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Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Seabrook Lucky Trails Half Marathon
OBJECTIVE
Perfect race: 6:52/mi. = 1:30:38
ACHIEVED
Official 1:33:32 13.1 mi. (7:08/mi.)
Garmin 1:33:33 13.3 mi. (7:02/mi.)
0.57 mi. WU
1.27 mi. CD
7:29 AM 63° 73% 5 mph
It was an early morning wake up call to get up and ready for the drive to Seabrook. Paige went with me today and I was really happy to have her along. The fact she acted as driver was even better.
We made good time to Seabrook. I had picked up my packet on Thursday in Houston so I had my bib but all runners had to pick up their timing chips on site before the race. I got my gear together, pinned my bib, chose my Mizuno Musha racing flats, and headed for the congregating runners at the park. Got my chip and attached it then waited in the restroom line. I hate lines. After five minutes, it was my turn. Warmed up back to the car. Headed back toward start. Arrived for national anthem. Worried that I'd be stuck at the back but had no problem working my way toward the front. This was a relatively small event - limited to 500 runners.
The horn sounded and we were off. We started on a road but after about .4 miles moved on to a trail and stayed on trails the rest of the way. I was leery about wearing my racing flats because of the trails but they were crushed granite and pretty much packed so it worked out just fine.
All week and again this morning, I've had a hard time getting it into my head that this is a half marathon. Everything about this race just seemed like it should be shorter. And I started out like it was. Big mistake ... the course was, as advertised, 13.2 miles long.
Wanted to hold 6:52/mile pace but not go any faster than that. Thought I'd see how I felt about half way then go from there. After clocking 6:50, 6:45, and 6:44 over the first three miles, it was clear today wasn't going to be a perfect day and that I'd generally screwed up my pacing. I told myself out loud, "Slow down!" two different times. I found myself racing other people around me like I was at the end rather than just starting. Stupid, stupid, stupid ... I know better. The right thing to do was run the first five miles "with my head". Don't get sucked in to any duels and macho passes during this part of a race. I finally listened to myself when a guy I had reeled in passed me back. I just let him go. How stupid is this? I had dueled this guy for over a mile and after the race ended I found out he was part of a relay team. Can you say, "Stupid!" ... again?
Okay with that out of my system, it was time to settle in to a rhythm. I couldn't find it. Mile 4 and 5 went by at 6:53 and 6:58. It was around this point that I knew I was toast as far as holding 6:52 pace. What now? Real lucky for me, the course was a sort of double out-and-back so I started seeing the runners behind me. This helped me. My name was pre-printed on my bib so it was cool to have people calling out encouragement to me by name. Also, I was surprised to find I was in fifth place and there was a decent gap behind me. I figured I'd just try to hold my position and hope the guy in front of me slowed enough by the end for me to do something about it at the finish. Well, I got it half right. I held my spot but it was I who slowed over the remainder of the course:
7:05
6:48 (lifted by energy of start area crowd & John Walk calling my name on the mic)
7:05
7:12
7:15
7:20 (calling myself names at this point)
7:18 (wanted this mile to be 7:10 based on how I was feeling)
7:22 (wanted this mile to be 7:03 based on distance remaining)
1:59 [0.3 mi. = 6:39] (wanted this episode to be over!)
I did see Kathleen Woodhead out on the course. It was a great lift to know she was out there too. She was smiling, looked positive, and called out encouragement every time I saw her (which I believe was four times). This was in stark contrast to how I felt!
I was happy to finish fourth overall, second in men's masters, and first in my 40-49 age group.
The overall experience was good. It lets me know where I stand from a fitness standpoint. If you get down to it, I wasn't that far off my May 2009 PR of 1:31:35 in Ogden which is an aided course given its point-to-point downhill nature. In contrast, Seabrook was literally at sea level with the start and end at the same place. It was also on trails with many turns and limited passing over a majority of the course due to two-way running on the same narrow trail. So although I had hoped to do better, I'm not too far off where I'd like to be. This is good news given my February layoff. On top of it all, I'm thankful to be running again and very happy that my legs held up without any problems today.
PRE RUN
water, oatmeal w/brown sugar & skim milk
POST RUN
apple & water
Perfect race: 6:52/mi. = 1:30:38
ACHIEVED
Official 1:33:32 13.1 mi. (7:08/mi.)
Garmin 1:33:33 13.3 mi. (7:02/mi.)
0.57 mi. WU
1.27 mi. CD
7:29 AM 63° 73% 5 mph
It was an early morning wake up call to get up and ready for the drive to Seabrook. Paige went with me today and I was really happy to have her along. The fact she acted as driver was even better.
We made good time to Seabrook. I had picked up my packet on Thursday in Houston so I had my bib but all runners had to pick up their timing chips on site before the race. I got my gear together, pinned my bib, chose my Mizuno Musha racing flats, and headed for the congregating runners at the park. Got my chip and attached it then waited in the restroom line. I hate lines. After five minutes, it was my turn. Warmed up back to the car. Headed back toward start. Arrived for national anthem. Worried that I'd be stuck at the back but had no problem working my way toward the front. This was a relatively small event - limited to 500 runners.
The horn sounded and we were off. We started on a road but after about .4 miles moved on to a trail and stayed on trails the rest of the way. I was leery about wearing my racing flats because of the trails but they were crushed granite and pretty much packed so it worked out just fine.
All week and again this morning, I've had a hard time getting it into my head that this is a half marathon. Everything about this race just seemed like it should be shorter. And I started out like it was. Big mistake ... the course was, as advertised, 13.2 miles long.
Wanted to hold 6:52/mile pace but not go any faster than that. Thought I'd see how I felt about half way then go from there. After clocking 6:50, 6:45, and 6:44 over the first three miles, it was clear today wasn't going to be a perfect day and that I'd generally screwed up my pacing. I told myself out loud, "Slow down!" two different times. I found myself racing other people around me like I was at the end rather than just starting. Stupid, stupid, stupid ... I know better. The right thing to do was run the first five miles "with my head". Don't get sucked in to any duels and macho passes during this part of a race. I finally listened to myself when a guy I had reeled in passed me back. I just let him go. How stupid is this? I had dueled this guy for over a mile and after the race ended I found out he was part of a relay team. Can you say, "Stupid!" ... again?
Okay with that out of my system, it was time to settle in to a rhythm. I couldn't find it. Mile 4 and 5 went by at 6:53 and 6:58. It was around this point that I knew I was toast as far as holding 6:52 pace. What now? Real lucky for me, the course was a sort of double out-and-back so I started seeing the runners behind me. This helped me. My name was pre-printed on my bib so it was cool to have people calling out encouragement to me by name. Also, I was surprised to find I was in fifth place and there was a decent gap behind me. I figured I'd just try to hold my position and hope the guy in front of me slowed enough by the end for me to do something about it at the finish. Well, I got it half right. I held my spot but it was I who slowed over the remainder of the course:
7:05
6:48 (lifted by energy of start area crowd & John Walk calling my name on the mic)
7:05
7:12
7:15
7:20 (calling myself names at this point)
7:18 (wanted this mile to be 7:10 based on how I was feeling)
7:22 (wanted this mile to be 7:03 based on distance remaining)
1:59 [0.3 mi. = 6:39] (wanted this episode to be over!)
I did see Kathleen Woodhead out on the course. It was a great lift to know she was out there too. She was smiling, looked positive, and called out encouragement every time I saw her (which I believe was four times). This was in stark contrast to how I felt!
I was happy to finish fourth overall, second in men's masters, and first in my 40-49 age group.
The overall experience was good. It lets me know where I stand from a fitness standpoint. If you get down to it, I wasn't that far off my May 2009 PR of 1:31:35 in Ogden which is an aided course given its point-to-point downhill nature. In contrast, Seabrook was literally at sea level with the start and end at the same place. It was also on trails with many turns and limited passing over a majority of the course due to two-way running on the same narrow trail. So although I had hoped to do better, I'm not too far off where I'd like to be. This is good news given my February layoff. On top of it all, I'm thankful to be running again and very happy that my legs held up without any problems today.
PRE RUN
water, oatmeal w/brown sugar & skim milk
POST RUN
apple & water
Seabrook Lucky Trails Half Marathon
1:33:38
A bit slower than I wanted. Poor tactical race. 4th place overall. 2nd place Masters. 1st place men's 40-49.
Yes, it's a small race.
More later.
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless
A bit slower than I wanted. Poor tactical race. 4th place overall. 2nd place Masters. 1st place men's 40-49.
Yes, it's a small race.
More later.
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless
Saturday, January 23, 2010
*** New 5K PR ***
OBJECTIVE
Dynamic stretching warm-up
1.5 mi. warm-up @ 8:36-9:46
5K tune-up race - Run The Woodlands 5K Series
1.5 mi. cool-down @ 8:36-9:46
ACHIEVED
1.62 mi. WU @ 8:35
dynamic stretch
Run The Woodlands 5K - official time 19:30
1.72 mi. CD @ 8:40
Race start = 7:59 AM 64° 93% 1 mph
I didn't know if I was ready for this one. I wanted to PR but wasn't fully committed to the pain required for that type of effort. Got myself geared up and tried to mentally commit. Used Greg McMillan's GoZone racing strategy. The theme for today seemed to be "it takes courage". Honestly, I felt like I was going to die the whole way.
With a little less than a mile to go, I knew I was in 2nd place (this is a small but good race; well-run on a certified course). There is a 90° left turn at that point. I looked over my shoulder and saw a woman stalking me. I knew who it was and I knew what it meant. It was Sabra Harvey. She happens to be world-class athlete. Why was she behind me? Well, because she happens to be +60 years old. As best I can tell she currently holds the women's +60 American records for 1500m and 1-mile road. She holds +60 women's world records for 800m, 5K and 8K road. Her resume includes other cool things like 2007 women's masters Runner of the Year.
I could hear her footfalls getting closer and thought to myself, "This woman has raced all over the world. She's going to reel my in like a lifeless carp." Figuring she is tactically my superior, I just decided to gut it out and do everything possible to hold her off. Go down fighting or die trying! She was getting closer. But this turned out to be a tremendous help. I had been running by myself as the leader left me about 1/2 mile in. With Harvey pressing me, I was no longer thinking about my misery. Rather I was thinking about competing; racing. With 1/10 mile to go, she was close. I don't know how close as I was afraid to look back and break what little form I had left. A spectator called out to her as I passed. She was close and closing! I gave it everything I had. Pain is temporary, right? And we can all go anaerobic for at least a short burst. I told myself, "This is why I train." I found another gear and deeper resolve. I crossed the line at 19:30 - a 13 second PR for me.
I'm thrilled to have it in the books and honored to have met Ms. Harvey on course today.
PRE RUN
water & oatmeal w/brown sugar & 1% milk
POST RUN
SlimFast & water
Dynamic stretching warm-up
1.5 mi. warm-up @ 8:36-9:46
5K tune-up race - Run The Woodlands 5K Series
1.5 mi. cool-down @ 8:36-9:46
ACHIEVED
1.62 mi. WU @ 8:35
dynamic stretch
Run The Woodlands 5K - official time 19:30
1.72 mi. CD @ 8:40
Race start = 7:59 AM 64° 93% 1 mph
I didn't know if I was ready for this one. I wanted to PR but wasn't fully committed to the pain required for that type of effort. Got myself geared up and tried to mentally commit. Used Greg McMillan's GoZone racing strategy. The theme for today seemed to be "it takes courage". Honestly, I felt like I was going to die the whole way.
With a little less than a mile to go, I knew I was in 2nd place (this is a small but good race; well-run on a certified course). There is a 90° left turn at that point. I looked over my shoulder and saw a woman stalking me. I knew who it was and I knew what it meant. It was Sabra Harvey. She happens to be world-class athlete. Why was she behind me? Well, because she happens to be +60 years old. As best I can tell she currently holds the women's +60 American records for 1500m and 1-mile road. She holds +60 women's world records for 800m, 5K and 8K road. Her resume includes other cool things like 2007 women's masters Runner of the Year.
I could hear her footfalls getting closer and thought to myself, "This woman has raced all over the world. She's going to reel my in like a lifeless carp." Figuring she is tactically my superior, I just decided to gut it out and do everything possible to hold her off. Go down fighting or die trying! She was getting closer. But this turned out to be a tremendous help. I had been running by myself as the leader left me about 1/2 mile in. With Harvey pressing me, I was no longer thinking about my misery. Rather I was thinking about competing; racing. With 1/10 mile to go, she was close. I don't know how close as I was afraid to look back and break what little form I had left. A spectator called out to her as I passed. She was close and closing! I gave it everything I had. Pain is temporary, right? And we can all go anaerobic for at least a short burst. I told myself, "This is why I train." I found another gear and deeper resolve. I crossed the line at 19:30 - a 13 second PR for me.
I'm thrilled to have it in the books and honored to have met Ms. Harvey on course today.
PRE RUN
water & oatmeal w/brown sugar & 1% milk
POST RUN
SlimFast & water
Sunday, October 11, 2009
St. George Marathon Race Report
Link to 2009 St. George Marathon pictures by MarathonFoto.com.
I've evolved to where I'm not much for race reports on my major "A" races especially marathons. It's too hard for me to capture everything. But several have asked so here's a few of my thoughts mile by mile:
I met a 51-year old guy at the hotel from Alabama. He missed his Boston qualifying time at his last marathon by 27 seconds. We rode the shuttle from the hotel to the buses together along with a couple women from Salt Lake City. Sometimes I get claustrophobic when I'm packed onto a bus made for kids. I knew they'd fill every seat. For some reason, Alabama guy didn't sit with me. That was fine. I didn't want to talk. I women from Morgan ended up sitting by me. I tried to "sleep" (also known as sending the signal that I don't want to talk). I didn't drive the course yesterday; didn't want to. I closed my eyes on the bus ride in the dark. Although I did see the fantastic full moon. The drive was long but still seemed shorter than usual. When the bus slowed at the top, Morgan lady started talking ... too much. She was polite and everything but I wasn't interested in small talk.
Off the bus it was cool and the wind was blowing a bit. I ducked in behind the one of the huge trucks and waited. I packed my pocket (2 vanilla CarbBoom's, Advil Liquid gel caps, and salt) and pinned two more CarbBoom's on my shorts. My plan was to use 3 gels one at Mile 7, 14 and 21. The fourth was a backup. I left the wind break offered by the eighteen-wheeler and headed for the trees to clear my bladder. I had slowly drunk an orange Gatorade on the bus ride and had eaten oatmeal at the hotel. Waiting for the line at the port-a-potties was not an option.
I walked over to the start area to see if I could see any of the elite runners. There wasn't much going on there so I returned to my position behind the truck. I talked briefly with a guy who had a foreign accent and a huge thermometer. He said it was 40° and dropping. It was cool but I like it that way. The whole feeling was surreal. At one point, I thought "I'm actually going to be running 26.2 miles in a few minutes." I started stretching - an abbreviated version of my dynamic stretching routine. They played the national anthem. I took off my sweats, slathered on more Aquaphor than I ever have, debated briefly about hat and gloves before deciding against keeping them, then went to the clothing drop. The line was long and chaotic. I tied off my bag and just threw it about 15 yards toward the back of the truck. I thought, "Hopefully I see that again."
I dumped my salt under my tongue and walked to the starting area. The pace groups had balloons. I wanted to be with the 3:20 group to start since my goal was 3:15 but my starting pace would be slower. I had talked with the pace leaders at the expo the night before and knew that they planned to run even splits. There was no room on the road. Suddenly the call to start then the gun. The mosh pit was moving ... very slowly.
Mile 1 - 7:44 (Goal=7:42) I crossed the starting line and said to myself for no real reason, "Let's get it on." I looked up at the bright spotlight and cameras overhead. Then, it was almost over for me. Fifteen feet after the start while looking up, I stepped on something with my right foot. My ankle rolled over. I let out an expletive. This can't be happening. For the past 2 1/2 weeks I've been freakishly paranoid about every crack in the road, sidewalks, any place I stepped. Now, while looking up, I had stepped on something that had screwed up my ankle. I limped along thinking to myself that it may improve once I warm up and get some adrenaline flowing. The running crowd was still very heavy. My ankle was throbbing. How long could I last?
Mile 2 - 7:35 (7:33) I stayed with the 3:20 pace group. It was a large group and a bit annoying traffic-wise. My ankle was still questionable but I had decided to ignore it.
Mile 3 - 7:07 (7:15) I got away from the pace group here. Something that I learned from last year has that it would be dark. I wouldn't be able to see my watch or my pace band. Therefore, I turned my Garmin light on permanently before the start and memorized my goal splits for each of the first eight miles.
Mile 4 - 7:00 (7:06) I was feeling better than okay. This day held promise if I could keep it together. The ankle was now only bothersome on the steeper downhill sections. I was wondering how it would hold up over the last part of the course when the muscles would be fatigued and the steepest downhill of the course would be encountered.
Mile 5 7:20 (7:24) I'm controlling the pace well. I think I grabbed my first Gatorade here.
Mile 6 7:15 (7:24) Reminding myself not to go too fast. "No one around me cares if I run 3:15 today. I'm the only who cares and I'm the only one who can do anything about it. Stick to the plan. Stay with the pace."
Mile 7 7:01(7:24) Veyo Hill looms in the distance. I take advantage of the downhill in this mile and a good crowd in Veyo gives me a charge. I grab another drink (water or Gatorade ???)
Mile 8 7:43 (8:18) I charge up Veyo Hill. I'm passing people left and right.
Mile 9 7:52 (7:55) Wondering if I used up too much going up the hill.
Mile 10 7:39 (7:42) Realize that I'm going to have to stop to evacuate bladder. Decide to hold out as long as I can.
Mile 11 7:52 (8:00)
Mile 12 7:33 (7:38) It hits me that I've really got something going here. Up ahead I see a woman wearing the light blue colors of Fast Running Blog.com. I set her as my mark and slowly reel her in.
Mile 13 7:08 (7:24) Run side by side with Josse Tobias of fastrunningblog.com. We only talked a little bit. I may have surprised her that I knew who she was. The wind had kicked up and was in our faces. I estimated 5-7 mph. As I see that I'm running too fast compared to my scheduled pace, Tobias leaves me before this mile finished.
Mile 14 7:48 (7:15) I stopped at the half way point. I knew I was slightly ahead of schedule but still tried to hurry. No port-a-potty so I used the side of the road. Felt like my right sock was bunching under my foot or that I had something in my shoe over the last several miles. Tried to remedy that problem. Whatever I did helped but didn't completely clear the problem.
Mile 15 6:52 (7:02) Got a little carried away trying to take advantage of the downhill and make up for time I lost by stopping.
Mile 16 7:05 (7:15)
Mile 17 7:07 (7:15)
Mile 18 7:07 (7:15)
Mile 19 7:26 (7:38) It's getting tough but I know I just have to stick with it. "Stay within the mile," I keep telling myself.
Mile 20 7:13 (7:15) I talk to a guy from Orange County, California targeting 3:15. He's running with a woman doing her first marathon. She's an ultra trail runner and looked like this was a walk in the park for her. Shortly thereafter she left us in her dust.
Mile 21 6:54 (6:58) This mile is always a question when creating the pace band. It's the steepest downhill on the course. Can I really go this fast after already running 20 miles? The answer this year is "Yes!"
Mile 22 7:13 (7:15) Somewhere in here I make mental note to self, "Be sure to do ankle strengthening exercises next year."
Mile 23 7:18 (7:20)
Mile 24 6:54 (7:20) This has been my favorite mile the past two years. It's coming into town and there is a big energetic crowd. There isn't a question about finishing; it's just a matter of getting there. Passed several runners in this mile.
Mile 25 7:13 (7:24) Tough mile that seemed to go forever. Knew I was ahead of schedule just focused on keeping the pace and finishing.
Mile 26 6:59 (7:24)
Mile .2 1:29 (1:37) Didn't have the kick that I've had before but still finished strong.
I crossed the line with an overwhelming euphoria. I had 3:11:42 on my Garmin. My absolute best case scenario was 3:15. I grabbed a drink then went to get my official time. It was 3:11:38. I accomplished my goal of qualifying for the Boston marathon.
Thank you everyone who supported me along the way: my Saturday training partners: Stephanie, Laurie, Stacey, Augie, Randy, Josh, William, Jonathan, Aaron, and others; my massage therapists: Molly and Angie; my co-workers for excusing my late arrivals from getting a few extra morning miles; my wife and son for letting me go AWOL to chase the dream; my parents for caring and coming to St. George to see a few seconds of my marathon; my blog readers and online running friends for your questions and support.
Oh, a couple footnotes ... the Alabama guy at my hotel missed his qualifying time by 14 seconds. Although Josse Tobias left me shortly before the halfway mark. In a huge surprise to me, I passed her in the last mile and finished a minute ahead of her.
I've evolved to where I'm not much for race reports on my major "A" races especially marathons. It's too hard for me to capture everything. But several have asked so here's a few of my thoughts mile by mile:
I met a 51-year old guy at the hotel from Alabama. He missed his Boston qualifying time at his last marathon by 27 seconds. We rode the shuttle from the hotel to the buses together along with a couple women from Salt Lake City. Sometimes I get claustrophobic when I'm packed onto a bus made for kids. I knew they'd fill every seat. For some reason, Alabama guy didn't sit with me. That was fine. I didn't want to talk. I women from Morgan ended up sitting by me. I tried to "sleep" (also known as sending the signal that I don't want to talk). I didn't drive the course yesterday; didn't want to. I closed my eyes on the bus ride in the dark. Although I did see the fantastic full moon. The drive was long but still seemed shorter than usual. When the bus slowed at the top, Morgan lady started talking ... too much. She was polite and everything but I wasn't interested in small talk.
Off the bus it was cool and the wind was blowing a bit. I ducked in behind the one of the huge trucks and waited. I packed my pocket (2 vanilla CarbBoom's, Advil Liquid gel caps, and salt) and pinned two more CarbBoom's on my shorts. My plan was to use 3 gels one at Mile 7, 14 and 21. The fourth was a backup. I left the wind break offered by the eighteen-wheeler and headed for the trees to clear my bladder. I had slowly drunk an orange Gatorade on the bus ride and had eaten oatmeal at the hotel. Waiting for the line at the port-a-potties was not an option.
I walked over to the start area to see if I could see any of the elite runners. There wasn't much going on there so I returned to my position behind the truck. I talked briefly with a guy who had a foreign accent and a huge thermometer. He said it was 40° and dropping. It was cool but I like it that way. The whole feeling was surreal. At one point, I thought "I'm actually going to be running 26.2 miles in a few minutes." I started stretching - an abbreviated version of my dynamic stretching routine. They played the national anthem. I took off my sweats, slathered on more Aquaphor than I ever have, debated briefly about hat and gloves before deciding against keeping them, then went to the clothing drop. The line was long and chaotic. I tied off my bag and just threw it about 15 yards toward the back of the truck. I thought, "Hopefully I see that again."
I dumped my salt under my tongue and walked to the starting area. The pace groups had balloons. I wanted to be with the 3:20 group to start since my goal was 3:15 but my starting pace would be slower. I had talked with the pace leaders at the expo the night before and knew that they planned to run even splits. There was no room on the road. Suddenly the call to start then the gun. The mosh pit was moving ... very slowly.
Mile 1 - 7:44 (Goal=7:42) I crossed the starting line and said to myself for no real reason, "Let's get it on." I looked up at the bright spotlight and cameras overhead. Then, it was almost over for me. Fifteen feet after the start while looking up, I stepped on something with my right foot. My ankle rolled over. I let out an expletive. This can't be happening. For the past 2 1/2 weeks I've been freakishly paranoid about every crack in the road, sidewalks, any place I stepped. Now, while looking up, I had stepped on something that had screwed up my ankle. I limped along thinking to myself that it may improve once I warm up and get some adrenaline flowing. The running crowd was still very heavy. My ankle was throbbing. How long could I last?
Mile 2 - 7:35 (7:33) I stayed with the 3:20 pace group. It was a large group and a bit annoying traffic-wise. My ankle was still questionable but I had decided to ignore it.
Mile 3 - 7:07 (7:15) I got away from the pace group here. Something that I learned from last year has that it would be dark. I wouldn't be able to see my watch or my pace band. Therefore, I turned my Garmin light on permanently before the start and memorized my goal splits for each of the first eight miles.
Mile 4 - 7:00 (7:06) I was feeling better than okay. This day held promise if I could keep it together. The ankle was now only bothersome on the steeper downhill sections. I was wondering how it would hold up over the last part of the course when the muscles would be fatigued and the steepest downhill of the course would be encountered.
Mile 5 7:20 (7:24) I'm controlling the pace well. I think I grabbed my first Gatorade here.
Mile 6 7:15 (7:24) Reminding myself not to go too fast. "No one around me cares if I run 3:15 today. I'm the only who cares and I'm the only one who can do anything about it. Stick to the plan. Stay with the pace."
Mile 7 7:01(7:24) Veyo Hill looms in the distance. I take advantage of the downhill in this mile and a good crowd in Veyo gives me a charge. I grab another drink (water or Gatorade ???)
Mile 8 7:43 (8:18) I charge up Veyo Hill. I'm passing people left and right.
Mile 9 7:52 (7:55) Wondering if I used up too much going up the hill.
Mile 10 7:39 (7:42) Realize that I'm going to have to stop to evacuate bladder. Decide to hold out as long as I can.
Mile 11 7:52 (8:00)
Mile 12 7:33 (7:38) It hits me that I've really got something going here. Up ahead I see a woman wearing the light blue colors of Fast Running Blog.com. I set her as my mark and slowly reel her in.
Mile 13 7:08 (7:24) Run side by side with Josse Tobias of fastrunningblog.com. We only talked a little bit. I may have surprised her that I knew who she was. The wind had kicked up and was in our faces. I estimated 5-7 mph. As I see that I'm running too fast compared to my scheduled pace, Tobias leaves me before this mile finished.
Mile 14 7:48 (7:15) I stopped at the half way point. I knew I was slightly ahead of schedule but still tried to hurry. No port-a-potty so I used the side of the road. Felt like my right sock was bunching under my foot or that I had something in my shoe over the last several miles. Tried to remedy that problem. Whatever I did helped but didn't completely clear the problem.
Mile 15 6:52 (7:02) Got a little carried away trying to take advantage of the downhill and make up for time I lost by stopping.
Mile 16 7:05 (7:15)
Mile 17 7:07 (7:15)
Mile 18 7:07 (7:15)
Mile 19 7:26 (7:38) It's getting tough but I know I just have to stick with it. "Stay within the mile," I keep telling myself.
Mile 20 7:13 (7:15) I talk to a guy from Orange County, California targeting 3:15. He's running with a woman doing her first marathon. She's an ultra trail runner and looked like this was a walk in the park for her. Shortly thereafter she left us in her dust.
Mile 21 6:54 (6:58) This mile is always a question when creating the pace band. It's the steepest downhill on the course. Can I really go this fast after already running 20 miles? The answer this year is "Yes!"
Mile 22 7:13 (7:15) Somewhere in here I make mental note to self, "Be sure to do ankle strengthening exercises next year."
Mile 23 7:18 (7:20)
Mile 24 6:54 (7:20) This has been my favorite mile the past two years. It's coming into town and there is a big energetic crowd. There isn't a question about finishing; it's just a matter of getting there. Passed several runners in this mile.
Mile 25 7:13 (7:24) Tough mile that seemed to go forever. Knew I was ahead of schedule just focused on keeping the pace and finishing.
Mile 26 6:59 (7:24)
Mile .2 1:29 (1:37) Didn't have the kick that I've had before but still finished strong.
I crossed the line with an overwhelming euphoria. I had 3:11:42 on my Garmin. My absolute best case scenario was 3:15. I grabbed a drink then went to get my official time. It was 3:11:38. I accomplished my goal of qualifying for the Boston marathon.
Thank you everyone who supported me along the way: my Saturday training partners: Stephanie, Laurie, Stacey, Augie, Randy, Josh, William, Jonathan, Aaron, and others; my massage therapists: Molly and Angie; my co-workers for excusing my late arrivals from getting a few extra morning miles; my wife and son for letting me go AWOL to chase the dream; my parents for caring and coming to St. George to see a few seconds of my marathon; my blog readers and online running friends for your questions and support.
Oh, a couple footnotes ... the Alabama guy at my hotel missed his qualifying time by 14 seconds. Although Josse Tobias left me shortly before the halfway mark. In a huge surprise to me, I passed her in the last mile and finished a minute ahead of her.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Richard Bouchard Memorial 10K
6.13 mi.@ 41:17
7:09 AM 54° 65% 2 mph
41:17 (Garmin) (official time [40:32] was definitely wrong)
6.13 mi. (Garmin)
Sixth place overall
First place age group and masters
My plan was to race. I generally raced well. The winner was a former collegiate runner and finished around 33. It was clear from the start I wouldn't be spending much time with him. A few other young guys went with the leader. I hung back and picked off a few after the 5K and 10K route split after about .5 mile. Around Mile 2, I was running with another guy who I suspected was a masters runner (I was right. After the race, I found out he was in my age group.) I suggested that we work together. He agreed then promptly fell in behind me. Where he stayed until I got separation a little before Mile 5.
I passed another guy in the sixth mile. Two other guys running together had a huge gap on me. I elected to gradually press the pace hoping they would fade. They didn't. In hindsight, I wish I would have immediately focused on catching them as soon as passing the other runner. They most likely had an insurmountable lead but I failed to give myself a chance by just settling in.
I finished strong and felt good doing it. I probably had a little too much left in the tank at the finish.
Overall, I'm pleased with my race. If this were a certified course, it would have been a new PR by 39 seconds.
Each of my three sisters ran today. So did my wife and son, two brothers-in-law and a niece. It was a fun day for all of us to share together.
7:09 AM 54° 65% 2 mph
41:17 (Garmin) (official time [40:32] was definitely wrong)
6.13 mi. (Garmin)
Sixth place overall
First place age group and masters
My plan was to race. I generally raced well. The winner was a former collegiate runner and finished around 33. It was clear from the start I wouldn't be spending much time with him. A few other young guys went with the leader. I hung back and picked off a few after the 5K and 10K route split after about .5 mile. Around Mile 2, I was running with another guy who I suspected was a masters runner (I was right. After the race, I found out he was in my age group.) I suggested that we work together. He agreed then promptly fell in behind me. Where he stayed until I got separation a little before Mile 5.
I passed another guy in the sixth mile. Two other guys running together had a huge gap on me. I elected to gradually press the pace hoping they would fade. They didn't. In hindsight, I wish I would have immediately focused on catching them as soon as passing the other runner. They most likely had an insurmountable lead but I failed to give myself a chance by just settling in.
I finished strong and felt good doing it. I probably had a little too much left in the tank at the finish.Overall, I'm pleased with my race. If this were a certified course, it would have been a new PR by 39 seconds.
Each of my three sisters ran today. So did my wife and son, two brothers-in-law and a niece. It was a fun day for all of us to share together.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sandbagger's Special
Ogden Half Marathon
Unofficial 1:31:35 (new PR pending)
Yes, I am still injured but the injury forced me to run the smartest race I've ever run.
... more later ....
Unofficial 1:31:35 (new PR pending)
Yes, I am still injured but the injury forced me to run the smartest race I've ever run.
... more later ....
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Run for The Rose 5K Pics
Run for The Rose 5K Pics
I find my race pictures to be quite comical. From my eyes, they don't even really look like me but rather a caricature of myself.
Sidebar: I knew it was going to be a good day when they handed me bib number 367. That was my house number when Paige, Cameron and I lived in South Weber.
I find my race pictures to be quite comical. From my eyes, they don't even really look like me but rather a caricature of myself.
Sidebar: I knew it was going to be a good day when they handed me bib number 367. That was my house number when Paige, Cameron and I lived in South Weber.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Inadvertent Taper Results in BIG 5K PR
OBJECTIVE
Run The Woodlands 5K - use the race to gauge my current fitness and use "Go Zone" racing strategy
ACHIEVED
5K - 19:43 *** new PR ***
8:01 AM 43° 87% 6 mph
First, the good news summarized: I ran a 5K PR today at the Run The Woodlands 5K. The official time (which matched my self-timing) was 19:43.
Now the details ....
I suppose it's not fair to call my "taper" over the past two days inadvertent. Thursday morning I got up and ready to run but walked outside to cold and high winds (low 40°'s and probably around 15 mph winds). I turned around and went back inside. I've run in much worse conditions but for some reason after running shirtless the past few mornings, I had mentally put my cold weather gear into storage and wasn't planning on any more cold weather runs this season. My mental weakness is disappointing and reminded me of a Peter Maher quote. Maher was a two-time Olympic marathoner with Team Canada. "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today.'" (I think I'll start using this as my blog header quote.)
Friday wasn't much better. However, my excuse was. I had a presentation at work that I hustled off early to put the finishing touches on.
So 72 hours off, no excuse for not having fresh legs!
My plan was either run the Bayou Classic 10K or Run The Woodlands 5K today. I wanted to use a race as a fitness check and to try out a new race pacing strategy by Greg McMillan. My preference was the 10K but as the weather forecast developed and called for bad weekend weather, I decided I'd stay close to home and just run the 5K.
I didn't really know what to expect. I haven't run a 5K race in about a year (I'm conveniently discounting the Dana Point 5K last Thanksgiving since I preceded that run by setting a 10K PR). On March 22, 2008, I covered the Run The Woodlands in a PR of 20:13. Everything since then has been geared at longer distances. I felt my conditioning and endurance was better than last year but I haven't done any speed work in at least 6 weeks and the speed efforts I've been using as part of my training wouldn't be considered true speed routines.
I also wanted to try out a new race strategy which was described in the April 2009 issue of Running Times by Greg McMillan. In the past, I've followed an Ed Eyestone approach which, based on studies, suggests covering the first mile 6% faster than expected overall pace. This approach has generally worked for me although I've evolved to calling it the go-out-hard-and-die-like-a-man strategy because I'm often just trying to hold it together at the end. The Go Zone strategy, as McMillan calls his approach, really focuses on the third quarter of the race. It is supposed to be useful at distances ranging from 800 meters to 10K. Analysis has revealed the third quarter of races define success or failure for many runners. To summarize the strategy, it goes something like this (breaking the race in segments from start to finish):
First 1/8 of race: go out aggressive and strong; slightly faster than goal pace
Next 3/8: find a relaxed, fast rhythm; smooth; stay on pace
Next 5/16: Go Zone; attack! & increase intensity; pass someone or pick a point to run to; it should hurt or you're not pushing hard enough
Last 3/16: Get-Time Zone; keep pushing to hold goal pace; start kick with 1-2 minutes of race time left; not easy to sustain longer kick but get your mind to force legs to comply
Frankly, this all seemed like a lot to remember during a race! And it was.
Today's field was light. I think the final tally was 23 runners. I drove up to The Woodlands and surprised myself by how quickly I got there. The morning was cool as I saw thermometers on the drive showing 41° and 43°. I was ready for the temperature. I wore tights, beanie, gloves, singlet over a long-sleeved technical, topped with my running jacket. Everything except the running jacket stayed on for the race. I found out about half way that I really didn't need the hat and gloves.
I broke from the start with another guy who I figured had a good shot at winning today. I quickly learned that I'd guessed right. He was fast but I hung around with him for about .4 miles then looked at my watch to see that I was on something like a 5:30 per mile pace. No this wasn't the plan! I had intended to take the first .5 mile around 6:20 pace but no faster than 6:15. Ahhhhh, the euphoria of being at the front of the pack! But it was short lived.
Realizing that the start was way too hot. I worked on settling in to a rhythm and trying to compensate for over-exerted nervous system. Another runner passed me. Just under a mile in, there's a bridge that is probably the course's most significant landmark. I still do not have any recollection of crossing that bridge. I just remember thinking, if I'm feeling this bad and haven't even gone a mile I'm in trouble!
My rhythm was erratic but I think it was the fast start as much as anything. Under the half way point, a young kid passed me. Shortly after his pass, I looked at my watch to see that I was 1.55 miles into the race. I marked the kid and didn't allow him to widen the gap. Around Mile 2, I passed him back. I felt surprisingly strong and made an effort to break him. I was still in the Go Zone and felt like I was maintaining my intensity.
When I left the Go Zone with about .6 miles left, I had really forgotten what I was supposed to do next. While warming up before the race, I had run the course in reverse to specifically mark the point where .3 miles remained. This is where I planned to start my kick in a long, measured acceleration to the finish. My problem was not having a plan for the .3 miles leading up to the kick. I decided to try holding the pace. About this time, the kid passed me back. He seemed strong and had good turnover. Although I was fighting it, he ever-so-slowly stretched the gap. I had a hope that my kick could reclaim the third position. Why I held the belief that a 42-year old hack could reel in a teenager with his kick, I don't know. It seems ridiculous now. I started my kick as planned. He started at about the same point. He seemed to know the course. The gap stayed the same until about 100 meters to go. Somehow I was closing but, unfortunately ran out of road. He beat me by 4 seconds.
I wasn't sure if I had gone under 20 minutes since I didn't really keep tabs on my overall time. I had too much to work with just trying to stay "in the segment" and hit my proper paces. Overall, I didn't do a good job with the strategy but I think I like it. I'll use it again and work to become more familiar with it. Obviously the fast start had some impact on the end result. It's impossible for me to know if the net time gained at the start was greater than the lost time caused by sucking wind because of it or visa versa. I need to set up my watch differently. I'm so used to seeing mile splits that the change to 0.19 mile splits really screwed with my mind .... Hey, maybe that's how I missed the bridge ....
Here are my "zone" splits:
Start (0.39 mi.) - 2:11.5 (5:39/mi.)
Fast Rhythm (1.17 mi.) - 7:41.0 (6:36/mi.)
Go Zone (0.97 mi.) - 6:14.5 (6:26 mi.)
Get-Time Zone (0.58 mi.) - 3:36.0 (6:11/mi.)
I'm clearly back to my reality. That is, I have speed but lack endurance. Here are my PR's along with my age grade.
03-14-09 5K 19:43 69.32%
11-27-08 10K 41:56 67.40%
11-15-08 10M 1:10:14 66.36%
01-18-09 HLF 1:33:38 66.28%
10-04-08 MAR 3:27:00 62.75%
I suppose this can be spun a couple different ways. Since I've only been running for two years, the cumulative training impact of my mileage wasn't shown up entirely in my race results yet. I've read it can take up to 5 years of training to peak. Or, maybe it's that physiologically I am just genetically faster than I have endurance. Or, maybe I'm training wrong. Or, maybe it's a combination of these. Or .... There's only one way to find out the answer and that's to keep running.
Today was a good day on the road.
Oh, almost forgot that a couple members of The Woodlands Running Club invited me out to their Wednesday night speed work. They have a national champion coach working with them. If I could figure out a way to get there from downtown, I suppose I'd give it a shot.
PRE RUN
Water and Corn Chex w/1% milk
POST RUN
SlimFast and water
Run The Woodlands 5K - use the race to gauge my current fitness and use "Go Zone" racing strategy
ACHIEVED
5K - 19:43 *** new PR ***
8:01 AM 43° 87% 6 mph
First, the good news summarized: I ran a 5K PR today at the Run The Woodlands 5K. The official time (which matched my self-timing) was 19:43.
Now the details ....
I suppose it's not fair to call my "taper" over the past two days inadvertent. Thursday morning I got up and ready to run but walked outside to cold and high winds (low 40°'s and probably around 15 mph winds). I turned around and went back inside. I've run in much worse conditions but for some reason after running shirtless the past few mornings, I had mentally put my cold weather gear into storage and wasn't planning on any more cold weather runs this season. My mental weakness is disappointing and reminded me of a Peter Maher quote. Maher was a two-time Olympic marathoner with Team Canada. "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today.'" (I think I'll start using this as my blog header quote.)
Friday wasn't much better. However, my excuse was. I had a presentation at work that I hustled off early to put the finishing touches on.
So 72 hours off, no excuse for not having fresh legs!
My plan was either run the Bayou Classic 10K or Run The Woodlands 5K today. I wanted to use a race as a fitness check and to try out a new race pacing strategy by Greg McMillan. My preference was the 10K but as the weather forecast developed and called for bad weekend weather, I decided I'd stay close to home and just run the 5K.
I didn't really know what to expect. I haven't run a 5K race in about a year (I'm conveniently discounting the Dana Point 5K last Thanksgiving since I preceded that run by setting a 10K PR). On March 22, 2008, I covered the Run The Woodlands in a PR of 20:13. Everything since then has been geared at longer distances. I felt my conditioning and endurance was better than last year but I haven't done any speed work in at least 6 weeks and the speed efforts I've been using as part of my training wouldn't be considered true speed routines.
I also wanted to try out a new race strategy which was described in the April 2009 issue of Running Times by Greg McMillan. In the past, I've followed an Ed Eyestone approach which, based on studies, suggests covering the first mile 6% faster than expected overall pace. This approach has generally worked for me although I've evolved to calling it the go-out-hard-and-die-like-a-man strategy because I'm often just trying to hold it together at the end. The Go Zone strategy, as McMillan calls his approach, really focuses on the third quarter of the race. It is supposed to be useful at distances ranging from 800 meters to 10K. Analysis has revealed the third quarter of races define success or failure for many runners. To summarize the strategy, it goes something like this (breaking the race in segments from start to finish):
First 1/8 of race: go out aggressive and strong; slightly faster than goal pace
Next 3/8: find a relaxed, fast rhythm; smooth; stay on pace
Next 5/16: Go Zone; attack! & increase intensity; pass someone or pick a point to run to; it should hurt or you're not pushing hard enough
Last 3/16: Get-Time Zone; keep pushing to hold goal pace; start kick with 1-2 minutes of race time left; not easy to sustain longer kick but get your mind to force legs to comply
Frankly, this all seemed like a lot to remember during a race! And it was.
Today's field was light. I think the final tally was 23 runners. I drove up to The Woodlands and surprised myself by how quickly I got there. The morning was cool as I saw thermometers on the drive showing 41° and 43°. I was ready for the temperature. I wore tights, beanie, gloves, singlet over a long-sleeved technical, topped with my running jacket. Everything except the running jacket stayed on for the race. I found out about half way that I really didn't need the hat and gloves.
I broke from the start with another guy who I figured had a good shot at winning today. I quickly learned that I'd guessed right. He was fast but I hung around with him for about .4 miles then looked at my watch to see that I was on something like a 5:30 per mile pace. No this wasn't the plan! I had intended to take the first .5 mile around 6:20 pace but no faster than 6:15. Ahhhhh, the euphoria of being at the front of the pack! But it was short lived.
Realizing that the start was way too hot. I worked on settling in to a rhythm and trying to compensate for over-exerted nervous system. Another runner passed me. Just under a mile in, there's a bridge that is probably the course's most significant landmark. I still do not have any recollection of crossing that bridge. I just remember thinking, if I'm feeling this bad and haven't even gone a mile I'm in trouble!
My rhythm was erratic but I think it was the fast start as much as anything. Under the half way point, a young kid passed me. Shortly after his pass, I looked at my watch to see that I was 1.55 miles into the race. I marked the kid and didn't allow him to widen the gap. Around Mile 2, I passed him back. I felt surprisingly strong and made an effort to break him. I was still in the Go Zone and felt like I was maintaining my intensity.
When I left the Go Zone with about .6 miles left, I had really forgotten what I was supposed to do next. While warming up before the race, I had run the course in reverse to specifically mark the point where .3 miles remained. This is where I planned to start my kick in a long, measured acceleration to the finish. My problem was not having a plan for the .3 miles leading up to the kick. I decided to try holding the pace. About this time, the kid passed me back. He seemed strong and had good turnover. Although I was fighting it, he ever-so-slowly stretched the gap. I had a hope that my kick could reclaim the third position. Why I held the belief that a 42-year old hack could reel in a teenager with his kick, I don't know. It seems ridiculous now. I started my kick as planned. He started at about the same point. He seemed to know the course. The gap stayed the same until about 100 meters to go. Somehow I was closing but, unfortunately ran out of road. He beat me by 4 seconds.
I wasn't sure if I had gone under 20 minutes since I didn't really keep tabs on my overall time. I had too much to work with just trying to stay "in the segment" and hit my proper paces. Overall, I didn't do a good job with the strategy but I think I like it. I'll use it again and work to become more familiar with it. Obviously the fast start had some impact on the end result. It's impossible for me to know if the net time gained at the start was greater than the lost time caused by sucking wind because of it or visa versa. I need to set up my watch differently. I'm so used to seeing mile splits that the change to 0.19 mile splits really screwed with my mind .... Hey, maybe that's how I missed the bridge ....
Here are my "zone" splits:
Start (0.39 mi.) - 2:11.5 (5:39/mi.)
Fast Rhythm (1.17 mi.) - 7:41.0 (6:36/mi.)
Go Zone (0.97 mi.) - 6:14.5 (6:26 mi.)
Get-Time Zone (0.58 mi.) - 3:36.0 (6:11/mi.)
I'm clearly back to my reality. That is, I have speed but lack endurance. Here are my PR's along with my age grade.
03-14-09 5K 19:43 69.32%
11-27-08 10K 41:56 67.40%
11-15-08 10M 1:10:14 66.36%
01-18-09 HLF 1:33:38 66.28%
10-04-08 MAR 3:27:00 62.75%
I suppose this can be spun a couple different ways. Since I've only been running for two years, the cumulative training impact of my mileage wasn't shown up entirely in my race results yet. I've read it can take up to 5 years of training to peak. Or, maybe it's that physiologically I am just genetically faster than I have endurance. Or, maybe I'm training wrong. Or, maybe it's a combination of these. Or .... There's only one way to find out the answer and that's to keep running.
Today was a good day on the road.
Oh, almost forgot that a couple members of The Woodlands Running Club invited me out to their Wednesday night speed work. They have a national champion coach working with them. If I could figure out a way to get there from downtown, I suppose I'd give it a shot.
PRE RUN
Water and Corn Chex w/1% milk
POST RUN
SlimFast and water
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Austin Marathon Pictures
Look here for my pictures from the Austin marathon
These weren't as bad as I envisioned they might be! Note my specialized racing facial hair. It was Paige's favorite part about this marathon ... NOT!
These weren't as bad as I envisioned they might be! Note my specialized racing facial hair. It was Paige's favorite part about this marathon ... NOT!
Monday, January 19, 2009
2009 Houston Half Finish
I make an appearance at the end of this clip. Funny that I felt a bit stronger than I look in the video!
Inspirational
Coming into downtown during the half marathon I saw this guy.
Check out his story here
I'm always inspired when I see other people out on the course ... dealing with things. Of course I had no idea what his story was when I came up from behind. I just saw two guys kind of running close together. Then I could make out the words on the guide's back. Then finally, I could read Captain Castro's shirt. As I passed, I said something like "Great run, Cap!" He said, "Thanks, it's a good day."
That's my brush with greatness.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Houston Half Marathon - Preliminary Report
Unofficial Distance & Time
13.16 mi. - 1:33:38 (7:07/mi.)
7:00 AM 59° 78% 8 mph
7:18/7:10/7:05/7:06/7:17/7:10/7:11/7:07/7:08/7:16/7:04/6:54/6:47/1:06(.17mi=6:37/mi)
I'm happy with today's results. I didn't run as smart as I would have liked - my pace was faster than I wanted early in the race and it cost me a bit at the end. I passed a bunch of other runners with 2 miles to go. I held off one threat to pass me but was unable to hold off another runner. I stayed with him for about 1/2 mile over the last 1.5 miles but with about 1/4 mile to go he picked up more. I tried to stay with him but didn't have it. I suppose I can say I used it all up on the course but I tend to think the overly aggressive start cost me a bit at the end.
I saw Stacey, Josh and Miranda on the course. I saw Steph briefly before the race and she was at the finish line. Afterwards, I met up with Miranda and Josh. We cleaned up, ate and walked back on the course. We saw Jonathan (haven't checked his finish time but he had to be around 3:00), Stacy, Stuart, Laurie, and Randy.
13.16 mi. - 1:33:38 (7:07/mi.)
7:00 AM 59° 78% 8 mph
7:18/7:10/7:05/7:06/7:17/7:10/7:11/7:07/7:08/7:16/7:04/6:54/6:47/1:06(.17mi=6:37/mi)
I'm happy with today's results. I didn't run as smart as I would have liked - my pace was faster than I wanted early in the race and it cost me a bit at the end. I passed a bunch of other runners with 2 miles to go. I held off one threat to pass me but was unable to hold off another runner. I stayed with him for about 1/2 mile over the last 1.5 miles but with about 1/4 mile to go he picked up more. I tried to stay with him but didn't have it. I suppose I can say I used it all up on the course but I tend to think the overly aggressive start cost me a bit at the end.
I saw Stacey, Josh and Miranda on the course. I saw Steph briefly before the race and she was at the finish line. Afterwards, I met up with Miranda and Josh. We cleaned up, ate and walked back on the course. We saw Jonathan (haven't checked his finish time but he had to be around 3:00), Stacy, Stuart, Laurie, and Randy.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Dana Point 5K Finish
This was taken near the end of the Thanksgiving 5K. I had already run the 10K and wasn't feeling great during this race. I turned it into the tempo run and kept telling myself there wouldn't be any reason to kick at the end ... just take it in at an even pace. Right! As I got closer to the finish, I naturally picked it up. The two guys in front of me in the picture really started picking it up and were dueling with each other. Of course that just spurred me on. As they were in their final dash, I gave an extra effort and pulled up along side. They didn't even see my coming. Once I edged in front, the guy on the left found a little extra in his tank and really put down the hammer. I'm proud to say that I held him off and finished ahead of both of them ... at the wire.
I love the finish line of races!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
10 for Texas
What is that vein/muscle in my right leg?
I thought maybe it was my femoral artery but it seems like it's on the wrong side of my leg.
Kicking it home at the 10 for Texas. November 15, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Ten for Texas
OBJECTIVE
original - 10 mi. b/w 8:08-38/mi. w/last 2 mi.@7:38
revised - 10 mi. race 1:11 - 12 (7:08-12/mi.)
ACHIEVED
10.07 mi.@ 6:59/mi. (official time = 1:10:14)
overall = 59; age group = 6
Stephanie sent out an email that the group was running 22 miles this morning in preparation for the Sunmart 50K in a few weeks. That was much farther than the 10 miles I had scheduled and the course didn't seem to lend itself to good bailout options. However, Shellie and Michele each responded to Steph's email saying they were going to run the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands. BINGO! That's what I'm going to try doing, I thought.
I picked up Aaron and we made our way to The Woodlands and registered. It was a windy, cold morning. I had looked up the equivalent 10-mile race time for a 3:20 marathon. Mcmillanrunning.com had it at 1:11:24 and attackpoint.org had 1:12:01. I decided to see if I could hold the necessary pace of 7:08 - 7:12 per mile necessary to hit these times. I was unsure of myself given that I had not planned on running this race until about 20 hours before the starting gun. I figured I'd go out at that pace and if I faded that would be fine ... at least it could serve as a gauge. I surprised myself and ended up with the following splits:
7:14 started with the 7 min. group; surprising how light the traffic was
7:13 staying focused on running first couple miles slower than overall goal
7:14 still holding back; head wind is gusting
7:12 feeling pretty good; good turnover and running easy
7:07 got a little overzealous upon seeing the turn in the distance
6:58 picked up too early but feeling good and started "racing" rather than clock-watching
6:53 picking off "victims" one by one and liking it; worried about pushing too early
7:00 feeling the early push; pulled back a bit to catch breath for final 2-mile push
6:39 realize that no one has passed me since about Mile 2; not feeling as strong as I would like but can tell I'm stronger than those I'm passing; this is fun!
6:20 this mile flew by; pushing hard I was surprised how fast the finish came up; had a very strong 0.4 mi. kick
0:21 (0.07 mi. on Garmin)
This was a strong effort. I pushed hard and didn't let myself get lazy or coast. I focused on racing and running tactically over the second half of the race. This helped occupy my mind and focus my objectives. I'm very happy with my time. It suggests that a 3:20 marathon is well within reach from a vdot (performance-based VO2Max index for runners) standpoint. I just need to keep building endurance by putting in the miles and 3:20 is mine!
The race was really well done. The refreshments, band, and finish area were all very good. I'd like to do this one again.
While walking around I saw and chatted with Shellie for a bit. I have to say she's one of the nicest people I know. Later, while walking to the car, I saw Michele. It was good to talk with her. It sounded like each of them had good races.
Aaron came in around 1:15. This is a great time for his inconsistent training. He's using this race as a baseline for his training for the Austin marathon in February.
PRE RUN
FRS
Earlier, water & oatmeal w/brown sugar & 1% milk
POST RUN
water & smoothie
Later, bagel w/peanut butter; breakfast burrito; Powerade; & turkey sandwich
original - 10 mi. b/w 8:08-38/mi. w/last 2 mi.@7:38
revised - 10 mi. race 1:11 - 12 (7:08-12/mi.)
ACHIEVED
10.07 mi.@ 6:59/mi. (official time = 1:10:14)
overall = 59; age group = 6
Stephanie sent out an email that the group was running 22 miles this morning in preparation for the Sunmart 50K in a few weeks. That was much farther than the 10 miles I had scheduled and the course didn't seem to lend itself to good bailout options. However, Shellie and Michele each responded to Steph's email saying they were going to run the 10 for Texas in The Woodlands. BINGO! That's what I'm going to try doing, I thought.
I picked up Aaron and we made our way to The Woodlands and registered. It was a windy, cold morning. I had looked up the equivalent 10-mile race time for a 3:20 marathon. Mcmillanrunning.com had it at 1:11:24 and attackpoint.org had 1:12:01. I decided to see if I could hold the necessary pace of 7:08 - 7:12 per mile necessary to hit these times. I was unsure of myself given that I had not planned on running this race until about 20 hours before the starting gun. I figured I'd go out at that pace and if I faded that would be fine ... at least it could serve as a gauge. I surprised myself and ended up with the following splits:
7:14 started with the 7 min. group; surprising how light the traffic was
7:13 staying focused on running first couple miles slower than overall goal
7:14 still holding back; head wind is gusting
7:12 feeling pretty good; good turnover and running easy
7:07 got a little overzealous upon seeing the turn in the distance
6:58 picked up too early but feeling good and started "racing" rather than clock-watching
6:53 picking off "victims" one by one and liking it; worried about pushing too early
7:00 feeling the early push; pulled back a bit to catch breath for final 2-mile push
6:39 realize that no one has passed me since about Mile 2; not feeling as strong as I would like but can tell I'm stronger than those I'm passing; this is fun!
6:20 this mile flew by; pushing hard I was surprised how fast the finish came up; had a very strong 0.4 mi. kick
0:21 (0.07 mi. on Garmin)
This was a strong effort. I pushed hard and didn't let myself get lazy or coast. I focused on racing and running tactically over the second half of the race. This helped occupy my mind and focus my objectives. I'm very happy with my time. It suggests that a 3:20 marathon is well within reach from a vdot (performance-based VO2Max index for runners) standpoint. I just need to keep building endurance by putting in the miles and 3:20 is mine!
The race was really well done. The refreshments, band, and finish area were all very good. I'd like to do this one again.
While walking around I saw and chatted with Shellie for a bit. I have to say she's one of the nicest people I know. Later, while walking to the car, I saw Michele. It was good to talk with her. It sounded like each of them had good races.
Aaron came in around 1:15. This is a great time for his inconsistent training. He's using this race as a baseline for his training for the Austin marathon in February.
PRE RUN
FRS
Earlier, water & oatmeal w/brown sugar & 1% milk
POST RUN
water & smoothie
Later, bagel w/peanut butter; breakfast burrito; Powerade; & turkey sandwich
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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