As I’ve written before, I’m a sucker for events benefitting patriotic causes, and this one, benefitting the Honor Flight Network, is as patriotic as they come. If you don’t know who they are, check out their website, and their mission.
This was my first run since the St. Louis Triathlon last Sunday. I know that it’s suggested to rest quite a bit after a long race — marathon, etc. — and I took that suggestion to also include the tri, which was my longest race of the year so far.
It’s really surprised me how little soreness I’ve had from the triathlon. I was exhausted after the race, and felt that a little bit on Monday, but I really had no muscle soreness to speak of. In fact, the only soreness I had was at the back of my head from where my noggin (ensconced in its bike helmet) tapped the ground in my stunning zero MPH bike wreck. I was really expecting some upper body muscle stiffness to set in from the long swim, but that never materialized.
In truth, I really wasn’t feeling the run yesterday. I’d intended to get up early, and get my feet on the street, but I didn’t sleep very well at all, taking a fair amount of coffee and breakfast to get me moving. Unfortunately, by the time I got out the door, it was already 10am, and when running in Da Lou this time of the year, that means heat.
I melt in the heat. Maybe not literally, but I feel like it. My perfect running conditions are either rainy or temps around 40-50°, and yesterday had neither. When I got on the Greenway, it was about 72°; when I hit the Jeep at the end of the run, the thermometer in read 83°. Those are pretty extreme temperatures for me, and usually I don’t do well in them.
Despite the heat, this run felt pretty good. It wasn’t the fastest I’ve ever run, but it was around average speed for me, and that’s a huge surprise, given the heat. I had plenty of energy — and maybe that’s because I gave myself a good long rest after last weekend’s tri — and it helped make this a very comfortable run for me.
And that’s the reward. On those days when it’s tough to get my feet pointed to the street, I’m usually rewarded with good runs, and a sense of accomplishment for having gotten myself out there. Yesterday was no exception!
This weekend, we honor those fallen heroes who have helped keep our country safe and free. Their sacrifice has made it possible to do what I do, and I can certainly honor their memory with a little fundraising to support our heroes.
This event benefitted Honor Flight Network. From their website: Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.
Race Course
