Not writing a post here since September.

What happened since then?

I ran the 10k Corrida do Tejo in the 19 October in 49′31”. A 4”43”’ improvement since last year (when I made my debut, with a 54′14” mark).

I nearly made a two month break from running. I’m now completely out of shape (physically), but funny thing is, when I restarted my workouts, in December, it was not like a complete restart… I felt like there’s a permanent link between my strategic and psychological skills and my physical ones. I feel I’ve been coping with my lack of endurance and my typical hearth aching at the 3^rd kilometre.

In order to get me out of this shameful out of shape state, I’m going to register in the Lisbon’s Half-Marathon, which will take place in the 22 ^nd March 2009. Goal: end it near the two hours mark.

As for 2008 racing issues, here’s a nice sum up via Nike+

The Portugal Halfh-Marathon is just in the end of this month, so I started doing longer workouts. A 12k and a 15k this week. As a matter of fact, I ran today my farthest ipoded race. 15,24k in less than 1_h15_min.

I’m focusing more on mental aspects lately (setting my mood, running relaxed…) and, I’m pretty sure that if I had to run a half-marathon today, I’ll finish it.

The mental aspects got me making a link between workout and race strategy and meditation. I’ve recently rediscovered meditation, and it’s being a good way of keeping the mind clean while running, which might have also a physiological advantage: blood might flow less to the brain. Going beyound a rational way of running and really not “being there”, makes me feel less pain, and at least I feel the miles passing by with less discomfort.

Since my goal is to finish the race relaxed and maybe in a fast pace, the mains aspects to be aware in the forthcoming days will be:

• Eat carbs, fruits, and schedule meals frequently;
• An apple a day…
• Avoid fadigue, running long workoputs followed with one or two days rest;
• In the days of rest, do some light muscular workouts,

P.S.: You can now register to the Corrida do Tejo. 2008 - 10k race in Lisbon area!

The day started early, Woke up at 7:15 a.m., took a reinforced breakfast and off we went to Oeiras. We left the car there and got to the starting point (Algés) by train - participants in the race could travel for free - a nice attention from the organization.

The race started at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Since I was in the last group of participants (those with no official mark or with more than 48min. per 10km), we only started effectively 4 minutes later.

The first two kilometers where dedicated to pass slow runners (or fast walkers as I call them), so I could only get into my normal pace at 3 km.

The race itself was pleasant to do, with only three moderate climbs, especially the last one at 8 km, with a slight inclination but lengthy. The last kilometer was a breeze, and I even managed to accelerate as I arrived to the finish line.

I decided not to take the Nike+ kit nor the iPod, in order to get a full impression of the race and its ambience, since it’s my first participation in this kind of event. Despite being now officially addicted to run with the Nike+ kit, I’ve managed to control my pace smoothly.

8.500 people participated in the race, only 7.165 classified (view race’s classifications here).

Winners:

• Men - Rui Silva (Portugal) 29:04
• Women - Vanessa Fernandes (Portugal) 33:29

Top marks for the organization of Corrida do Tejo 2007! Hope to do it next year!

Corrida do Tejo 2007 official t-shirt


My time: 54:14


Corrida do Tejo 2007 participation medal