Today I Run: A Lot to be Thankful For

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A Lot to be Thankful For

LOOK AT THAT STRIDE TO THE FINISH!

The temperature at race time was indeed 24 degrees making it the coldest race I've run. I wore tights, gloves, hat, and three layers on top. Before it was over, I'd be too hot!

The good news is I clocked in at 33:17 - well, ahead of my 34:28 goal. The bad news is that the course was short and there was no "official" timing. There was a great deal of confusion leading up to the start of the run. Apparently, the race organizers did not have the appropriate permits in place with the South Ogden police to run the scheduled course. Therefore, some last minute course changes were made and no one - runners or race officials - seemed to know the course or even where the run was going to start. A moment for perspective ... this was a charitable fun run. Admission to the event was a nonperishable food item that was donated to three local organizations. The run did receive a good bit of news coverage from local television stations and print media. According to the local newspaper, over 1,000 people participated in either the 5-mile run or 2-mile walk. I was very impressed with the turnout given the cold temperature.

At the start, I was in a huge mosh pit of walkers and runners. No one seemed to know if the run was starting to the north, south, or east (at least one direction was ruled out!). I saw Tim Grubb, a friend and strong Utah runner. We talked briefly until his group decided they were in the wrong place and began moving to the front. I hesitated and missed my opportunity to move with them but suddenly the mass of humanity was moving. I heard no gun, whistle, shout, ... anything but it was clear that the run had started ... and I was in a very poor position.

I began working my way through the crowd. For a section of a couple hundred yards, I was on the grass at the side of the hospital's driveway. Finally out on the road, I checked my GPS. My pace was okay but I wasn't feeling too good. I don't know if it was the cold or the energy spent working my way through the crowd but I knew I was in for a challenge. By the end of the first mile, I clocked in at 6:59 and finally had good running room. I had hoped to cover the first mile in something closer to 6:30. I quickly revised my upcoming splits to try and hold 7 minute miles for as long as possible. That came to a quick disappointment as the hills started. A lot of up and down over mile 2 and 3. I'll be interested to see what the elevation changes were when I download back at home. The uphill sections of course slowed me down and the downhill got my IT bands screaming so I wasn't able to capitalize like I wanted. Somewhere along the way, I set aside all goals and just tried to race. My style of racing isn't complicated, find someone in front of me to pick off and don't let anyone behind me pass. I was successful for the most part.

A young male runner passed me with about a mile to go. I stayed with him and when I tried to pass him back he stayed with me. I pushed it a little harder then harder still. He stayed with me. I backed off a bit but thought to myself that I had probably pushed him enough that I'd be passing him again before the end. I did attributing it to my experience and his lack of it.

Coming in front of the hospital, a group came up behind me. This was going to be a contested finish but I didn't know who the players would be but planned on being one of them. My legs weren't feeling great but my cardio was good. I felt ready for a push. I picked up the pace and picked off two runners. Turning into the back parking lot, there were foot steps along side. A tall, younger female was along side and pushing hard. I stayed with her. Her strides were long and smooth; powerful. Mine were choppy and flailing but I wasn't prepared to let her go. Side by side, it went. Then, I relaxed. This had a great consequence. I was faster; my stride lengthened and I was on my toes. It felt good. I shouldn't be surprised that relaxing helps in this manner but it never crosses my mind in the heat of the challenge. Frankly, I just stumbled upon it. She stayed with me. I had a fleeting moment of doubt. I didn't think I'd be able to shake her. I'd used all my gears but was determined to stay with it until the end. Finally with about fifty yards to go, she dropped back slightly. I kept pushing to the timekeeper who was calling times. She faded slightly and I crossed about a second ahead of her.

No matter how a race goes. Finishing strong makes it seems like a good race. Sure, I didn't make my goal time today. It wasn't in the cards. The conditions and the course weren't right. I should have been smart enough to pull off the attempt ahead of time. But pushing for the goal, always helps me stay focused. And, finishing strong makes the run feel successful.

4.56 miles - 33:17 (7:21/mile)

Okay, now for the fun stuff.

Congratulations and thanks to the following!

Colorado Cousins - Amy and Julie (using this as speed work for upcoming Las Vegas half marathon)

Wife - Paige (said she felt good and could have gone faster; that's after two 7-milers earlier in the week)

Sister - Wendy (took a break from Thanksgiving kitchen duty to run; her homemade rolls were the absolute best this afternoon and she looked strong in the run ... a true dual threat!)

Brother-in-law - Brandon (started out on the walk with his wife and kids before "transferring" over to run course.

Skiing Utah cousins - Ryan, Stephanie, and their kids (walked the course; a long-time family tradition for them)

Sister - Becky and 4/5 of her kids made the walk (one in a stroller); her only kid not to walk is new to the whole walking thing being around a year old.

Aunt Debbie, Uncle Clayton, & Mom - our loyal and excellent cheering section. Incredibly, they were not deterred by the icy condtions! Clayton also served as the family's race photographer (Thanks, Clayton!)

And, finally Dad - in a surprise effort, he lined up at the very back of the runners at the start. Known for his comedic antics, this wasn't a shock to anyone. The surprise came when he actually went out with the runners and finished the course. Great job, Dad! And thanks to Brandon and Tim for circling back to bring him in.