We are less than three weeks out from Ironman Texas 70.3 and now it's time to focus on the run portion of the race. (if you missed the swim and bike previews see previous weeks) The run is by far the most difficult part of a triathlon. This is the last discipline of the race, and it is where the wheels can fall off from physical or mental fatigue. In golf you drive for show and putt for dough, well in triathlon you bike for show and run for dough. I do not consider myself a runner. This past Thursday I just completed my first half marathon. When I look back on this run through League City alone with no cheering crowds or medals it really is quite unbelievable to me. Who would have thought I'd run a half marathon on a week day through the rain and wind, it really just doesn't make sense. That's what I love about triathlon! It pushes people to do things that really don't make sense to most.
The last couple of miles were pretty painful Thursday. I kept thinking that this was on relatively fresh legs and that on April 1st I'll be, by my own estimates, at least 4 hours and 15 minutes into the race before I even start to run. The week before last I had my first race rehearsal. I swam the complete distance at race pace on Friday and on Sunday rode the entire bike distance and then ran one hour. I only mustered a little over 5 miles in that run, due to some fueling issues (i.e cramps). I have another set of rehearsals coming up this weekend and I think I have a new plan to get me all the way through the race safely in terms of what I eat and drink on the course. The important thing for me is to run my race. Hebrews 12:1 says "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." It will be important that with all those around me that I run the race marked for me by Him.
My goal for this Half Marathon is 2 hours and 45 minutes. I think this is reasonable and attainable given that this is my first race at this distance. So for those of you counting at home the total time prediction / goal with about 5 minutes per transition is right at 7 hours. If I go under this I will be stoked. You can track my progress at www.ironmanlive.com I am #1002 and I'll be starting my swim at 7:40 AM.
Again, there is a huge reason for this race. Please read here if you haven't already about how this journey all got started 8 months ago. We have already raised over $1400 since that post and we will reach our goal of $7030 before the end of the season. This can only happen with your donations and the sharing of the First Giving link. I would love to see how much we can impact our goal leading up to the race and on race day. This mission fuels me and my tri4Him teammates. God bless!
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First Giving http://bit.ly/tri4HimIMOK2012
Original Post http://bit.ly/IMOK703Story
