Tri RobbyB Tri

From a sprained ankle, to increased time at work and a squirrel in the house, the spring base-building season has been trying to say the least. Normally, the Crazylegs Classic 8K run is a good indicator of my fitness level. With all of this, I didn't think I'd even be able to run. But, with good fortune and some good advice from a good physical therapist, I was able to run/walk it. Better yet, I convinced my buddy Paul to do it with me. Paul helped with the wave start so we got to go in the 36th and very last wave, "jj."

We decided on intervals of 4 minutes of running, and one minute walking. As is the norm, we went out really fast on downhill start. Using better judgment, we held back as best we could. A couple of well-placed intervals and we were through the first mile in one piece. The next rest interval ended just as Observatory Hill tipped skyward. Paul walked a bit, but we forged ahead. A couple of more well-timed rests and we cruised through miles two and three. We walked through the water stop, slammed a few cups down and kept running. The pace reduced from this point forward, but we kept things at a sub 11-min/mi pace, and I stayed ahead of Paul to give him something to chase. A quick check of the watch and we were set for a sub one-hour finish, a PR for Paul. I let him know and make a deal to run to the last hill, walk it, and then sprint to the finish. Paul agrees, but doesn't think he can sprint it in. But nonetheless, he sees the end in sight and picks the pace up for a strong finish. We crossed the line at 55:41 for about a five-minute PR for Paul.

I had no issues with my ankle throughout the race, despite spending 10+ hours on a plane and an additional 3 on a bus the day before. (It was supposed to be five total on a plane, but storms in Chicago changed all that.) Paul's shin splits held up well as well. All in all, a good day.

Couple of things that I forgot about. 1) It was wicked windy with quite a chill. 2) Just after the three mile mark at the turnaround, we noticed a member of the band running along. But it just wasn't any band member, it was a tuba player. And he was carrying his tuba! I turned to Paul and asked if he was going to be beat by the guy running with his tuba. He decidedly said no.