Old School 4 Mile

Today was the Old School 4 Mile, the first Chicago Trail Series race of the year.  It was held at the Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and I'd never been there before.  I saw two deer as I drove to the parking area.  I think it was probably the flattest trail race imaginable, but that was fine with me, as I haven't exactly been hitting the hills hard lately.  I arrived a bit after 7:30, and as it was a small no-frills (environmentally conscious) race, I had plenty of time to pick up my number and shirt (and that's all!) and had no wait for the only women's restroom in sight.  I actually really appreciate not being given a big bunch of papers, almost all of which will go straight to the recycling. 

I sat in the car for a few minutes, decided with shirts to wear, and pinned on my number.  We walked down a trail a bit to the starting line, and were off.  After the crowd spread out, I passed a few people now and then, don't remember getting passed, and enjoyed the race.  I saw four deer along my way.  I think trail shoes were a bit unnecessary as the course was almost all crushed limestone and flat, but since it's been so rainy I didn't know what to expect.  My pace was faster than my everyday pace, but I didn't go in with a goal (partly because I didn't know how much "trail" to expect).  I haven't really done any speed work to speak of this spring.  The first three miles were around 9:30 pace, and the last one was around 9 even.  Pretty comfortable, I didn't really push it.  I just signed up for the fun of a trail race.

After I finished, I grabbed a cup of Gatorade, a bagel and a banana.  I walked to the car, used the bathroom again, changed into pants and sandals.  I was sort of curious how fast a person had to be to get one of the age group awards and decided to hang around for them to be handed out.  It rained so much this week that the boys' soccer games for today were cancelled as the fields were a mess and would only get more damaged (I also suspect that low attendance expectations due to Easter were considered), so I didn't have to hurry home.  So I stretched by a picnic table, hung around, and took another banana after the director encouraged everyone to do so. 

They announced the times of the overall winners, but none of the others, so I'd have to wait too see the results.  I was really surprised to hear my name called as the second finisher in my age group!  I certainly have never won an age group award before, and won't be surprised if I never do again, but I was still really happy.  I went home guessing that there were three in my group, but actually there were eight.  I could've gone faster than I did, but I don't think that sub-34 was possible, so there was no way I could've had first.  My official time was 37:55.72--a PR, as it was my only 4-mile race too.  It was a small race, and I almost feel kind of bad for getting an award when I just ran for fun and didn't bust it, but I will probably always treasure my little plaque.

Is April the Cruelest Month?

It almost seems that since my yoga class ended, all hell has broken loose.  I guess it's not all that bad, but this month contains spring break, 2 more days when school is closed, and we've all experienced a third round of gastroenteritis for the winter.  Being sick and having kids home due to illness or no school has made this the third week in a row of exactly one mid-week run, and no cross-training.  Ugh!  This is a good way to lose all that I've been building up (not that it was that much, but...). 

I found time to buy new shoes last week.  I haven't shopped for new shoes since I got my orthotics last summer (just got another pair of the same right before the marathon).  This time I got a neutral shoe, as the sales guy watched me run on the treadmill and it was doing the job.  It's a different feeling, one I will need to get used to.

A good thing that happened was that my swimming class started last Sunday (but is off this weekend for Easter).  I have my work cut out for me, and I think the class will help.  I really should try to get in the pool more often than just for class!

Tomorrow is the last day of spring break, and T is taking the day off.  I will likely just get stuff done and not run or bike, as the Old School 4-mile is Saturday morning.  Conditions will likely be muddy, as it is to rain tomorrow.

Making Some Plans

Today I signed up for the Old School 4 Mile, the first of this year's Chicago Trail Series.  It will be the first event in a busy day, followed by soccer for the boys, a birthday party for one to attend, and hockey at night for T.  I've decided to let the Lakefront 10 go without me this year.  I also recently registered for the Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10.

It's time for new shoes.  I'm thinking about trail shoes too.  I need to get myself to the store!

Last night was the last meeting of my yoga class.  I haven't signed up for the next session, as T was considering Thursday hockey clinics for himself and the boys.  I'm still not sure whether I'll miss the classes, not that I doubt it was doing me good.  There is a place nearby with drop-in classes that I may try out if I feel the need.  CES also has an early morning class in the summer that's outdoors, which sounds cool to me.

I just signed up for Triathlon Swimming at the Y--I'm looking forward to getting back into swimming.  I'm just about ready to sign up for a race.  The only hitch I see in August is playoff hockey, and there's no telling when that will be until a lot later.