Patty Murray's blog

My schedule with Ric ended last week, so I went to the track today and Ric told me to run 10 laps of In and Out 100's.  Right away I needed to get the right mind set because once you start you keep running for 10 straight laps.  I can run 10K at 6:00 mnute mile pace( My Boulder Bolder pace was 5:58 pace), but to run that pace by running 200 meters in 50 seconds followed by 200 meters in 40 seconds continuous for 2 1/2 miles left me literally lying on the track in exhaustion.  I have always found this workout to be a true test of fitness.  Ric usually has me run this for 3miles, but 2 1/

Ever since my great Freihofer's 5k race on 6/3 when I ran 17:02, 3rd Master Overall, I have been struggling. Since the race I keep getting tightness in my lower right leg. I have gone to two different massage therapists, a chiropractor and an acupuncturist trying to figure out what is wrong. Although at times I can run really fast, last Wed. I did one of my best 4 mile AT's ever then on Thursday timing the All comers track meet my right calf tightened up again! So frustrating! I had to skip my favorite track workout Saturday, 8 by 400's because my right calf was tighter than usual.

This morning is why after 25 years of running I still start most of my days with a run. Of course I have a few more aches and pains than I used to have, but it is all worth while. I ran with two great running partners, Dave and Simon. It was a beautiful morning that got warmer as the run went on. I met Simon at our usual corner of the trail on our Thursday morning runs and we surprisingly ran into Dave just around the turn. Us three ran together for about a mile having a nice conversation and enjoying the run before Dave, the sprinter of the three of us, turned back for home. Simon and I continued on chatting and laughing about how we get so nervous and uptight about even small local races or "fun runs".

It was a beautiful morning to run a 5k in Boulder,CO. On Thanksgiving I usually go to Fort Collins for the Fort Collins 4 mile race. They offer prize money, in which I won $150 last year. I chose the Boulder Road runners 5K for a couple of reasons. First, I am not ready to be really serious yet. 2nd, I wanted to run with my running group. 3rd, I wanted to finally break 18:00 on this course. My best was 18:02. I ran a 17:30 in the summer. I know I am not in that kind of shape now, but was pretty confident I could break 18:00. I ran 17:47 and was pleased with my effort for this time of year. I was 2nd women overall (1st Masters women). I am 15 years older than the winner! I also had a nice battle with my boss, Dan Skarda. He is so tough to beat. I beat him three times in a row, but he got me today. He pulled ahead of me right after the 2mile mark and ran 17:41. I need to work on the middle of my race.