As part of my returning to my roots in 2016, I said I was going to race more for charity. Well, I haven’t decided on a Team Challenge run yet for CCFA, but I am raising money for Noah’s Light Foundation as part of my Star Wars Darkside Challenge in April. I was already registered for this, so every dollar you donate goes directly to Noah’s Light. None of it supports my race habit or the expensive hotel rooms! I’ve got that part covered.
That’s probably why I run, instead of, say, play Soccer. I don’t have a competitive bone (or nerve) in my body, so having a team rely on me to play my best is kind of hilarious. (Just ask the Playboy softball team and all the losses we had because I never learned how to play catcher.) Plus, I don’t want to workout with people, on a schedule, or really near anyone. I don’t want to worry about what everyone else is doing. The thoughts in my head are way more than enough to keep me company.
I may not like running, but I know when I’m behind in training. I did two 3 mile walks (with a zoo visit in between) on Sunday. The all walking 3-miles was actually faster than the I’ll run a little and see how I feel 3 miles. Tomorrow I aim for five (walking again)!
Artboy and I walked with our friend (and pug breeder) Caroline. I missed this race last year, but managed to register this year and will be back year after year. Walking through Safeco was pretty cool, even if it was warmer than expected in the garage and hallways. This was my first real walk post-surgery, so we took it real easy and had fun.
Way back on May 17-19, I participated in a Racewalking clinic with Coach Dave McGovern. I went in pretty much a blank slate and came out with a new understanding of Race Walking Technique and just how hard it really is, but also how fun it can be.
I knew I needed to get through the Duvall Double, so I haven’t focus too much on the Racewalking since the clinic. Now that the races are in the books, I am switching some of my training days over to Race Walking. Ideally, I’d like to do at least 2 days of each, each week, plus my long run. There’s no way I’m ready to hold the Race Walking technique and cadence for 12+ miles, so those long runs will be a combo of run/walk/race walk/get to the end, but probably mostly running until my technique and shins match my determination to get it over with.
I’m partial to this video because it starts out in Santee. These guys are fast!!! I couldn’t embed it, so I found another one I could. The following video is amusing, but not really very overtly technical.
and because I don’t think anyone should ever take themselves too seriously, I share this for your viewing pleasure…
So when you see walking funny around Ballard, you know what I’m doing. Now get out there and sweat!
