Team Richards

Jason and I completed a team triathlon yesterday.  He competed the 40km bike race and I completed the 10km run (our cousin did the swimming part for us).  Jason tore it up on the bike ride.  It covered the whole North Shore and at one point he was actually biking into Rodney District. That's far!!
There isn't much to say about my leg of the race.  It was a standard 10K that I finished with no problem.  Though I'm still sore from the 1/2 marathon last weekend. 
The best part of the whole race was seeing Jason start and finish with a smile. I was nervous that he would be in pain out there with his knee.  He competed strong despite the injury.  
During this race I couldn't help but think how we're really making this a part of our life.  Jason and I are to the point where we are constantly preparing for the next big race. I love that. 

Time for a Triathlon

Okay, I need to say this out loud because it is starting to eat me alive. I want to complete a triathlon.
I've raced at virtually every possible distance from 100M dash to the full Marathon.  It's time to aim for a new goal.  Triathlons are big in New Zealand.  Apparantly it's triathlon season right now. 
 I have virtually no base in swimming. I would be starting from scratch and getting my fitness up to a place where I can swim for more than one lap at a time.  I once biked 20 miles but that was random and I didn't know what I was doing.
 I have to know what it's like to finish a triathlon.  
If I say it out loud it makes it official and I feel more obligated to follow through. 
So, mark my words-I'm going to finish a triathlon before the "season" ends.  

 I'm still obsessed with running and have every intention of running a marathon once a year until I can no longer stand/breathe/walk.  

Personal Best-Kerikeri 1/2 Marathon

I did it. I crushed my previous personal best in the 1/2 marathon.  My goal was to shave 10 minutes off.  Forget 10-I cut 20 minutes off of my time!!! I really really like 1/2 marathons.  The race isn't long to me at all.  To be honest, it seems like the race/test of endurance doesn't come until mile 10 or 11 when you really have to give it your all.  My mile pace averaged about 7:15-7:40, not too shabby.

It will be really tough to leave New Zealand-I've been spoiled year round with great running weather and billions of races to choose from each week.  Life is good. 

1 hour 39 minutes

next race: Takapuna 5K Beach Series-Tuesday nights all summer

My 1/2 Marathon GOAL

I'm so ready for the 1/2 marathon next week.  Apparently this is the who's who race among avid runners on the North Island.  I've got a goal to accomplish and I'm determined to see it through. 
GOAL:  shave 10 minutes off my last 1/2 marathon time of 1:58.  It's not impossible but it will require a more fine tuned performance.  


My focus in the past 2 years of training has not been time. Rather, endurance and consistency. I think I'm ready to adjust my focus more to meeting goal times and setting personal bests.  


I've been struggling all week with training.  I only had one solid run and the rests were broken attempts while trying to train with a sore throat and sore muscles. 

I don't think I'll struggle with the terrain or landscape where the race takes place.  Kerikeri is one of the most beautiful parts of the North Island!!  That fact alone can boost your motivation and race pace!!

NERD ALERT

I have recently discovered that listening to an audio book while running or working out is amazing.
I've always avoided it because I figured it wouldn't be a fast enough pace to keep me going during a workout. Not so.  It's quite the opposite. I've found myself extending a run just to get to the end of a chapter. 

If you're looking for a way to mix-up your regular workout routine give it a try-it's worth a shot!

Morning Person

I can't even remember the last time I ran after work. 
Months ago? who knows. 
I'm a morning person in every which way. I tend to wake up a few minutes before the alarm and quietly slip out of bed and put my running shoes on.  My running clothes are laid out the night before so there's no hassle in the morning.

I love starting the day with a run.  The only downside is that I don't usually have enough time to get a very long run in.  Long endurance runs are reserved for lunch time and/or Saturdays.  
My day seems to be more productive and I end the day with much more energy when I start by working out. 


I'm still pumping out the 2-a-day workouts. Purely for the reason that I'm addicted. It feels good and I love mixing up my workouts with running and weights.  I think the extra strength training has helped me stay injury free for quite a long time now.  


17 more days to Kerikeri 1/2 Marathon!!
Cheers