meet are in the books. Coming up: another trail race and two asphalt races, and four swim meets in five months’ time. I am packing it in with doses of the athlete’s little helper: espresso and cappuccino. The Husband and IContinue reading “And We’re Off! With An Espresso Boost, Of Course”

The End (of the race season) Is In Sight—And Retirement Is Coming!

The final road race of the season is Monday. A 5K with what passes for hills here. I did it last year and was not ready for the elevation meltdown at the end. This year, with additional practice on bridges and my kickboxing routine, I hope to do better. I don’t race during the summerContinue reading “The End (of the race season) Is In Sight—And Retirement Is Coming!”

Three Weeks Of Work…Or Insanity?

This weekend starts the first of three competition weekends, and I don’t normally ever do three weeks in a row. I have no idea what I was smoking when I thought this was a good idea. First up is 60K cycling (20K, a 30-minute rest, then 40K) for the senior games. Next week is aContinue reading “Three Weeks Of Work…Or Insanity?”