Monday, August 04, 2008

Funk Diving

Just in case anyone was wondering, I have been running instead of riding. Why you ask? Totally burned out on the bike is why. After the Stumpjump XC my desire to ride started on the decline. Stemming from a combination of increasing heat and the simple fact of the same ol' geographic location of my rides. Not sure how it really happened. My guess would be the fact that I rode all through the winter with no real break from the bike.

The downward spiral all started back in late April. It was a string of flats that left me walking out of the woods in one instance. Then I had to call my wife on two occasions to come pick me up out on the road. It seemed as if every other ride I went on was filled with disappointment. During a flat repair down on the Outer Loop @ HSP, I noticed two trail runners coming through the woods. These cats were gliding along the trail having a good time. As I remembered the good times of running high school XC.

Now roll into May, the work load was starting to increase. More and more time spent in the field. All day on your feet in the heat - sucks. Everyday I would come home and plop down on the couch and veg out till time to go to bed. The drive to go out and explore had fizzled. All the routes that I've come up with over the past years did not have the excitement they use to.

So one night while walking the dogs, I decided to jog for a few minutes. After three weeks of this routine I went out and bought some new kicks and stretched these walk/jog/walks a little further. Now early August I'm able to knock out one hour non stop. This new found joy of running has started to pull me from the funk I've experienced. Not sure if it's the thoughts of yester-years or the fact I'm onto something that can be done with little to no travel and minimal prep time. Double bonus is the fact that I can drag my pups out with me. A steady 3 miler will keep them tired for two days.

This past Saturday, I toed the line of a local 5k for the first time in ten years. Nervous yeah a little. Overall goal to beat my PR from 1994 of 18:50 at a Lexington High XC meet during my senior year. This race was a wake up of sorts. Going into it I was confident of a sub 21:00 finish. Excitement took over and the first mile I ran a 6:45 then mile two was 7:00. Something happened between mile 2 & 3. Heat happened! Paced slowed to an 8:00 last mile. Finishing the 5k in 21:38. Totally exhausted but now I have a benchmark to work from. Now ya'll understand why I haven't been posting. There was no need to write about the funk diving till I could bring myself from it. So don't forget about me & lookout I'll be back.

10 comments:

Tom said...

Toby, Tonite I left the parking lot at HSF going outerloop counterclockwise. A runner (the dude with no shirt, no water, and shoulder lenght hair) left going clockwise at the same time. We crossed paths on inner woman. This dude is a stud. He says he runs 16 miles per outing 2-3 times a week. I am always amazed when I see those guys out there.

Toby Porter said...

Yeah it makes you think getting older ain't that bad.

spokejunky said...

Same old terrain? That's why I move every five years. I'm on the modified NickCass program.

Toby Porter said...

Yeah Tron - I've been at Erin for years about moving to the mountains. It's hard to leave job security.

Training Tim said...

Were you at the Hot August Night? I still think anything near 21 min. is darn good for that heat. I was about 6 min behind ya btw.

Sounds like a great run to me!

Toby Porter said...

Yeah Tim the heat was bad. Did not realize I was to pick up a timing chip, so I was never scored.

spokejunky said...

A race in Columbia? Say it isn't so.

ExtrmTao said...

Let me know when you want to run in the big boy hillz.

Asheville Soda Works said...

Speaking of nick/cass program, maybe you just need a plane ticket to the Lake. You are always welcome, plus there is all you can eat sushi in Reno. Running? I guess you are attracted to all the new gear, shorter shorts, fanny packs and mid drif shirts. I say all that, and I've spent all morning looking for marathon plans (and shorter shorts). Shot me an email. nicholaskindt@hotmail.com

spokejunky said...

PalmettoSolo caught out sporting his new running outfit.