Every once in awhile you’re bound to have a real stinker of a race! Today was my day! I’m in the airport in Houston decompressing from the Armadillo Dash Half Marathon (College Station, TX). I had a sense I’d be in trouble at the start as it was in the lower 60’s at 7am and I had dressed for the 50 degree start the weather folks were saying would be the case!
At the first mile mark, I was drenched with sweat! I felt just a little “off” but was determined to put it out of my mind and try to hammer through the race…well…as much as I can hammer through any sort of run! At the 5k mark I was passed by a shorter guy who, if you can believe this, was smoking a cigar while running! The worst part was he was blowing smoke all over the place and I can say, without question, breating cigar smoke remnants during a run is not only a first but enough to make anyone queasy! Fortunately he stopped running shortly after he passed me and I didn’t see him again!
The course was a big rectangular type deal and when we hit the 10k mark we were as far away as we could be. It was a very rural race through the first 15k and then we ran parallel with a highway for about 3 miles. The wind picked up as we turned onto the parallel road and we ran into a 20mph headwind for 3 miles. For lack of a better word, it sucked!! Interestingly enough, it was so windy I had a guy draft behind me and my 6’3” 240 lbs! When he realized it made me uncomfortable, he pulled up beside me and said I was the biggest thing he could find to draft behind. He also thanked me!
About the time the drafter passed me, I felt a little twinge in my left groin muscle! It flares up from time to time and rather than push it, I thought it was a good idea to take my foot completely off the gas and limp home! Of the past 4 weekends, it was my slowest half by about 4 minutes but the good news is my worst is getting better!! I guess I'l l make a little lemonade from the bag of lemons I was dealt today!
I decided I’m not going to Knoxville for the 30k next weekend but I’m going to Avon Lake for a similar distance race. It’ll save me about 6 hours in the car and the race is ay 7am! All this flying around is starting to take it’s toll!!
8 weeks until Boston! I’ll be ready….I hope!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Century Mark….plus one
Last weekend marked a bit of a milestone. As I’m a nerd and like to keep track of things, I know last Saturday marked my 100th race of my distance running “career” at an event in Strawberry Plains, TN. The run started at a grade school, I think and was basically a very rolling/hilly course through many horse farms. It was nice to be out in 50-ish degree weather through the countryside. Having smaller mountains as a backdrop didn’t hurt either!!
Because of the hills, I was good through 7 miles and struggled to the 11 mile mark before slowing considerably and walking quite a bit of those last 2 miles. At the finish I realized I had just completed my 100th event! While it’s not the 997th event as another gentleman was completing that day, I’m still amazed at the 20 race per year average I’ve done over these past 5 years!!
Of the last three weekends my pace was a few seconds faster on a much tougher course! I would imagine on a flat course I may have even approached a sub 2:20 time. I’ll get there!!
You would think Sunday was a day of rest! Not quite!! I knew I needed to start ramping up more miles so I decided to do the “last chance for Boston” 10k race Sunday morning. It’s a blah 1-mile loop course but filled with several hundred entrants! I was sore at the start and didn’t know if my body would hold up for me but by the end of the 2nd mile I had gotten into a rhythm and cranked off consistent laps from 2 through 5. On the last lap, I decided I’d take it somewhat easy and at the last quarter, I’d try to finish strongly! I think my last quarter was at a sub 8 minute pace (which is a world record, I’m sure….haha). It felt great to be done and I was about 2 minutes ahead of where I thought I’d be! Just as soon as it started, race 101 was in the books!!
Time for rest! Keep on running!!
Because of the hills, I was good through 7 miles and struggled to the 11 mile mark before slowing considerably and walking quite a bit of those last 2 miles. At the finish I realized I had just completed my 100th event! While it’s not the 997th event as another gentleman was completing that day, I’m still amazed at the 20 race per year average I’ve done over these past 5 years!!
Of the last three weekends my pace was a few seconds faster on a much tougher course! I would imagine on a flat course I may have even approached a sub 2:20 time. I’ll get there!!
You would think Sunday was a day of rest! Not quite!! I knew I needed to start ramping up more miles so I decided to do the “last chance for Boston” 10k race Sunday morning. It’s a blah 1-mile loop course but filled with several hundred entrants! I was sore at the start and didn’t know if my body would hold up for me but by the end of the 2nd mile I had gotten into a rhythm and cranked off consistent laps from 2 through 5. On the last lap, I decided I’d take it somewhat easy and at the last quarter, I’d try to finish strongly! I think my last quarter was at a sub 8 minute pace (which is a world record, I’m sure….haha). It felt great to be done and I was about 2 minutes ahead of where I thought I’d be! Just as soon as it started, race 101 was in the books!!
Time for rest! Keep on running!!
Half at the Hamptons- Hampton Beach, NH
I wasn’t sure what to expect for this race but it turned out to be a great course which wasn’t completely flat but was just rolling enough to make it interesting! The race started at 11am and the weather forecast was for low 30’s with high winds and snow. I wasn’t expecting upper 30’s with little to no wind and hadn’t packed correctly! Within a half mile, I was dripping wet with sweat and ended up taking off my outer layer! The course went about a mile on the ocean then through some housing development and then through some what I’ll call scenic (others may disagree) rolling area. Just before mile 7 I saw the emergency vehicle with the lights flashing. Later I found out the squad was there because of the collapsing (and later death of) one of the participants. May he rest in peace! The snow started falling around mile 8 and lasted for a mile or two. It was a seemingly Christmas like scene and made that part of the run very peaceful!
I hit the 10 mile mark around 1:49 and about that time the wind picked up just in time for the 5k headwind finish! I slowed down considerably at that point and was just happy to finish with a consistent time of my Orlando race the preceding week!
The post race was fun as Harpoon (I think) Brewery was serving free beer! I sat down and talked to a few guys from the area about running, races and the like! The beer was fantastic and the conversation was just as good!
All in all, a great race and a fun time! I may not do this race in the future only because of the logistics and timing of the event but I would absolutely recommend it to all!!
I hit the 10 mile mark around 1:49 and about that time the wind picked up just in time for the 5k headwind finish! I slowed down considerably at that point and was just happy to finish with a consistent time of my Orlando race the preceding week!
The post race was fun as Harpoon (I think) Brewery was serving free beer! I sat down and talked to a few guys from the area about running, races and the like! The beer was fantastic and the conversation was just as good!
All in all, a great race and a fun time! I may not do this race in the future only because of the logistics and timing of the event but I would absolutely recommend it to all!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
98 races, 18 states…and counting.
This weekend was the 98th race of my running life. I started running about 6 years ago after deciding doing a marathon was on my life’s list of things. It was one of the two resolutions I had that year (the other was to visit Australia). Both were accomplished and while I thought back then I was a one and done marathoner, history proves otherwise.
These past years have been a wonderful experience of travel, new friendships, new running experiences and quite a few medals and t-shirts. I mean c’mon, aren’t we all in it for the t-shirts and medals anyway??!!
I thought I would recap my favorites as well as races which weren’t nearly as fun.
A few of the “fun” ones (in no particular order):
2007 Carlisbad (CA) Half-Marathon: 8 or so miles with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop made this one probably my favorite race ever. Gorgeous day in the mid 50’s at the start made this one perfect. Great organization and support as well. One I’ll probably do again.
2007 Philadelphia Distance Run (half marathon): A very quick tour of downtown Philly followed by a run around the river. Crowd support was unreal and the finish at the Philly Museum was something else! It was the first true fall day of the year with the leaves starting to change and temps in the low 50’s. It was a runner’s delight of a day and one I wish could be bottled!
2005 Charleston (WVa) Distance Run (15 miler): I’ve done this race three times (05-07) and while the finish leaves a little to be desired, “Capital Punishment Hill” and the descent of it make it a very fun day. It’s surprisingly flat from mile 6 on and running by the state capitol building is pretty cool. The expo isn’t that great but the free pasta dinner more than makes up for it! A great way to start Labor Day weekend and a race which will be on my list probably as long as I run!
2005 HP Houston Marathon: Despite the concrete wrecking my knees at 19, this was my first out of town marathon and a fantastic experience! A near meeting with former President Bush at mile 18 (knee forced me to walk by without shaking his hand) on a gorgeous day. I recall Shawn Colvin singing the national anthem and jets flying overhead. I was nearly in tears at the start it was so cool! A very well organized event and a fun time!!
2007 Baton Rouge Beach Half Marathon: A great group of people on this one! Small race but man it was fun. Running through LSU’s campus as well as about 6 or so miles around a lake made it fun. A perfect day for running didn’t hurt either!! A must do for everyone!
2005 Hoover Dam 10k: No, not THAT Hoover Dam! I only add this one because it’s the best running event of my life and the only race I sort of felt how you fast runners feel. Tough 10k course they made tougher when they reversed the direction of the race. Not on my “must do” local races anymore but man that was a great run for me!!
…and on the other side of the ledger. My least favorites (again, in no particular order):
2005 Columbus Distance Classic: This half marathon isn’t on the list because of the race, course or anything else. I put it on here because it was 20 degrees and snowing sideways throughout the event. I still had a respectable time (for me) for the event but when you have snow accumulation on the bill of your hat, it’s probably not the best day for a run.
2007 Columbus Winter Run: My first experience with this 15 miler saw the temps drop from the mid 20’s to the mid teens during the race with wind chills near zero. It’s an absolutely boring course and the fact I couldn’t blink or move my jaw by the end didn’t help. And to think I actually did it again in 2008!!! Sometimes you just don’t learn!!
2003 Columbus Marathon: While I’ve run this marathon six times, 2003’s installment was the “how not to” spend your 2 days before the race. Splitting a few bottles of wine two nights before with my girlfriend at the time started the weekend off on the wrong foot and about 3k into the race the road was spinning. I never recovered. I finished but in a personal worst time!
2006 Home Stretch 20-miler: This isn’t a bad race but this edition for me caused me to pass out shortly after the finish line (at my car!). A warmer day than expected and a lack of support on the last 5 or 6 miles made it seemingly like a death march. I’m still not sure how I finished.
2007 Cleveland Rite-Aid Half Marathon: Not a big fan of the race or the course. Not much to see outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Stadium and Jacobs Field. A very vanilla race and one of a very few I wouldn’t recommend.
As I looked through my list I realized there are far more on the good side of the docket than the bad. Here’s to me reaching 100 on 2/16 and beyond!!
Happy Running!!
This weekend was the 98th race of my running life. I started running about 6 years ago after deciding doing a marathon was on my life’s list of things. It was one of the two resolutions I had that year (the other was to visit Australia). Both were accomplished and while I thought back then I was a one and done marathoner, history proves otherwise.
These past years have been a wonderful experience of travel, new friendships, new running experiences and quite a few medals and t-shirts. I mean c’mon, aren’t we all in it for the t-shirts and medals anyway??!!
I thought I would recap my favorites as well as races which weren’t nearly as fun.
A few of the “fun” ones (in no particular order):
2007 Carlisbad (CA) Half-Marathon: 8 or so miles with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop made this one probably my favorite race ever. Gorgeous day in the mid 50’s at the start made this one perfect. Great organization and support as well. One I’ll probably do again.
2007 Philadelphia Distance Run (half marathon): A very quick tour of downtown Philly followed by a run around the river. Crowd support was unreal and the finish at the Philly Museum was something else! It was the first true fall day of the year with the leaves starting to change and temps in the low 50’s. It was a runner’s delight of a day and one I wish could be bottled!
2005 Charleston (WVa) Distance Run (15 miler): I’ve done this race three times (05-07) and while the finish leaves a little to be desired, “Capital Punishment Hill” and the descent of it make it a very fun day. It’s surprisingly flat from mile 6 on and running by the state capitol building is pretty cool. The expo isn’t that great but the free pasta dinner more than makes up for it! A great way to start Labor Day weekend and a race which will be on my list probably as long as I run!
2005 HP Houston Marathon: Despite the concrete wrecking my knees at 19, this was my first out of town marathon and a fantastic experience! A near meeting with former President Bush at mile 18 (knee forced me to walk by without shaking his hand) on a gorgeous day. I recall Shawn Colvin singing the national anthem and jets flying overhead. I was nearly in tears at the start it was so cool! A very well organized event and a fun time!!
2007 Baton Rouge Beach Half Marathon: A great group of people on this one! Small race but man it was fun. Running through LSU’s campus as well as about 6 or so miles around a lake made it fun. A perfect day for running didn’t hurt either!! A must do for everyone!
2005 Hoover Dam 10k: No, not THAT Hoover Dam! I only add this one because it’s the best running event of my life and the only race I sort of felt how you fast runners feel. Tough 10k course they made tougher when they reversed the direction of the race. Not on my “must do” local races anymore but man that was a great run for me!!
…and on the other side of the ledger. My least favorites (again, in no particular order):
2005 Columbus Distance Classic: This half marathon isn’t on the list because of the race, course or anything else. I put it on here because it was 20 degrees and snowing sideways throughout the event. I still had a respectable time (for me) for the event but when you have snow accumulation on the bill of your hat, it’s probably not the best day for a run.
2007 Columbus Winter Run: My first experience with this 15 miler saw the temps drop from the mid 20’s to the mid teens during the race with wind chills near zero. It’s an absolutely boring course and the fact I couldn’t blink or move my jaw by the end didn’t help. And to think I actually did it again in 2008!!! Sometimes you just don’t learn!!
2003 Columbus Marathon: While I’ve run this marathon six times, 2003’s installment was the “how not to” spend your 2 days before the race. Splitting a few bottles of wine two nights before with my girlfriend at the time started the weekend off on the wrong foot and about 3k into the race the road was spinning. I never recovered. I finished but in a personal worst time!
2006 Home Stretch 20-miler: This isn’t a bad race but this edition for me caused me to pass out shortly after the finish line (at my car!). A warmer day than expected and a lack of support on the last 5 or 6 miles made it seemingly like a death march. I’m still not sure how I finished.
2007 Cleveland Rite-Aid Half Marathon: Not a big fan of the race or the course. Not much to see outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Stadium and Jacobs Field. A very vanilla race and one of a very few I wouldn’t recommend.
As I looked through my list I realized there are far more on the good side of the docket than the bad. Here’s to me reaching 100 on 2/16 and beyond!!
Happy Running!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Orlando Xtreme Half Marathon
Friday I flew to Orlando for the Xtreme half marathon. It was at the wetlands just east of Orlando (in Christmas) and is basically in the middle of nowhere. The course was a 2 and change loop course around a series of, well, wetlands including a few lakes. It was interesting to see the “Watch out for alligators” because that is simply not something I’m used to looking for while pounding the roads in Ohio.
The start was at 7 and we were instructed to walk to our start line at 6:45. What they didn’t mention is there were 4 different start lines (5k, 10k, half and full marathon) and because it was dark there was no telling exactly which way to go. I did manage to head in the correct direction but didn’t realize it was a mile from the finish line to the start line. Most of the other people didn’t either and the race started about 10 minutes late. At the start, it was clear this was going to be a quasi-trail race with us running on a double track of compressed sand on each track with a big grassy patch in between. Footing was definitely not the best although it was much softer than running on asphalt or concrete. The weather was in the low 50’s with no clouds to speak of!
Like many of my other races, the pack spread out rather quickly. This time I wasn’t quite so far back. Water stops were about every mile and a quarter and because of this I had to stop at mile 3 for an unscheduled pit stop! Despite the terrain, I somehow managed to establish a rhythm and throughout the first lap, my mile splits were fairly even. What was interesting about the race is because of the different starting points, I was getting passed regularly by marathoners and 10k runners. I’ve been passed more times than the Patriots practice balls in my running “career” so it’s no big deal but it was interesting to see the faster runners blow by me. I cramped right before mile 9 and had to walk for a minute to stretch out the right quad. My guess is it was due to the rough terrain. By mile 10 I realized I would be much faster than the previous weekend’s event and while I was starting to tire, I was still able to limp in about 8 minutes faster than the 13.1 mile mark of last week but still short of where I wanted to be. I’ll chalk that up to the terrain! Oh well, another state (that’s 16 where I’ve run at least a half..only 34 more to go!!)
Overall, a fun race with some really nice people. I didn’t talk to many while I was out on the course but before, after and at Denny’s I talked to the participants and it was enjoyable trading stories of the road!
Coming soon: I’m 98 races into my running “career” so I’ll do a top 5 or so list of favorites as well as a top 5 or so least favorites.
Also: Half at the Hamptons report…
Until next time, see you on the roads!!
The start was at 7 and we were instructed to walk to our start line at 6:45. What they didn’t mention is there were 4 different start lines (5k, 10k, half and full marathon) and because it was dark there was no telling exactly which way to go. I did manage to head in the correct direction but didn’t realize it was a mile from the finish line to the start line. Most of the other people didn’t either and the race started about 10 minutes late. At the start, it was clear this was going to be a quasi-trail race with us running on a double track of compressed sand on each track with a big grassy patch in between. Footing was definitely not the best although it was much softer than running on asphalt or concrete. The weather was in the low 50’s with no clouds to speak of!
Like many of my other races, the pack spread out rather quickly. This time I wasn’t quite so far back. Water stops were about every mile and a quarter and because of this I had to stop at mile 3 for an unscheduled pit stop! Despite the terrain, I somehow managed to establish a rhythm and throughout the first lap, my mile splits were fairly even. What was interesting about the race is because of the different starting points, I was getting passed regularly by marathoners and 10k runners. I’ve been passed more times than the Patriots practice balls in my running “career” so it’s no big deal but it was interesting to see the faster runners blow by me. I cramped right before mile 9 and had to walk for a minute to stretch out the right quad. My guess is it was due to the rough terrain. By mile 10 I realized I would be much faster than the previous weekend’s event and while I was starting to tire, I was still able to limp in about 8 minutes faster than the 13.1 mile mark of last week but still short of where I wanted to be. I’ll chalk that up to the terrain! Oh well, another state (that’s 16 where I’ve run at least a half..only 34 more to go!!)
Overall, a fun race with some really nice people. I didn’t talk to many while I was out on the course but before, after and at Denny’s I talked to the participants and it was enjoyable trading stories of the road!
Coming soon: I’m 98 races into my running “career” so I’ll do a top 5 or so list of favorites as well as a top 5 or so least favorites.
Also: Half at the Hamptons report…
Until next time, see you on the roads!!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Two races....
I just read Abby’s blog about Derry (I considered flying in to do it but now I’m glad I didn’t!) and it inspired me to share my last few “events” to whomever cares to read them. I’d call them races but, well, you’ll see why I don’t!
For the record, I’m slow. I’m 6’3”+ and built more like a linebacker than a Kenyan. In fact, my friends say I’m two Kenyans. But I digress…
Two weekends ago I ran Dave’s Shoe Run. It’s a 10 miler in a tiny town called Delta, Ohio. It’s about 15 miles west of Toledo if you’re looking for it on a map. It’s largely flat but does have 4 hills which really are bridges over the Ohio Turnpike. It’s a wide open space of running with virtually no trees, houses or anything of the kind. Basically, it’s pretty boring and I still can’t figure out why I’ve driven the 2 ½ hours up there TWICE to do this race. Maybe it’s the post race soup? Maybe it’s the chance to stop off on the way home to see the P’s? Who knows? All I know is the 2008 version of the race created a new first for me.
The race started rather innocently enough with the 160 or so entrants taking off with varying speeds. As I tried to get into my rhythm, to which I have none, I was just hopeful the nearly two weeks I lost from being sick wouldn’t come back to haunt me. At the 1 mile mark I noticed I was getting dusted by virtually everyone. At the next turn, I realized only 3 people were behind me. By mile 4 those 3 people were all in front of me. Yep. I was last!! It wasn’t like I was monumentally slow (I think I did just over 11 minute miles for the race) but I most definitely wasn’t fast either. By mile 8 I had resigned myself to the truck driving with the back of the packers would be spending more of his time worrying about me. With about a mile and a half to go, the truck driver pulled up to see if I was ok. I had started doing a little interval walk/run thing about a mile earlier and my guess is the guy was concerned I couldn’t complete the distance. It was sort of funny and I think I surprised the driver of the truck when I gave him this big, cheesy grin saying I was great. In fact, I was fine. I was just spent since my longest actual run in the two weeks prior was only a 4 miler (I don’t count the half in Mississippi I did the week before because being sick made me walk most of it). I crossed the finish line just north of 1:50. About 11 minutes off my PR, about 4 minutes slower than expected and in 160-whateverth place.
Some thoughts about the race:
I probably shouldn’t have done it and ran 10k or so at home.
It’s not the first time I shouldn’t have done a race. See above about the half in Mississippi. That was most definitely the worst race I’ve ever had.
While I didn’t note it above, I think the driver was a little put off I was so slow. It’s funny because I have been to many races where a 10 mile last place is approaching 3 hours. I wasn’t out there even 2 hours. In fact, the person in front of me was only about 30 seconds ahead of me.
For whatever reason, I am still struggling since my race in early December in Baton Rouge.
The Columbus Winter Run:
It’s the annual 15 miler on the east side of town. I did the race in 2007 and thought 2008 would be a good way to train for Boston with a longer run. The course is a rather blah 7.5 mile out and back on mostly country roads through farmland and a few rolling hills. It’s a convenient event to do because it’s 20 minutes from my house and it starts in the early afternoon. The bad part is most people who are slow like me don’t run that far in the winter AND the back part of the course is due west and always into a stiff headwind!
This year’s run was much better than last year’s 15 degree-20mph wind event. Temps were in the high 20’s and winds were less than 10. The bad thing was probably the 4 beers I had the night before discussing world events with the neighbors. It seemed like a good idea at the time…..
As the start I noticed the field was smaller than last year’s with about 100 or so entrants. Within a mile we were very spread out. I did manage to run with a gentleman for a few miles. We discussed races and how it’s easier for him to run when he’s working rather than when he’s not! The turn was supposed to be at the 7.5 mile mark but when we arrived, we noticed the cone had been moved an extra quarter mile. Apparently, people from the east side of town have division issues. I almost turned at the actual 7.5 mile mark but realized I’d be cheating the rest of the competitors by not running the same course. It didn’t really matter as there were few behind me so I trudged the extra quarter mile each way to and from the cone.
Around the 10 mile mark I was passed by another gentleman (who I later learned was from West Virginia and just felt like running 15 miles that day). He was followed by a police escort. At that point I realized the police car was given instructions to keep an 11-minute mile pace. I also realized the wind had picked up. I was cold!!
The rest of the race was pretty uneventful. I ran out of gas shortly after the 11 mile mark and limped home a few minutes slower than 07 and about 6 or 7 minutes slower than I thought I would run. I did pass someone just past 14 and finished 6th from last. I’ll chalk the time up to the beer the night before and still trying to get back into pre-illness fitness.
Next week….Orlando Xtreme half marathon
For the record, I’m slow. I’m 6’3”+ and built more like a linebacker than a Kenyan. In fact, my friends say I’m two Kenyans. But I digress…
Two weekends ago I ran Dave’s Shoe Run. It’s a 10 miler in a tiny town called Delta, Ohio. It’s about 15 miles west of Toledo if you’re looking for it on a map. It’s largely flat but does have 4 hills which really are bridges over the Ohio Turnpike. It’s a wide open space of running with virtually no trees, houses or anything of the kind. Basically, it’s pretty boring and I still can’t figure out why I’ve driven the 2 ½ hours up there TWICE to do this race. Maybe it’s the post race soup? Maybe it’s the chance to stop off on the way home to see the P’s? Who knows? All I know is the 2008 version of the race created a new first for me.
The race started rather innocently enough with the 160 or so entrants taking off with varying speeds. As I tried to get into my rhythm, to which I have none, I was just hopeful the nearly two weeks I lost from being sick wouldn’t come back to haunt me. At the 1 mile mark I noticed I was getting dusted by virtually everyone. At the next turn, I realized only 3 people were behind me. By mile 4 those 3 people were all in front of me. Yep. I was last!! It wasn’t like I was monumentally slow (I think I did just over 11 minute miles for the race) but I most definitely wasn’t fast either. By mile 8 I had resigned myself to the truck driving with the back of the packers would be spending more of his time worrying about me. With about a mile and a half to go, the truck driver pulled up to see if I was ok. I had started doing a little interval walk/run thing about a mile earlier and my guess is the guy was concerned I couldn’t complete the distance. It was sort of funny and I think I surprised the driver of the truck when I gave him this big, cheesy grin saying I was great. In fact, I was fine. I was just spent since my longest actual run in the two weeks prior was only a 4 miler (I don’t count the half in Mississippi I did the week before because being sick made me walk most of it). I crossed the finish line just north of 1:50. About 11 minutes off my PR, about 4 minutes slower than expected and in 160-whateverth place.
Some thoughts about the race:
I probably shouldn’t have done it and ran 10k or so at home.
It’s not the first time I shouldn’t have done a race. See above about the half in Mississippi. That was most definitely the worst race I’ve ever had.
While I didn’t note it above, I think the driver was a little put off I was so slow. It’s funny because I have been to many races where a 10 mile last place is approaching 3 hours. I wasn’t out there even 2 hours. In fact, the person in front of me was only about 30 seconds ahead of me.
For whatever reason, I am still struggling since my race in early December in Baton Rouge.
The Columbus Winter Run:
It’s the annual 15 miler on the east side of town. I did the race in 2007 and thought 2008 would be a good way to train for Boston with a longer run. The course is a rather blah 7.5 mile out and back on mostly country roads through farmland and a few rolling hills. It’s a convenient event to do because it’s 20 minutes from my house and it starts in the early afternoon. The bad part is most people who are slow like me don’t run that far in the winter AND the back part of the course is due west and always into a stiff headwind!
This year’s run was much better than last year’s 15 degree-20mph wind event. Temps were in the high 20’s and winds were less than 10. The bad thing was probably the 4 beers I had the night before discussing world events with the neighbors. It seemed like a good idea at the time…..
As the start I noticed the field was smaller than last year’s with about 100 or so entrants. Within a mile we were very spread out. I did manage to run with a gentleman for a few miles. We discussed races and how it’s easier for him to run when he’s working rather than when he’s not! The turn was supposed to be at the 7.5 mile mark but when we arrived, we noticed the cone had been moved an extra quarter mile. Apparently, people from the east side of town have division issues. I almost turned at the actual 7.5 mile mark but realized I’d be cheating the rest of the competitors by not running the same course. It didn’t really matter as there were few behind me so I trudged the extra quarter mile each way to and from the cone.
Around the 10 mile mark I was passed by another gentleman (who I later learned was from West Virginia and just felt like running 15 miles that day). He was followed by a police escort. At that point I realized the police car was given instructions to keep an 11-minute mile pace. I also realized the wind had picked up. I was cold!!
The rest of the race was pretty uneventful. I ran out of gas shortly after the 11 mile mark and limped home a few minutes slower than 07 and about 6 or 7 minutes slower than I thought I would run. I did pass someone just past 14 and finished 6th from last. I’ll chalk the time up to the beer the night before and still trying to get back into pre-illness fitness.
Next week….Orlando Xtreme half marathon
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