Coming around

It's been a long, hot summer of recovery.  The glute/hip/IT/knee/hip/glute/quad/pride injuries that have been rotating in a sort of wheel of torture are finally subsiding.  This summer's been one that has provided interesting perspective that I likely otherwise wouldn't have sought.  Leading up to Umstead in March, I was running faster than I had ever run...including a huge PR at the Chicago Marathon.  While this was an absolute blast, I unintentionally became a slave to the watch.  After a great long run through the beautiful countryside, I'd feel great joy...and then I'd look at my watch.  Depending on the results, the joy would either persist or I'd mumble about how I could have shaved off another 3 seconds per mile or something.  Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wanting to train to run as fast as you can.  There is however something wrong when a given day's run results determine how you feel about yourself and your running.  While getting injured this spring didn't feel like a blessing, the Lord certainly used it as one to help me thank Him for the GIFT of running that He provides.  As my friend, Dave Stepp, mentioned to me, there is truly "joy in the journey".  I'm now feeling healthy and almost at 100%.  I'm still excited about intervals and long runs and getting as fast as I can, but now with a much more humble and thankful heart.  I've learned as well to be smarter in my training...not trying to "nail" every run or workout.  An article that helped me with this is linked. here: http://www.letsrun.com/2006/collegesuck.php

I'm registered for the Salem Lake 30K that is on 9/29/12.  It's a great race on a beautiful course.  I can't wait!  I'm also planning on signing up for the 2013 Boston Marathon, racing the Carrboro 10K, and the Atlanta Marathon (10/28/12), so a busy fall for me.  Looking forward to some great runs in the cooler weather.

Just for Grins...

Making up for lost time...the spring of my discontent

Alright, this is going to be an attempt to catch up on everything since December, with the hope of posting more frequently hereafter...

March 3, 2012: Umstead Marathon (the death spiral begins)
I was so excited to run my first Umstead Marathon!  I had been regularly training at Umstead and was primed and ready to go.  And then the night before the race, biblical rains descended upon the land.  I laughed in the face of these rains.  Bwahahahaha!  I took off at what felt like a very comfortable 6:10 or so pace, despite the course conditions.  I was feeling awesome.  I saw some friends along the way who were of amazing encouragement.  Through the turnaround at approx mile 15, I was feeling great.  Heading back down Turkey Creek...still feeling pretty good.  "Wow, I am crushing this!  Just hold on, only 8 more miles," I said around mile 18.  And then, as has been chronicled in many a blog (the epic "Running Down" for one), I experienced something that I have never had happen before.  All of the sudden, I started meandering.  My vision started getting blurry.  I recall people asking me how I was doing, but I honestly don't remember my response.  I was literally imploding.  The death march down Cedar Ridge and back up was just that.  And then, an amazing volunteer on a bike rode alongside me for the last few miles.  The conversation went something like this:
"Hi, I'm James.  What's your name?"
"Ugh...Dave"
"Dave, you don't look so good.  I've got food...sandwiches, Gu's, water.  Want some?"

At this point, I proceeded to eat everything in his backpack and drink several bottles of water over the last few miles, alternating walking, running, cramping and looking for soft places to crash and die.  This guy saved my bacon.  it was embarassing as all get out to lose an 8min lead with 3 miles left, but to finish 2nd overall with all that was a true blessing. 

Since Umstead, I have battled IT band, glute, and hip pain and been to some pretty dark places.  But with some prayer, great friends who encourage me, and healing, I'm feeling much, much better, and Umstead Park hasn't seen the last of me!  Hopefully, I'll tackle that marathon again real soon! 

April 21, 2012: Tar Heel 10-miler
What an amazing race!  So well done.  It was awesome to be standing next to Meb at the starting line.  I was coming off injury and ran conservatively, but was really happy with the result.  Fleet Feet does an amazing job putting on races and I love running for them!  The field was huge too...the most they have ever had and there was tons of energy because of it.

Present Day
Still some residual soreness, but I am much better and finally feel like racing again.  I had a great 15-miler with Victor Ornelas today.  I'm hoping to do a few Godiva meets, the 4 on the 4th, and a few others this summer as I train for the Atlanta Marathon which is this fall.

Future
Hopefully, I can make this funnier/more interesting in the future when I'm not trying to catch up on months of stuff at a time.

Quote of the Day
So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb.
- Dark Helmet