A few weeks ago I had my second race of the season, the Leprechaun Run 5 miler. I have done this race before, so I figured I would give it another try. A 5 miler in March is always good for me as a speed race. This race usually runs at the Philadelphia Art Museum, but this year they changed it to the Philadelphia Naval Yard. This venue change was easy for most of the runners. You are not fighting for parking like near the Art Museum, plenty of free parking within the Naval Yard, just outside the sports complex of the Phillies, Sixers/Flyers, and Eagles. It seems like more races are switching to the Navy Yard since the businesses are closed on the weekends, plenty of parking, and Xfinity Live is close by and offers post race specials on drinks and food.
I had a good race, 33:43 good enough for 17th overall. Here is a good photo of me headed for the finish line. The course was easy for me to get to, since its right off I-95. This means its right along the Delaware River, so its super flat and fast.
We had our annual Beef and Beer fundraiser at the Bayou Bar and Grill last weekend. This is always a great night for us, but it keeps me busy and nervous leading up to it. I never really know how many people will show up. We sell ticket before, but close to everyone says "I'll buy my ticket at the door." This makes it a little nerve racking for me in trying to plan how many people are coming. We sold only 20 tickets in pre-sale but had 62 people show up! That is a great number for us because we had 47 last year. As a result of the extra people, we were able to increase the amount of money we raised this year to $1,690...what an awesome night.
Ironman training is in full swing. I can't wait for the temps to rise so I can get out side on the bike. When training for Ironman it takes everyone to help you, at least thats what I believe. I have great friends who helps and motivate me. Obviously my family helps a ton. The trainer sessions have crossed the 3-hour mark and that is mentally tough for me. To sit on the bike for that long, watch movies with the kids, and crank it out along with the IMLP course on the Computrainer is tough. I'd much rather be outside.
That being said I am committed to putting in the right kind of work this year. Not just getting the time in. Last year I believe I put the time in, just not the right time at the right effort. This year the time and effort is right for training. My family helps motivate me. Here is Conor "motivating" me to get on the bike the day of our Beef and Beer when I was looking for an excuse to not ride the trainer because I thought I had too much to do. He said I couldn't miss the bike if I wanted to be an Ironman agin. He came back dressed like this using his best Darth Vader voice to get me on the bike and out of his room. It worked...2:15 minutes later I was glad he got me on the bike!
