Mardis Gras 5 and 10k

This past weekend my running group participated in a Mardis Gras themed 5 and 10k race out at the Railroad Pass Casino near the Hoover Dam. It was organized by Calico Racing who are also doing next week's Red Rock marathon that was featured in this month's Runners World.

I didn't run but I was there to cheer on those who did. It was a cool brisk 50 degree morning with a moderate turnout and some amusing costumes. It was nice to let my competitive side take a time out for a while. Although I have gotten to wondering what my 10k time will look like with all the marathon training I've been going through lately...

Group photo!



I'm thinking I'll have to keep the Joker hat for use at other races!

A Runner should always Live near a Park

I cannot think of a more important residential and daily quality of life issue for a runner than to have a nice place nearby to run. Fortunately I have one of the few parks in Las Vegas just about a mile outside my front door. It's called Wetlands Park and the city got a bunch of money from the Hoover Dam to build it because it helps them recycle water and reduce demand on Lake Mead or some such engineering jibber jabber. The important thing is it means there's a lovely green spot with trees and birds and grass and running water nearby where I can prance like a gazelle to my heart's content. I'll move on to the pictures now before my prose gets too fanciful - can you tell I'm having my bedtime glass of merlot as I type?

Yes this is Las Vegas, hard to believe eh:

Game Plan for March

In two weeks I'll be running the red rock half marathon out on the west side of Vegas. It'll be hilly but I'm still hoping to tear it up. My practice plan is a strong running plan complemented by a lot of crosstraining involving swimming, light weightlifting, and yoga. I am trying to balance the running with other workouts that don't take as much out of my body with the constant impacts and joint strain of the long runs.

I've also made changes to my diet. I now avoid chocolate, fast food, soft drinks, and excessive portions. I eat powerbars before workouts, and have been making soy protein powder juice shakes and mixing the powder in with oatmeal. I also eat more fruits and drink more juice.

These efforts are to get me into top form for the half marathon on March 7th. I'd like to break my PR of 1:28 if possible, despite the hills.

The lighter side of running

Sometimes i get too caught up in the numbers of running, but today's mardis gras 5 and 10k fun run really did remind me that the experience of just getting outside in the fresh air and sweating with a bunch of other people who want to have a good time is such a sweet, valuable thing.

More Swimming

25 laps at LVAC today, light weight lifting, situps. No running, just went down to the mardis gras 5 and 10k's and watched the other running group members go at it. It feels good to have taken two days off from running, tomorrow I will return to it fresh.

Cross Training Program Initiated

So one of the lessons learned from the most recent race is that I probably am not doing enough cross training. So to fix that I am trying to do two moderate swim sessions a week, plus a yoga class, and a little more lifting, esp with the calf and quad lifts for leg strength, military press for deltoids and triceps, and situps for core.

I'm still feeling the marathon from saturday in my legs, taking it easy this week in terms of pace and more rest days.

75 minute run last night at Wetlands park with the running group at a moderate pace. I will be watching a 5/10k charity race tomorrow, taking photos; it's a mardis gras theme with costumes, should be fun!

New Blog Title

I moved the blog to better reflect that which it is about, me, a runner, in the lovely city of Las Vegas, who likes to do marathons - the 26.2 part.

Nothing wrong with keeping it simple, right?

So here's to reaching my running goals in 2009, which include running a sub 3 hour marathon, running a 5 minute mile, running an 18 minute 5k, and doing well in at least one trail race, an area I have not explored much yet. To victory!