Day 169, 196 To Go

June 18, 2013

I was disappointed today with my numbers.  Why?  Because I am a moron and I shut off my GPS watch to stretch and when I started running again, I forgot to turn it back on.  So, I had no idea when I was supposed to stop and how far I went.

This shouldn't be a big deal, but it pissed me off.  I know, I know...you just think I have OCD.  Well, to some extent, you are right.  I do, but I have it under control.  Really.  Hold on on second, I think I left the iron on...

Nope, it was off.  Nope, it was off.  Nope, it was off.  Nope, it was off.

I have a problem with the number 4.

Anyway, you will see my numbers have ? and + to indicate my ignorance of what the numbers actually are.  I know I ran more than 2 miles...probably about 2.25 and my pace was certainly faster than 9:30, but for recording purpose, rather then inflate my numbers, I chose the conservative route and kept them low.  And those that know me know I am anything but conservative!

Anyway equipment failure is something that runners have to deal with.  You just hope that it doesn't happen in a race.  In a triathlon, the chance of something going wrong is of course increased because there is so much more that can go wrong.  On the swim, your goggles could fog up or worse, they could fall off.  The swim start is rough so it is not unheard of that your goggles get ripped off of your head.  I have had them kicked/pulled almost all the way off.  Then you need to stand up, if you can, and put them back on or you have to tread water until you can get them on right.

On the bike, there is an endless amount of things that can go wrong with your bike, the most common is the flat tire.  You had better hope you know how to change that tire, or you are dead in the water.  Even if you can change it, you are talking a 5 - 10 minute delay which will effectively kill your race time, unless you are in a long race like a half or full Ironman.

Then there is the run.  Not much can go wrong here.  I suppose your laces could break or your shoe could fall apart, but that is rare.  For me, at least, the worst thing that can happen and has happened is my GPS watch refuse to cooperate.  Perhaps it can't get a signal or it lost its charge.  Ok, so it isn't the end of the word when this happens, but it can through off your race plan.  If this ever happens to you...just run!  Run as best as you can and hope your training kicks in.

Here are my spotty numbers:

Time: 20:00

Distance: 2.00+ miles

Pace: 9:30/m?

Max Pace: 7:46/m?

Calories: 240+
Avg HR: 119?

Max HR: 139?

I had considered mapping out where I had run to and getting a more accurate distance, but since I am writing this a few days late, I don't remember where I ran to.  Oh well.  I'll live.

Get out and run everybody!!  Enjoy the rapidly approaching summer...only a few more days until the first day!

Run for Life!!