March 10th through March 17th...Luck of the Irish!!!

As we work through this week towards St. Patty's Day, this week's theme is luck.  As some of my run blogging buddies continue to build-up for the Boston Marathon and TARC 50k, we could all use a little of luck.  While I may not be running some monster race, I want to get healthier and faster.  Deep down, I believe we make our own luck in running (and life) through working hard, having a plan, resting when necessary, and staying balanced.  However, it's nice when things go your way for no exact reason.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May God grant you some awesome racing
May the pints flow freely
-Twisted Irish Blessing 

Sunday, March 10th
Ocean's Run 5k in Matunuck
17:23, 2nd (actually a 3.21 mile course according to my Space Watch)
Results

My main intention of the day was to get a good workout in while watching the WTAC dominate the Ocean's Run Half.  I warmed up 3+ miles while catching early portions of the race and chatting it up with different people I knew.  With the race starter shouting out the five minute warning, I began to do some strides and put my game face on.  While sizing up my competition at the start, I noticed a young dude that looked pretty serious (track spikes and all) and knew I had my work cut out for me.

The gun went off and a couple of teenagers took the race out hard.  I made sure to get out quick while remaining in control.  Less than a 1/2 mile into the race, the fast, young dude took charge of the race and there was no turning back.  I told myself, "Run your own race and let him do his thing."  Shortly after he passed me, I was in "no-man's" land and tried to keep focus.  Crossing the mile marker on the course, I took a quick glance at my space watch and knew the mile was short.  At that point I decided it's time to just dig in and run my own race.  Splits don't matter-just run hard!

Smack in the middle of the race, I tried to push through the small hills on the breezy beach roads.  Before I knew it, I hit the two mile mark (which was also off) and felt pretty strong.  There was absolutely no one in sight and I knew I needed to close out hard.  As I ran towards the finish, I began to struggle but remained in control of my form.  I hit the 3 mile mark with fields in front of me and quickly figured out the course was long.  I started to do running math in my head, but decided instead to just run hard and figure things out later.  I crossed the finish line in 17:23 and quickly looked at my space watch.  3.21 miles indeed!!!!  I just ran a PR for the 3.21 distance.  Later on I looked up splits-
Mile 1: 5:19
Mile 2: 5:28 (10:47 for 2)
Mile 3: 5:29 (16:16 for 3)
.21: 21 seconds
I did some math on the Cool Running Calculator and figured out that I would have run around 16:45 for the 5k.  Considering my training as of late, I was pumped with how I did.

The race winner turned out to be a very legit runner named Bronson Venable.  He was a star at Bishop Hendricken and Iona College.

After my race, I had the opportunity to enjoy WTAC tear up the half.  Mike G. cruised to a comfortable win, Justin came in 3rd, Jeff  came by in 7th (despite running on a trashed foot), Seth crossed in 11th, and Crutch knocked some serious time off his previous half marathon effort.  All of the guys ran monster PRs and enjoyed the day.  While it may be cheap,  it's fun for me say I ran a PR as well!

Ran a 4+ mile cooldown with the WTAC.  Great day!  I'm pumped.

Monday, March 11th
a.m. 4 miles on the dreadmill..29 minutes and sore
p.m. 3 miles easy with Lulu..sore

Tuesday, March 12th
Strength day..
Body weight squats/lunges, tons of push-ups, overhead shoulder press, abs,  & foam rolling for 45 minutes.

I picked up my new custom orthotics today.  I'm excited about having a more runner friendly pair to trail in.  The orthotics specialist mentioned that the orthotics should last me about 3 years and that it would take time for me to transition into them.  I guess they are going to change my foot strike a bit and "wake Up" some muscles in my legs that were shut down by the other pair.

Wednesday, March 13th
Workout Wednesday at HELL Field.
2 up
8X400 (73, 74, 74, 73, 72, 72, 71, 71) w/ 45 seconds complete rest
2 down

I ran in the new orthotics today and definitely like I was riding in a new car.  I can't say I was uncomfortable, but running definitely felt different.  I also wasn't totally sure how I would feel after running 6 miles on these bad boys, but figured I'd just go for it.  Very pleased with the workout, especially considering I haven't done too much speed work as of late.

Thursday, March 14th
Speaking of making your own luck.
4:30 am 6 miler with Gazelle from his house, through Chin Hill, to Westerly Hospital, and back through Rotary Park.  With the hospital hill and some other inclines, we did some solid hill work this morning.  It's always to run these roads, especially it can be difficult with traffic during normal hours.  Somehow we even ran a quick trail segment through Rotary Park where my headlamp came in quite handy.  As we finished the run, I checked my watch and we were done before 5:15..sweet.  Late meetings would consume the rest of our days and I was really happy to get this run in.

Friday, March 15th
5+ miler after work on local roads through gusty winds.  Although I was already sore from wearing my new orthotics Wednesday, I decided it would be good to wear them again today.  I really don't think I can very slowly acclimate to them, I just need to wear them most days.  Quite sore and physically tired after this one..33 minutes.

A few texts and messages where coming in my way today asking me if I was running the St. Patrick's 10k in Holyoke tomorrow morning.  Hopefully, next year!

Saturday, March 16th
Errr....The thought of not running a St. Patty's Day Race today paired with a needed off day led to a state of running depression for me.  After going about my morning chores, I decided to jump on the mountain bike for a cruise from my house to Avondale and down through Misquamicut.  It was nice to see progress being made down by the beach and certainly left me more optimistic about the summer season.  While the ride was cold, I finished with a slight endorphin high.  50 minutes of riding.

Miles: 35
Lulu: 3
Lulu's walks: 2
Strength/Core: 45 minutes
Biking: 50 minutes
P90x:0

YTD: 348
Lulu: 54

Synopsis
Pros: No major hip pain, scored my new orthotics, solid Wednesday speed work, showed good discipline by running really early Thursday, and a solid race on Sunday that left me hungry for more racing.
Cons: Not enough stretching, no P90x, soreness from acclimating to orthotics,