Giggly

Oh my. Funny how "letting loose" for two weeks can have a noticeable and negative result.

Since the MCM 10k (or maybe a bit earlier than that!) I've definitely been a little snack muncher. When you aren't being as active as you've been in the past...it's kind of a problem.

It doesn't take a science wizz to realize that Junk Food + Coach Potato Exercise Plan = Giggly Belly. Even given today's workout...it's not cute at all.

Splish Splash

On Saturday night I checked out the indoor pool at Ocean Pines. According to my internet trolling I so far have discovered that it's the closest indoor 25 meter pool to the beach.

The good news: it's available, close and not crowded. Extra bonus that they run a Master swim program there.

The bad news: it's a little expensive unless you buy a membership, the lap lane area is a bit shallow and narrow and they don't have early morning weekend hours.

My goal was to knock out 2900-3000 meters by following one of the pre-set workouts. Since I wasn't a fan of the main set workout I added a modification. Trouble was, I miscalculated and ended up doing an extra 600 meter kick set. Oops. No wonder I was there so long and was so tired. I thought I was just lazy.

Love Sick

Tonight I was able to FINALLY head to the pool for some water-based therapy. Nothing more fabulous than being in your own zone --- no phones and no annoying distractions. During my kick set it was totally enchanting to watch the 10-12 year olds crushing it during their swim/drill workout and the little kids learning to dive.

So, so happy to smell like chlorine again. Swimming...how I have missed you. Looking forward to a number of more lovely encounters over the next few months. Hugs and kisses until next time.

Feeling a little twitchy

It's only been a week since the Marine Corp 10k and 7 days without a plan. No surprise...I'm in need of a new fitness focus. Something to block out on the calendar. Something to focus on. Something to get jazzed up about again. Just a little something to scare me to get out there and challenge myself.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me?!

I'm researching half-Ironman distance race now. Now that gets me a bit terrified and excited at the same time. Surprisingly there are a number of 70.3 races out there, but it seems I'm looking for the unicorn of all races. Here's the criteria:

•interesting destination local
•not an ocean swim
•not too many repetitive loops on the bike or run segments
•not too many ridiculous hills to deal with on the bike

See what I mean. I'm looking for a unicorn. I'll let you know if I find one. Until then, I'll get by with the random swim, a run, some time on a spin bike and listening to other people make plans and prepare for their races.

Roll The Credits

It's officially over...it's time to move into the off-season! I gotta say, I'm grateful.

On Sunday morning, I rolled out of bed, hit the metro and lined up for my last race of the 2010 season --- the Marine Corps Marathon 10k.

Overall, it was a great race. Very well organized and a wonderful way to experience the MCM...without having to actually log the miles. Now, for the particulars ----

Pre-Race
I took the metro down to the Smithsonian stop with all the other cold and blurry-eyed racers. Upon arriving at the station I bumped into a fellow STC-er. How random! We huddled in the station trying to stay warm as long as possible before ascending to the Mall to start acclimating...or more precisely...getting in line for the bathrooms.

The Race
The starting line didn't seem terribly organized. Everyone found a spot and then started running.

It was a bit different to start a race hitting my nemesis --- the 14th Street bridge --- so early. We then wound down into Crystal City and then on toward the finish at Iwo Jima.

I'm happy with my run. My goal was to run 1:05:00 and I finished in 1:03:ish.

When I looked at my splits I noticed I seemed to have gotten a bit bored/lacked focus at mile 5, which I remember was just a long stretch of somewhat lonely highway by the Pentagon.

The finish was incredible. Now I know why folks talk about the emotional finish up the hill. The crowds were already lined up at the finish and Marines we standing shoulder-to-shoulder as the road turned up the hill to the memorial.

After The Race
DC is such a small town. I ran into a number of folks from the world of running and tris, as well as folks from my high school.

Before heading home, I headed down to the Lincoln Memorial to cheer on the marathoners who were just finishing up mile 16. As in the past, I was incredibly moved by these runners and their incredible journey at the MCM.

What's Next
I did say it's the off-season, but I'm sure I'll find myself at a Turkey Trot or Christmas Race before the year's out.

That being said, I've learned that a bit of time and distance does make the heart grow fonder...or at least when it comes to races...gets me itching for a new adventure. Watch out 2011...who knows what's in store.