"I'm Goin' to the YMCA!" (5).

I Consider an April Half-Marathon

[Photo: Birds in flight. I pass local art on my way to the YMCA]

Two weeks ago, after passing "birds in flight" on King Street east of Wellington, I bumped into a former running mate heading home after his spin class.

He and I have completed more than a few fun runs and races together in the past so our brief encounter soon included chatter about future races, as a matter of course. And one in particular, the Forest City Half-marathon, because the route passes his house and he hosts a "running fans cheer the racers that go by while drinking coffee" party each year.

He said, "If you're not running it, join us in the driveway. There will be three (Scottish) pipers this year!"

Well, that got me thinking. Join Radio Dan and others from my former running gang or... run the half.

I checked the 'forestcityraces' website, saw the race date (Sunday, April 28th), entry fee, race route, etc., as well as deadline for the cheapest fare - January 31st (i.e., tonight at midnight). And since crossing paths with Dan I've been having lots of thoughts about whether or not I should try my hand - and feet and legs - at a half marathon race.

"I'm taking the long view to developing my running legs"

I considered the following:

How long have I been running consistently at the YMCA? 10 weeks.

How many miles per week am I running on average? 15 - 16 miles.

In January I averaged about 40 miles per week (39.625 - 41.475 mi.), but the majority of those miles were covered by walking to the Y and warming up on a bicycle before a short run. E.g., on January 19th (above) I ran 2.25 miles, ended that week with 15 miles of running - out of a total of 44 miles for the week (walking, biking, running).

Between Jan. 6 and 9 I ran smooth and steady, from 2.0 - 6.0 miles, and during a 3-week stretch I completed five runs in a row each week, with only slight repercussions, i.e., my left hip told me to take it easy, "Rome wasn't built in a day, ya know."

My last three runs have been between 2.5 and 3.0 miles (above), no repercussions. Today I will run a 3-miler, and aim for a 16.5-mile total for the week, which is just slightly higher than the average for the last 10 weeks (15.475 miles).

And before midnight, I will not enter the half-marathon. A training ladder that would have to take me from 6.0 miles to 13.0 (or from 10 to 21K) over the next 10 weeks sounds way too steep for me at the moment.

But I might enter the 10K race for $55. Because that's a pretty good deal is it not, especially if - on race day - I surprise the heck out of Radio Dan and the bagpipers assembled in his driveway?

"I'm feeling pretty good about my decision!" (Photo: WALKN in Chicago)

I'm certain I need a stronger base of running before I enter a half-marathon. That includes several weeks in a row during which I run between 20 - 25 miles per week, including a couple in the 18 - 21K range, without even slight repercussions.

Yes, I could complete a 10K race soon (e.g., Sunday, April 28).

And a Half in the early fall sounds about right. Thumbs up to that, I say.

Please link to "I'm Goin' to the YMCA!" (4).

Photos GH

"I'm Goin' to the YMCA!" (4).

Don't Break a Leg.

[Photo: The sun goes down on 2018]

I enter 2019 with an emphasis on RUNNIN on the treadmill. WALKN is coming in second place.

My philosophy related to running - after a 12-year-long hiatus from long distance racing - is close to the ground:

Run 4 - 5 times per week indoors. (I don't want to slip and fall down, not get up);

Increase stamina, strength, (development of) smooth stride, and speed gradually;

Don't push myself;

Don't break a leg.

Walking to and from the YMCA is the norm.

I've visited the YMCA 45 times in two months and have nicely transitioned from a diet of walk/runs (a combination of walking and running) to short, steady runs in the 2 - 5 mile range... without a foot falling off or a leg break. Smooth move, Ex-Lax, I say.

 December 11. 31st visit to YMCA. A nice 3-miler.

 December 19. 37th trip to YMCA. A smooth 4-miler. Weight (WT) fluctuates.

December 23 and 30 (lower left). 4.5- and 5.0-mile runs. Steady Eddie.

The year 2018 ended on a positive note:

I finished an easy 3.25-mile run without a hitch;

My push-up, sit-up and weight routine reached 4,825 reps before the sun set;

What does this mean? Push-ups, sit-ups, and 7 different weight routines.

(25 reps each, per session).

Some of my stats are on the upswing;

Reading from L-R on the bottom line: I got out the door 25 out of 31 days in December (80.65% of the days; 6-month average is 81%); I covered 182.75 miles, the highest total in 3 years; the last 6-month average is 149.4 miles; I covered an average of 7.31 miles during a workout in December; my 6-month average per workout is 6.03 miles; my 10-week average for "miles covered" is on the rise (up to 39.025 miles per week), now that I'm going to the YMCA. 

Finally, svelteness is within my reach. : )

So, 2019 begins... with a 6-mile walk.

 Will 2019 go swimmingly?

The New Blackfriars Bridge!

More to follow.

Please link to "I'm Goin' to the YMCA!" (3).

Photos GH