The never ending attempt at Boston

In early 2006, Dee Anna and I decided to start running together again. We figured since our PR's are so close why not? We started training for CMM full - and I backed out. Excuse after excuse, I ran only the 1/2 on CMM day. Shortly after CMM, we made a new pact - to train for Boston.

So, we hired UT star Keith Kimmons to coach us. The coaching and base training started in May with a "tune up" race at Strawberry Stride 5k. Keeping Dee Anna in sight, I finished 24:54, 5th place. I guess the race crew felt sorry for me, they even took my picture and presented me with a coffee mug and pint of strawberries. Later, I was deleted from the race results. Best laugh I've had yet! Well, it's somewhere to start...I guess.

Next up, another "tune up" race in May at Cotton Row 10k. Keith gave Dee Anna and I separate goals. We're good friends and so competitive. We ditched each other at the porta potties. This being my 4th Cotton Row, I expected it to be a decent one. I finished 54:22, just 2 seconds slower than my first ever Cotton Row in 2003 and over 1.5 minutes slower than last year. Boy, do I have a lot of work to do!

So, now the pressure is on. June is when the work starts. Last week I logged 40 miles with one 10 mile "tempo" run at what was supposed to be 8:30 miles. I could hold that 8:30 pace just ONE mile. Back to the drawing board, Coach Keith. And a 13 mile run on spent legs this past Sunday. Nobody ever said a Boston Qualifier was going to be easy!