Bob the runner

Wouldn't you think someone who can finish a marathon (26.2 miles) would have strong leg muscles?  Doesn't it seem logical someone who can easily run a sub 2 hour half marathon (13.1 miles), and not experience any leg discomfort afterwards, must have strong muscles in their legs.  Along the same lines, wouldn't you think someone who can swim a mile (freestyle), without stopping, would have decent leg and upper body strength?  If you answered yes to all 3 then you and I agreed until recently. Each week I have been doing the following as part of my workout: Speed run (3-4 miles) as fast as I can go. Swim 800-1000 meters at a comfortable pace.  One or 2 days. 10-15 mile bike ride at a comfortable pace.  Usually includes 1 tough climb. Tempo run (5-6 miles) at race pace (9:09 per mile). Long run (8-13 miles) at about 30-60 seconds per mile slower than race pace.  When I was training for the January marathon, my long runs were much longer (16-20 miles)....

I'm not sure why but my mind has led me to blog about numbers.  The more I think about my athletic experiences, the more it becomes evident the focus is primarily on numbers and how to improve them!  I tend to become obsessed about things and this falls right into my obsession trap.  I was primarily a runner for many years and added biking and swimming in the last couple years.  These new sports gave my brain even more numbers to obsess about!  The numbers started out geared toward distance then speed entered the horizon.  Now I think about cadence, heart rate, SWOLF, and the list goes on.  The running goals started low and progressed as they were accomplished: Run one mile! Run 2 miles! Bring on my first 5K race! It's time to train for a 10K! How far can I push this thing?  Can I do a half marathon (13.1 miles)? After a couple 13.1 finishes, I start thinking a marathon (26.2 miles) is possible. Pikes Peak ascent or Mount Evans climb....