Meet of the Miles 1/14/2013

I've had never done this race, but was excited and had it planned for a few weeks. I was bit nervoius to see where my speed was at with not a whole lot of running at all, but a lot of strenth training and crossfit. The reason for not a lot of running has been my ongoing knee issue...and maybe some needed time to do other things.

So with no real expectations I decided I'd sign up for the 6 to 630mile pace group, but last minute switched to the 545 to 6min group because a lot more of the girls I knew were running in that one. Nordica, Lindsey, Stephanie, all from MN Red. So I thought what the heck I'll be more motivated to stick with them, and if I die trying oh well...Bring on the PAIN!

I warmed up around the 200 meter track for a while, and Gabe and I stood around for a while which made it tough to stay warmed up...Gabe was also doing the meet for the first time. I was excited to see how he'd do knowing that he'd most likely PR since he's also been doing a lot of crossfit and gaining a lot of leg strength. Although also not a lot of distance running for Gabe...

I started off very conservatively and was surprised how decent I felt. With about 4 laps to go I passed up the MN red pace group, but was still running pretty conservative thinking maybve I'd die at the end. My PR mile is a 5:31 from last year in the summer, and today at the meet of the miles I did a 5:47...I was surprised...I know I didn't go 100% and held back a bit, but it was a very strong effort. I think last year I did a 5:43 at an indoor track meet also in January with a lot more running under my belt. So all in all I was happy. I ended up running with Greta also for a 6:34 mile, nice job Greta! And then Gabe also for a 7:26 mile, a PR!!!!

It was a great time, and I definetly want to do that one again next year.

I need to start working on my endurance more...Next up is FreezeFest, an all day CF competition for a charity event, then a triathlon training camp in AZ Feb 28th to March 3rd, and then the CF Open!!!

PS: Started signing up for some races for 2013, thus far Oakdale, Apple, Door Half in July (Kim's first Half, yay!)

Crossfit, Knee Stuff, and more...

It's been an interesting off season thus far...After the marathon and my nagging knee pain all year I decided to go see someone to fix the problem. Unfortunetly the problem is not completely gone, but it's a little better. I also started doing CF ALOT! It's been a lot of fun, and I'm definetly getting stronger, but my running/endurance has suffered a bit. I know it's early in the season, but I'm just not used to being out of shape when it comes to endurance stuff, so it's difinely a change for me.

On a CF note though I have set a few PR's on the deadlift at 255, clean 135, bench press 130x3 as well as pull ups at 30+...My approach for the season is to see how I do in the Open for CF in March and then go from there. If I or the Twolf can qualify for Regional then my focus will go that way, but if not, then I can still get serious about racing tri's. I have already registered for a few big races for 2013, once of them being Age Group Nationals in Milwakee in August, which Kurbs and I will hopefully be going to.

Also excited to do my first ever tri camp in Arizona at the end of Feb...and that's all for now!