June 2019. June began very well but at the end of the month, on 22nd I had to give up after 15 minutes of running because I felt weak and strengthless. I tried again 5 days later but the situation was the same and after 8 slow km I gave up again. It is important to say that in this period the heat rules (36° C - 97 F) but this is the first time that it happens to me.
So I went to the doctor, he is also a runner, who gave me the advice to run, for now, as I can, no matter speed and distance: only for fun and to maintain the training. I also did a series of laboratory tests and I am awaiting the results.
June 2006. The Black Knight Army: a legend was born.
In June 2006 together with Giorgio, Gianni, Alessandro and Piero (not present in photo) we founded the Black Knight Army, with an uniform, an inaugural tough workout through the city (we called it “the raid to submit the local population”) and an "official" dinner with the families.
It was not a real running team but a group of goliardic friends who pretended to be warriors, each race a battle, the other runners "bloody enemies to defeat", the places where the races were held "cities to be conquered" and the people who attended along the way "persons who pay homage to the glorious Black Knight Army". Since that day the black outfit became "mandatory" during the competitions: it was our black armour.
Indeed one year before I and Giorgio designed a t-shirt to run together and joking about the Black Knight but the next year, as above mentioned, we decided that the “glory had to go beyond the national borders”.
I think it’s time to establish an fierce and fearless “Bloggers running team”!!!!! What about it?
Have a good running week end!
I read your post and smile, as it reminds me all that I have achieved since 2006. I think it is the right time to hold another black knight meeting.
ReplyDeleteI agree, next week I will send the official and formal invitations!
DeleteGreat story! I love the idea of the Black Knight Army! do you still run together?
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the idea. 3 former members of the Black Knight Army don't run anymore, now only I and Giorgio sometimes run together.
DeleteI am having lots of the same issues with running in the heat. I am just happy to get a few miles in each time and if I have to walk breaks so be it. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteNow I also have a new strategy: a route with 3/4 fountains. Those are my breaks.
DeleteI love it! I started running in the early 1990s--I was about 30 and needed a way to blow off steam. Now I'm struggling with aging. I am grateful to still be out there moving forward but have to make peace with the slower paces I run at. It's all good.
ReplyDeleteYou are a runner with a lot of experience and what you are written is the real spirit of running. Brava!
DeleteI trust that your lab results will all look good and that you'll slowly but surely be able to ease back into it, Stefano.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to finally see the original Black Knight squad!
Thank you for your support. The results are ok, I can run!
DeleteAhah the Black Knight squad is legend!
Oh my goodness. I need to be on this team! I love the story of the Black Knight Army! I hope your test results reveal nothing serious.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how hot it is in Europe right now. Crazy!
Welcome to the Black Knight Army! Which role do you prefer (of course an high rank)?
DeleteThe results are ok, thank you.
I always have a very hard time running in the heat. I usually slow way down and just focus on getting in the miles rather than focusing on time.
ReplyDeleteThe right strategy of an experienced runner!
DeleteLong live the Black Knight Army! What a great team concept ;-) The heat is very humbling. As you said, IT is in charge. The best we can do is respect it, and filter our training around it wisely.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it!
DeleteYes, we have to respect it and to be wise, I agree.
You guys were very creative!
ReplyDelete97F is no joke. You definitely wouldn't find me out running in that. But I like your dr's advice!
But now I run in early morning at 06.30 a.m.
Delete... and i follow that advice.
Sorry about the crazy heat!! That's not easy to run in at all. Hope your results came back ok! And I LOVE your running team name! That's so creative!
ReplyDeleteThank you and now we are organizing the reunion.
DeleteAbout the heat: now I am run slowly and in early morning.