Update

I have started quite a few posts in the last month and a half, but never finished them, including a race report for my final triathlon of the season, Luray, which was in mid-August and which was beautiful and tons of fun, if a little lackluster on the performance side.

The swim was pretty poor - I think I was out to lunch, though it didn't feel terribly slow. I was quite happy with my bike and the run was average. BUT, what a beautiful and fun course, particularly the bike. And we had a terrific day to do it. Cool. Cool? In August? I'll take it.

I plan to go back. Hopefully armed with a 10k faster than 50 minutes.

Which brings me to my next topic: moving forward.

I've had a couple of weeks of easy going, a terrific vacation in the Adirondacks, and another week of pretty easy going, so it appears to be time to get back to business.

I have been pondering the months ahead and have determined that I should work on speeding up my run for the Oly, so my plan is to run an open 10k in February and try to blow it out.

I don't even have a PR for an open 10k, I don't think. I have run several in Olys and I have run 10 milers and halfs and 5ks and more 5 milers than I can count and even a marathon, but I don't think I have ever run a 10k road race.

I have a goal, but I am not certain it is reasonable. I want to do 43:30 or better, which would be 7 minute miles. This is a real stretch, but I have 5 months so I am hoping it is doable. I should know better about halfway through, I guess.

I wanted to run an earlier 10k to gauge where I was, but I am amazed that I can't seem to find one, so I think I might run an 8k in December and see where we are.

So that's the long-term plan.

But first I might have to race a few cyclo cross races. I mean, I did just buy new cross tires for my bike. But it would be just for fun. (I am trying to forget how much they hurt last year as I say that....)