After All of That, You're Running How Far?

     Running is by far my weakest event of the three involved in triathlon.  In fact, previously when I had thought about registering for an Ironman, the marathon at the end had always discouraged me.  I have always thought finishing a marathon was an accomplishment in itself, let alone the finishing peace to a 12 hour race. 
     In order to get over my hatred of running, I decided to run more.  Running more definitely did not cure my hatred for running, but it did start to get a little easier.  One morning I even had a Forest Gump moment and what started as a planed 4 mile run before breakfast turned into a half marathon (13 miles); I returned home in time to cut Kayleigh's search party off from tearing up the streets of Greeley in search of me. 
     I was logging more miles but I was actually getting slower.  I did not feel the urge to push myself as long as I finished my planned run for the day.  At the rate I was going I was looking at a five hour plus run split.  I decided I needed a coach; it just so happens I knew who to contact.  The year before when I decided that I would run more, I went to an actual running store (Bell's Running) and was fitted for a pair of shoes.  Doug Bell just so happens to be a USA Track & Field certified coach and supports a running club.  In order to work on speed, I joined the club and I now find myself running the track at Nottingham Field every Wednesday night with a mix matched group ranging from hard corp distance runners, sprinters, triathletes, and others just trying to get into shape.

     Most members of the group are training for 5k's, but a lot of them have experience at longer distances.  The club is a great place to ask questions, get advice, and find people to train with. Its been a month since I have joined the club and I can notice improvements.  Mentally I know how hard I can push it ( I had previously forgotten), and physically I know now remember what I am capable of.  I no longer feel like the marathon is going to be the end of me, but I still think of it as the last obstacle between myself and my dream.