I waited a little too long to do my first triathlon of the year, choosing rest over Goddard and choosing Beavers over Fat Clam. Now there was no conflict with other racing/running priorities for the Block Island triathlon and I signed up. The back-to-back racing is tiring, but after many months of being unsure, I also signed up for the 2016 edition of Run 4 Kerri. I couldn't miss not only a great race but an opportunity to update my 4-mile PR, getting rid of the disaster of race that was the Ocean's Run.
Training-wise, I focused more on getting in preparation for Block, but Kerri was just as important to me.
Monday: 8 Miles
Unofficial beach race as part of a Lifeguard competition. One mile at high tide. My boss had told me that me and the other Westerly lifeguard (Nick Celico) should try to take spots two and three because a sub-4 minute miler was in the competition. When I got there, I quickly learned that we were now trying to go 3-4 and Nick was somewhat injured, having to drop out of Friday night's Blessing of the Fleet and expecting me to be ahead of him. There was also another elite runner in the field- a 1:04 half-marathoner and runner in February's Olympic marathon trials (finished in 2:30). I did a mile and a half warmup to the end of the beach and back, learning that the course was only about a kilometer (super short) and the high tide was awful to run on and only getting worse. When I got back I learned that they adjusted the course back to a mile and the mile run was the last event, meaning we wouldn't run for at least an hour. I did some strides and stayed hydrated. Eventually, the race rolled around. Many seemed to be considering wearing shoes, but I instantly decided not to as I always run barefoot on the beach. I also ran shirtless, another thing I'm used to on the beach.
We were finally ready to go. Men's heat was first. We were mostly under 20, with a few 20-somethings, and one older guy. They lined us up by beach, and I was surprised that we got the last spot. It was actually better this way- I was planning on running as close to the water as possible. Nick took the spot on the front line, and I lined up behind him. The race was started. I instantly ran out hard, quickly getting a spot in the front. After just a minute, it was the two elite guys, me, and nick. Nick started to drop off and it was us three. There were small water flows through the sand that really slowed me down. I was able to stay with them for nearly the first half until my thighs started to get really tired and they pulled away a little bit. I was a few seconds behind after the flag turn. I felt like I was slowing quite a bit on the way back as they pulled far away from me. On the other hand, no one was even close to me in the 4th position. I was able to spectate their race as I came in, but couldn't see them clearly after a while. It seemed they were really sprinting hard. I came in third, pretty happy with my result, but my time was in the 5:40s with the brutal high tide. I was going to do a cool-down, not wanting to waste the opportunity to run in Narragansett, and was surprised to run with the top guys in our race which was really cool and probably the fastest people I have ever cooled down with.
Tuesday: 12 Miles
Morning workout with Tom, Dad and Jonny Hammett. Not too challenging, did it because I wanted to get in my Tuesday double. 3x(600/400/200), recovery of 3x(400/400/200). Splits- 1:53/74/36/1:55/76/36/1:56/77/32. First time at hell field, and felt tired on the uneven grass sections. Difficulty: 2/5. 7 miles for the run.
Five at the fun run. Easyish 6:10 pace, felt pretty good. Got in my first bike of the year.
Wednesday: 8 Miles, usual fun run routine. I ran somewhat hard for a warm-up in the low 6 range for pace because I was running a little late. I wasn't feeling great and didn't feel like running my usual sub-5:30 pace but didn't want to jog it either. I decided to run low 6s, but went out a little fast. I dropped back to ask Tom about Kerri and just ran the rest of it with him because the pace was pretty good.
Also got in a swim at Narragansett as part of a lifeguard surf test.
Thursday: 7 Miles
Beach brick (15 ride+3 run), also getting in some high tide mileage. Ran one mile hard, then ran in easier. Didn't feel like high tide. Later did a track workout: 12x200 (36 target pace, did most in 34) before 3x400 (target was 74, did most in 70), recoveries were about 40s and 60s. Difficulty: 2/5. Felt great.
Friday: 5 Miles. Easy local shakeout. Struggled in get in five without doing lots of out and backs and loops.
Saturday: 7 Miles. Block Island Triathlon. Went better than expected in the bike, run was really crappy in the high tide. A few seconds slower than last year, but that's due to a shorter run. Separate write-up.
Sunday: 8 Miles, Run 4 Kerri. Went really great and not feeling too much fatigue from Block. Write-up by the end of the week.
Weekly Total: 55 Miles
YTD Mileage: 1,356 Miles
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