Open Mic Friday: Slow… the way to go?

Welcome to Art Dinkin (aka in the Lounge as adinkin), who regularly authors a great financial planning blog, Moment on Money, but is also a runner in training for the best 20K on this planet - Dam to Dam.

You have to understand that I have never run more than 10 miles and even that run was unplanned. The longest I have ever set out to run was a 10K. The day I ran 10 miles I was feeling good and just kept running after I reached my four mile goal. Before I knew it, 10 miles had come and gone. So when Amy asked me if I was going to run the Dam to Dam this year, I really had to stop and consider if I should. On one hand, I want to run a marathon at least once in my life and figure the Des Moines Half Marathon would be a great stepping stone. If I could do a the Dam to Dam 20K in late spring, the additional .7 mile should be a piece of cake in October. On the other hand, could I really build up the miles? Am I really capable of running 12.4 miles mentally as well as physically? But Amy is a great running partner. We run and talk, talk and run. The time passes and so do the miles. If I am ever going to overcome these demons of distance, I can think of no one better to do it with. With more confidence in my voice than in my heart, I agreed to run Dam to Dam with her.

This past weekend was a huge running weekend for me.

It started with the Red Flannel Run on Saturday. You know it is going to be a special day  when you are a Certified Financial Planner ^TM practitioner and you pick up your race packet (during tax season) to discover your number is 1040. The Red Flannel is the unofficial start to the running season in Central Iowa. Some people may consider the Iowa weather in Mid-February a bit chilly, but this year the weather was great. There was snow on the ground but the course was clear, the wind reasonable, the sun was shinning and the temperature was in the high 20's at the start of the race. I had the opportunity to run with Amy and her husband Jim. I saw Tom at the start and at the finish. I know he ran too, but let's just say that he is "cursed with speed". In fact he is so fast, the camera could not even capture his image for our group picture!

Left to Right: Me, Jim, and Amy

A few years ago (2005), I did a PR at the Red Flannel. The last ½ mile was hell. I knew I had a good time going but I was running on empty. I almost did not finish the run. This year was no where near my fastest run, but it may have been my best. We started slow and steadily increased the pace. As we turned the last corner towards the finish line I still had a lot of energy. Instead of pushing myself to finish, I picked up the pace and ran hard to the end. It felt great!

We woke up on Sunday to blizzard conditions and my 3 year old insisted that we get out of bed and shovel snow (even though it was still falling). When the driveway was cleared I couldn't think of any good reason not to go to the gym and do a long run on a treadmill. I set the pace at about 95% of a typical training run and had no problem knocking out 6 miles. After the run I rewarded myself with a nice sit in the steam room before heading home to shovel the driveway again.

Monday morning it was back to the routine. After some resistance training I set out to run 3 miles at my normal pace. About halfway through the run I thought I was going to have to quit early but instead of quitting, I just slowed down. I finished my three miles. The slowdown only added a bit more than a minute to my time but I was glad I chose to finish the run over running quickly.

3 days, 12 miles. For some runners, 12 miles would be a good day. For me, it was a great weekend.

I learned something about myself as a runner. It is better to run slowly, than to quit from going fast.

I'm beginning to think I may actually be able to finish the Dam to Dam. They just may have to time my run with a calendar. J

Comments

[William carter]

Hi Art

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful, uplifting post. Running is truly about the experience of being out there interacting with nature and enjoying the palpable energy of our fellow runners. Everyone who runs a race wins.. the moment you cross that starting line and embark on your journey you can't lose.

For so many runners, the strategy of starting out slowly and finishing strong is something they never learn. It sure is satisfying to be feeling good at the end and have the strength to pass other runners as you finish in style.

Best of luck to you in the future Art and I can't wait to see you take down the marathon.

[Lisa]

That's an interesting point, that while it may not be your best timed run, it was your best. I think the best thing about running and continuing to run is that you learn what is best for you. Great post!

[Nancy]

Oh Art, you can SO do this. If I can run a HM, you can do Dam to Dam. If you have spontaneously done 10, you could probably do it right now. I'm bummed that I missed Red Flannel, but had lots of family obligations. We need to get better (read that "I") about planning these things in advance. I would have loved to be there for your awesome run. What's next? I should get it on the calendar right now!!?

Congrats on a great weekend of miles!! Looking forward to the next group run.

Nanc
XOXO

[Nancy]

1040??? That is priceless!

[Art Dinkin]

Thanks for all the great comments!

@William: I can not say I have "learned" the lesson yet, but I am in the process of learning. I love your 'every racer wins' philosophy.

@Lisa: You're right. I started running to loose weight and figured the only competition I really needed to worry about was myself. Running is the best individual AND group activity I know.

@Nancy: Unfortunately the spontaneous 10 was November 2005 so I doubt I could run a 20K today, but you are one of my inspirations! You did a great job with the HM and should be proud. My next scheduled long run is 7 miles on the weekend of the 1st (I have a family obligation this weekend). Would you be interested in running together?

[Wade]

Art - a great post! It was good to see you this week and looking forward to D2D.

[Art Dinkin]

Wade, It was great to see you too (and I had no idea you are a runner). Let's go for a run or at least catch a cup of coffee.