Racing Against Myself

My race season was kicked off the past two Sundays with the May Madness sprint in Effingham, IL on the 15th and the Land Between the Lakes sprint+ in Albert Lea, MN on the 22nd.  Both races went well, unfortunately age group podiums don't extend to 5th place. 

I am somewhat happy to report that 1) I handily beat the 2010 version of myself in the Land Between the Lakes race by about 13 minutes in spite of the run leg of the event being lengthened by about 0.7 miles, and 2) I would have won my age group in both races if I was a chick.

Some of the less embarrassing photos from Land Between the Lakes. No pictures from May Madness as I was there by myself and find stopping to snap pictures (of myself no less) during the race increases my time considerably.

Water was surprisingly warm

Transition area was a mudhole

'Cross racers would not be impressed with my mounting ability

The dude on the right with the Zipp-equipped Orbea would catch me around mile 8

Setting a blistering pace out of the transition area

The final few hundred feet

My strong finish, 13 minutes ahead of the 2010 version of myself

I received multiple compliments on my Leinie's jersey from the volunteers in both races.  Unfortunately, neither event offered Leinenkugel's products at their aid stations.

Successful I Challenge

This was the weekend of the Illinois marathon.  Being registered for the "I Challenge", I ran in the 5K on Friday night and the half marathon on Saturday morning.  Personal records were set in both, although I am not sure it is fair to talk about PR's quite yet having done only a few 5K races in the past 4 years, and 1 pathetic half marathon last year. 

5K result: 25:36 (8:15/mi pace)
Half-marathon result: 1:49:11 (8:20/mi pace)

Considering I was just hoping to break 2 hours (or run ~9 minute miles) when I started getting ready for this in January, I am pretty happy. 

Now I just have to figure out how to run this far after a 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike by August 14th.

Half-marathoners bookending the better looking relay team

I suppose now I have to start thinking about training for a full marathon.

April Showers

We got a reprieve from the rain today, along with some actual sunshine and humidity.  This morning was the last "long" run before the half-marathon next week.  We did an easy 6-miler (referring to a 6-miler as easy is something I would have wanted to punch someone in the face for saying just a few months ago) and will be putting in minimal miles this week to rest the legs before the big race.

This afternoon I got out on the Surly and rode to Monticello and back.  Took the camera with me to capture some images of the standing water in the fields.  A few of the highlights are posted below.  The full album is posted on flickr here.

And there is more rain in the forecast for the next few days. Flowers are great and all, but I am thinking the farmers are hoping that April showers also bring May days suitable for field work.

Twittering

I now have a twitter account. Actually, I have had one for a while but only recently began actively using it.  I will mostly be tweeting nerdy ag economist stuff, but there will be some attempts at humor as well.  I've posted a feed in the right sidebar.

www.twitter.com/nickdpaulson

Life of Excess



This is how everyone's garage should look.



Crosswinds

Headed out with the 9 am Sunday ride group this morning.  There was a wind advisory.  30 mph sustained winds, 45 mph gusts straight out of the south.  We rode into it for two hours and stopped for breakfast (and many in the group also got pie, I did not).  Then we rode back in about 45 minutes.  If you sat up and let the wind push you without pedaling you could go 10 mph. 

Once we got back to Urbana, I had to head 6 miles west and a few more miles north.  Riding west with the crosswind required leaning at what felt like a 45 degree angle into the wind lest ye be pushed off the road.  It sucked, and looked something like this:

The most painful 30 miles I think I have ever ridden combined with the easiest and most fun 30 miles I have ever ridden. 

So, this afternoon I am relaxing and may even take a nap.  My legs are sore from running and biking this weekend.

My receptionist will be taking all of my calls.

I really can't afford to keep her on my staff, given the poor economy.  But I tried taking my phone back and letting her go last week and the conversation did not go well. 

I'm pretty sure I ended up caving, giving her access to the business phone, and maybe even giving her a raise.  I've always been a conflict avoider.

Best Dam Run in Illinois

Today was the Lake Sara Dam Run in Effingham, Illinois.  I finished the 8 mile race in just over 1:07, and was pretty happy with that result.  It was even more impressive when you consider the fact that I was sweating gin and Chardonnay for the first few miles of the race due to last night's activities.

Lake Sara - I get to swim in this in just a few weeks, I hope it warms up.

There were about 800 participants in the race this morning, and the organizers did a great job of putting it together and having a fun party with good food following the run.  We also got some decent swag - a nice long sleeve tech tee, and a koozie.  You can't go wrong with koozies.


Race swag, medal, and bib.

But do you know what the best part of this race was? Dilly bars.

Do you have any idea how good a Dilly bar tastes after running 8 miles? If not, I suggest you find out. 

After I got back from the race I loaded up the mountain bike and went over to Kickapoo.  It was 60 and sunny this afternoon, and the trails are in near perfect condition right now.



The Cobia was happy to get out for a few hours.

My ride left me with one of the most severe cases of helmet hair I have ever seen.

 This picture does not do the helmet hair justice, poor lighting.  Believe me when I tell you it was "epic"