Ok, what next???

Well, at this time last week I had finished the Bluenose and we were on our way home.  I found out after the race was over that my grandfather had passed away so its been a difficult week.

My legs stopped hurting on Wednesday.  By Thursday afternoon I was running again.  This time just an easy 4k on the track, this time with no heart rate monitor or mp3 player.  Just my vibram five fingers, shorts and a t shirt.  That felt great.

Looking back at my 2011 Bluenose, I wasn't able to start running again until sometime in June and even then, I only ran 3 times in June and July.  Not so this year.  What a difference a year and over 1000 km worth of training runs make.

The question was asked of me, "ok whats next?"  And honestly, I don't have an answer for myself or anyone else at the moment.  I expected to be injured again so I never made any plans.  I suppose my short term plans (next two weeks) are to just get back into some easy, short runs.  I do plan to run the Navy 10k in August and probably a couple of 5k runs in June and July.

As for what I'm running this fall, I'm not sure yet.  I have to make up my mind before July so I can get back into a training schedule but as of right now, I'm torn.

I'd like to run the Valley harvest again, just to "exercise the demons" so to speak but I would also like to attempt to qualify for Boston.  To qualify to run in Boston in 2014, i'd have to run a marathon in 3:25, a lot faster than my 4:06 Bluenose time.  There are 3 fall races in the area that are Boston qualifier races, Moncton, PEI and the Valley harvest.  The problem is that these courses do not look to be "fast", ie flat or slightly downhill.  In order for me to have a shot at qualifying, I have to a) train like a bastard and b) have every possible condition working in my favor at a race (cool temps, flat course, tailwind).  I don't think I have a realistic shot at qualifying at any of the local marathons, too hilly.  So what do I do?  Exact my revenge on the Valley harvest or attempt to qualify for Boston?  arrrrrrrgh!  More soul seeking is required.

Sorry I don't have more to report on.  Hopefully I'll have more news next week on my weekly running and if I've come closer to a marathon decision.

Onward and upward.