Training's End: Speed Work

It's the last week before our big run and tapering continues. We're running very little, resting up, giving sore muscles and joints some recovery time and, well, for me, eating too well. All in all though, we are ready for Saturday's 7 AM start of the JFK 50 Miler in Boonesboro, Maryland. Please come out and join us at the finish line.

It is difficult not to run in these last weeks before a race; I have a stalwart runnning partner who needs to keep in shape even as I taper. And so we've devised a game called "laps around the Backyard Wildlife Habitat" to keep him in shape while keeping me laughing hysterically.

My running buddy is our dog, Fielder. A classic border collie, he often accompanies me on short runs of 6-7 miles. And cheers me on during longer routes. While running with me, he trots. He sniffs. He visits other dogs greeting us along our rural Virginia roads.

The game here though is catch the frisbee. He catches it and then expects me to catch him. This happens only if I tire and request a break. After 8 or 9 laps of 5k pace or better, he's willing to turn over the frisbee for another throw if I ask. As for me, I am panting.

Fielder is an athlete and is a member in training on the Beltway Bandits FlyBall team. You can see a close up of his smiling face if you click on "dogs in training."


Crazy Craig