Transitions Part III

It's that time of year again for an identity change. Off with one uniform and on with another. I've been thinking about the transition from crosser to runner and getting into the Boston Marathon training. While by racing has been good, my running has been lousy, and my swim non-existent. Hard to juggle everything all year long. Even the pros take time off, right?

Went for an 8 mile run today, trying to remember how you dress for a cold weather run. Rule of thumb: you should start the run feeling a little cold. If you start warm, you'll overheat. Ended up doing the 8 (actually 8.13) in around 56:35. Felt pretty good for most of it, with somewhat snappy legs. But, the form definitely isn't there. Only about 17 weeks till Boston. Time to get that base together.

That said, I'm looking forward to RI this weekend, and hopefully Natz Schmatz after that. I've had a lot of fun this season, met some nice people, and had some success.

Am I a crosser who also does tris and road races? Am I a runner who also does cross and tris? Am I a triathlete who also does cross and road races? Hard to say. I definitely appreciate the cross vibe at the races. At the same time, triathletes are extremely supportive. It is weird when you are running past people and they are cheering you on, as you pass them. When was the last time you saw that at a cross race? Roadies forget about. Take themselves waaay too seriously. MUST SPRINT FOR 17th!!! You have to appreciate runners. No special gear, no frills, just pain. Nothing like getting on the track for interval training when it is 95F out. Or, going out for 20 miles when it is freezing and sleeting. Just a shrug and a start of the watch.

It's all good. Better than doing nothing. Why do we do it? We do it because we can, and we know it always won't be this way. Hopefully later rather than sooner, but that's only a hope.