Not so easy Sunday morning

This past weekend was full of fun.  It was a true testament to the fact that training is not always boring and lacks enjoyment.  Saturday was the Geist 5k.  This has become a family tradition for us.  It is a race that nearly goes by our front door.  This year it was a training run for me, the first run after the mini for my wife, my son was running with his school running club, and my daughter was running with her whole swim team.  Its a rarity that you get to participate in a race so close to home with 3000 people of  which many are good friends and neighbors along with many of the same cheering you on along the way.. This is also the race that began my participation in endurance events 5 years ago.  Back then, I had never run that far continuously, I was rather anxious, I was way out of shape, and I struggled to finish at 31 minutes and 35 seconds.  I was deservedly razzed by my family for being last in our family.  Fast forward to 2012 and what a difference 5 years makes.  My attitude for this race was very laid back and festive.  This was going to be a run for fun where I would use it as just part of my current training plan.  I wanted to just soak up the atmosphere. The kids were gathered with their buddies at the start and my wife and I were starting together near other acquaintances.  We were off.  I felt great and decided to go ahead and lay it down.  I ran well and felt strong.  I crossed the line at 22:18.  It was a PR for me for this race and a 5k.  The 7:10/mile pace is nearly 3 minutes faster per mile than my first year.  I would have never imagined I could do that back then. The whole family did well and it was enjoyable to reunite at the finish with those same neighbors and friends to compare our race stories.

Sunday had a 2 hour ride scheduled followed by a run off the bike for 30 minutes.  Some teammates posted Saturday that they would be doing nearly the same workout as a group.  I was in.  So were many others.  We rolled out Saturday early AM with about 10 of us working it together.  The weather was near ideal with sunny skies, temperatures in the high 60's, and no wind.  The roads were peaceful and absent of significant traffic.  Our ride was to include some easy riding and some all out efforts for set time periods.  The group as a whole seemed energized by the morning.  The all outs were hard pushes with each of us laying it out to drive each other more than what is possible on a solo ride.  We would regroup on the easy sections and rotate around and chat each other up about the ride, recent races, plans for the seasons, news in their family and how well the ride was going.  after 2 1/2 hours of riding we dropped the bikes off at organizers house and headed out for some running.  We clipped out 4 miles.  It was not an easy run as the temps had risen to unfamiliar levels thus far and each of us was paying a bit for the hard ride and the previous day's efforts.  However, it would not dampen our lively spirits after such an inspiring morning.  We quickly convened at the end and shared our thanks and goodbyes.  We were all off to our families for the remaining activities for the weekend feeling a little weary but feeling good.