Late Summer Race and Training Update

Summer is flying. I can't believe it's almost Labor Day already! Where does the time go? I've had a pretty good training cycle for Erie. I'll be doing one final race this weekend to prepare, which is the Moebius 50K in Aurora, OH. I ran this a couple years back coming off of my 100 and pacing Steve for BR so hopefully I'll be a little faster this time - although my main goal is to get in one last kick ass workout leading up to race day at Presque Isle in a couple of weeks.

A few weeks ago I raced the Hofbrauhaus Half Marathon in Cleveland and that went pretty well. Despite some nasty cramping the last few miles I set a new personal record of 1:37 and change and although the course was a smidge short I am counting it :) I was able to grab 1st in my AG in that race and enjoyed the post race beer in the mug that they gave me for winning the AG. Steve also set a new smoking fast PR of 1:25 and change and won his AG. That's a pretty good birthday present! After the post-race party there we headed over to Masthead Brewing with friends for lunch and another pint.

post race celebratory beer at Shot in the Dark!

Next up was the Hermes Shot in the Dark 4 mile race in downtown Cleveland. I was not sure how I would do in a night race but it went better than I expected especially because my warm-up was so crappy! I took off fast with a 6:23 first mile then slowed down when I realized this pace would crush me for 4 miles. I had some GI cramps last mile or so but was able to stay on a 7 flat pace to finish it up in 27 and change (6:54 pace) and finished first female (woohoo)! The post race Great Lakes Holy Moses was refreshing after that warm sufferfest. Steve ended up placing 3rd male and we both won gift certificates to Winking Lizard and Dicks as well as a bottle opener (you can never have too many of those). The morning after the race we suffered through a hot and painful 20 miler but got it done ending the week with about 60 miles.

Last week was a little lighter and partly because my long run Saturday was a fail (was going to do 18-20 but dropped at 11 due to a tight hamstring). This week I will get in about 20-25 before Moebius and then run my 31 there to end the week with 50-55 miles before starting the taper for Erie! I am actually looking forward to the taper I think, which is weird for me but will see how I feel closer to the race.

The next post will probably be an update about Erie so wish me luck!