Saturday, June 4 was the Renegade Trail 10k. It's been about 6 weeks now, so I'll do my best to remember it!
I set out early-ish for Palatine, as and soon as I left our garage I noticed the tire pressure light was on. Great! So I stopped at the first gas station I came to and filled the one low tire. I then began wishing and wishing that it wouldn't give me any more trouble, as I would be driving a bit of a distance, and on the expressway. Thankfully, it stayed fine until the next day.
After a dreary spring, the weather was abruptly warm and humid. My legs felt pretty good, but my lungs were not enjoying the trip. After an age group award-winning finish in a previous series race without really trying, I actually wanted to put a little effort into this race. The course was enjoyable, with some hills, plenty of mud, and a bit of crushed limestone. There was also plenty of shade, which really helped my comfort level.
I started out in the middle-to-back, as usual. Maybe if I did more warming up before races I'll feel better about starting in the middle, but I'm always afraid of using too much energy up. And psychologically, I feel better about picking people off as I go, rather than the other way around. I finished in 55:21, and my Garmin suggested that the course was a bit short.
After I finished, I got my water bottle and Nuun tablet from the car and headed to the picnic shelter for water. I had a banana and a bagel. I hung out for a bit, feeling kind of good about my time, so I thought I'd wait for the awards. After a couple of delays, they announced that there was trouble with the timing system, and that they'd try to have results online by midnight. They announced the first male and female finishers. I hit the road, as we had a soccer game to get to, and I needed to pick up trophies and photos for P's team.
I bought gas and jumped back onto the highway, where traffic suddenly slowed and stopped. I was sad to see a half-burned white Thunderbird to the side of the road as I passed and the fire trucks were leaving as I approached. I'm no good at identifying years of old cars, but it had fins, and I think it was a convertible. I imagined a 60-something man somewhere was feeling pretty sad then. I hope no one was hurt. Traffic cleared, and I arrived at home with enough time to run to the bathroom while the guys loaded up for soccer. Away we went to the rest of our hot and busy day.
Race results didn't appear for another few days. The organizers sent an e-mail apologizing for not being able to provide times, and said they'd mail the plaques. I looked up the results, and finished 4th in my age group--no plaque for me, but I still had a great time.
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Here we are, six weeks later. I've had time to think about the marathon and process it all, but I think I'm still at it.
It was a lovely weekend. Clear and cool. I flew to MSP early Saturday morning, and Mike and Foster picked me up. We went to Swede Hollow Cafe to pick up breakfast, but when we got to the house they hadn't included his cinnamon roll--boo. Jess came home from hockey, Mike went to the Gopher game, we hung out. In the afternoon, we all went to the expo, which was ok, but not awesome. I was a little disappointed by the merchandise; there was next to nothing left. We considered dinner from Cosetta's, but all the pasta sauce had meat, so we just made pasta at the house.
Sunday, Jess' parents were sick, but she was able to find a babysitter to arrive at 6:30(!), as she and Mike were running the 10 mile. We took off for the Metrodome, she dropped us off and found parking in time to start on time. I had time to kill. After a bit, off to the start. It was cold enough (30s) that I'd decided to go with short tights, though I hadn't worn them since spring. I probably would've been ok with shorts. We took off through downtown Minneapolis and headed for the lakes. I notice an older black man on a corner playing a tuba around 2.5 and found out later that it was Alan Page. I liked a sign that said "St. Paul or bust". The lakes were lovely, but I felt crowded and spent a lot of the race looking at the people right in front of me. I saw Mike, Jess, and Foster along the river, around 18. I looked for them around John Marshall, but didn't remember exactly where it was and got there earlier than expected. I looked for Todd & Jill on their corner but got there early too and didn't see them. I high-fived Steve Stenzel, who was not dancing, and had his chicken head off at 25, but could not summon the energy to cross the street to high-five Al Franken at 25.5. I knew at the time I'd regret it. I finished in 4:21:00 officially, and was thrilled. I cried for a bit, picked up snacks and my shirt and headed to gear check. I had a finisher photo taken. After sitting for a bit, I gathered myself, and started staggering down University Ave. toward Mike's. He came and got me, and I cleaned up. He ran a fantastic 10, in part due to inaccurate time clocks along the way. I ate something (what? leftovers?) and we went to the North Face to spend our coupons. Then Jess and Foster ran for sushi and Mike and I picked up fish and chips in Terry's old neighborhood. I ate both! Monday morning Mike dropped me at the airport and homeward I flew.
Recovery has been unexpectedly slow. I had visions of a Halloween half, which turned into a Thanksgiving half, and now that's not happening either. My longest run since the race has been 6.5 miles. I've been running three days a week, usually 3-4 during the week and 5-6.5 on the weekends. My legs feel tired at the end of the longer runs. I'm trying to get back into my core routine. I have already decided that I did not do enough on the day of the race and the next few to facilitate recovery and will do better at that in the future.
What's up with that time? My goal was 4:30, or really 4:29 in order to beat Oprah. My strategy was to lock onto the 4:30 pacer and hang on for dear life. Any better would be gravy. As it happened, she went a little faster than the designated pace to build up a cushion before Summit Ave. (not what was advertised)! I decided not to look at my watch at all, and I only did once (at the 6 mile marker), to make sure it was running--I never heard the splits. By the time we were near Summit Ave., I decided to see if I could get away from the pacer. A lot of people were following her, and I wanted to get out of the crowd to get some space for myself. So I did. I felt like the hills were a drag, but manageable. I looked at my watch when I crossed the finish line and was really pleased. I knew before I got there that I would beat 4:30, because the pace group was still behind me and out of earshot, but I wasn't sure by how much.
So when you get a time that's beyond what you thought possible, what does it mean? That you could have done even better? That you've been slacking all along? I'm getting old enough for my best times to have been in the past. Immediately afterward, I thought that I'd probably never be able to do better, so there wouldn't need to be another marathon for me, unless I wanted to do a special one, like SF with Ashley. Of course, that has worn off, and I'm starting to think about next year. I've made no decisions yet.
It was a lovely weekend. Clear and cool. I flew to MSP early Saturday morning, and Mike and Foster picked me up. We went to Swede Hollow Cafe to pick up breakfast, but when we got to the house they hadn't included his cinnamon roll--boo. Jess came home from hockey, Mike went to the Gopher game, we hung out. In the afternoon, we all went to the expo, which was ok, but not awesome. I was a little disappointed by the merchandise; there was next to nothing left. We considered dinner from Cosetta's, but all the pasta sauce had meat, so we just made pasta at the house.
Sunday, Jess' parents were sick, but she was able to find a babysitter to arrive at 6:30(!), as she and Mike were running the 10 mile. We took off for the Metrodome, she dropped us off and found parking in time to start on time. I had time to kill. After a bit, off to the start. It was cold enough (30s) that I'd decided to go with short tights, though I hadn't worn them since spring. I probably would've been ok with shorts. We took off through downtown Minneapolis and headed for the lakes. I notice an older black man on a corner playing a tuba around 2.5 and found out later that it was Alan Page. I liked a sign that said "St. Paul or bust". The lakes were lovely, but I felt crowded and spent a lot of the race looking at the people right in front of me. I saw Mike, Jess, and Foster along the river, around 18. I looked for them around John Marshall, but didn't remember exactly where it was and got there earlier than expected. I looked for Todd & Jill on their corner but got there early too and didn't see them. I high-fived Steve Stenzel, who was not dancing, and had his chicken head off at 25, but could not summon the energy to cross the street to high-five Al Franken at 25.5. I knew at the time I'd regret it. I finished in 4:21:00 officially, and was thrilled. I cried for a bit, picked up snacks and my shirt and headed to gear check. I had a finisher photo taken. After sitting for a bit, I gathered myself, and started staggering down University Ave. toward Mike's. He came and got me, and I cleaned up. He ran a fantastic 10, in part due to inaccurate time clocks along the way. I ate something (what? leftovers?) and we went to the North Face to spend our coupons. Then Jess and Foster ran for sushi and Mike and I picked up fish and chips in Terry's old neighborhood. I ate both! Monday morning Mike dropped me at the airport and homeward I flew.
Recovery has been unexpectedly slow. I had visions of a Halloween half, which turned into a Thanksgiving half, and now that's not happening either. My longest run since the race has been 6.5 miles. I've been running three days a week, usually 3-4 during the week and 5-6.5 on the weekends. My legs feel tired at the end of the longer runs. I'm trying to get back into my core routine. I have already decided that I did not do enough on the day of the race and the next few to facilitate recovery and will do better at that in the future.
What's up with that time? My goal was 4:30, or really 4:29 in order to beat Oprah. My strategy was to lock onto the 4:30 pacer and hang on for dear life. Any better would be gravy. As it happened, she went a little faster than the designated pace to build up a cushion before Summit Ave. (not what was advertised)! I decided not to look at my watch at all, and I only did once (at the 6 mile marker), to make sure it was running--I never heard the splits. By the time we were near Summit Ave., I decided to see if I could get away from the pacer. A lot of people were following her, and I wanted to get out of the crowd to get some space for myself. So I did. I felt like the hills were a drag, but manageable. I looked at my watch when I crossed the finish line and was really pleased. I knew before I got there that I would beat 4:30, because the pace group was still behind me and out of earshot, but I wasn't sure by how much.
So when you get a time that's beyond what you thought possible, what does it mean? That you could have done even better? That you've been slacking all along? I'm getting old enough for my best times to have been in the past. Immediately afterward, I thought that I'd probably never be able to do better, so there wouldn't need to be another marathon for me, unless I wanted to do a special one, like SF with Ashley. Of course, that has worn off, and I'm starting to think about next year. I've made no decisions yet.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I've slacked again on the blogging. Training has been rolling along. I've taken Pavel out some on the tagalong, which we both enjoy.
I ran the Lakefront 10 on 4/24. I felt pretty good, and went in only hoping to do as well as (ok, or a little better than) last year, which was 1:42:16 (10:13 pace). It was a pretty nice day, and I felt good, so I just went out at a pace that felt comfortable, and kept at it. I happily finished in 1:39:08 (9:55)--yay!
Today was the Magellan Development Spring Half, and it was altogether different. I felt tired (not that I haven't done well tired before) but it really kind of sucked. The weather was lovely, but my legs just felt tired and eventually sore, and my stomach never felt quite right. I finished in 2:18:37 (10:35), exactly 1 second faster than my first half two years ago. Bleah! I didn't go in gunning for a PR, but I thought it would be better than it was. I've been trying to shake off the disappointment all day. I ran most of the race with a woman from my training group, which was nice. I think we were pretty much on her target pace, so I didn't complain about how much I felt like I was sucking because I didn't want her to feel bad. But it was a crappy outing for me.
I have a few weeks of shorter long mileage while the Hal Higdon 3-day plan catches up to me, and I hope to beef up the cross-training and PT and core exercises in the meantime. I really should get to swimming sometime if I'm going to do a triathlon this year (and I don't know if I will). I think it's also time for some new shoes soon.
I ran the Lakefront 10 on 4/24. I felt pretty good, and went in only hoping to do as well as (ok, or a little better than) last year, which was 1:42:16 (10:13 pace). It was a pretty nice day, and I felt good, so I just went out at a pace that felt comfortable, and kept at it. I happily finished in 1:39:08 (9:55)--yay!
Today was the Magellan Development Spring Half, and it was altogether different. I felt tired (not that I haven't done well tired before) but it really kind of sucked. The weather was lovely, but my legs just felt tired and eventually sore, and my stomach never felt quite right. I finished in 2:18:37 (10:35), exactly 1 second faster than my first half two years ago. Bleah! I didn't go in gunning for a PR, but I thought it would be better than it was. I've been trying to shake off the disappointment all day. I ran most of the race with a woman from my training group, which was nice. I think we were pretty much on her target pace, so I didn't complain about how much I felt like I was sucking because I didn't want her to feel bad. But it was a crappy outing for me.
I have a few weeks of shorter long mileage while the Hal Higdon 3-day plan catches up to me, and I hope to beef up the cross-training and PT and core exercises in the meantime. I really should get to swimming sometime if I'm going to do a triathlon this year (and I don't know if I will). I think it's also time for some new shoes soon.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Boy, it's been a while. There's very little to tell that the Garmin doesn't know, except one run home from preschool after dropping the boy off while the car was in the shop, followed by a run in jeans from the Addison red line station to preschool to pick him up, and one sort of snowy day I went running around and taking pictures.
I went on the December (Sheridan Park) Fleet Feet historic run. Fun, informational, and easy enough to do after a longer run on the day before. I want to do more of these.
I signed up to be a pace group leader for winter half training, which starts on 2/27. I wish we were starting sooner, but I guess I'll just have to get off my butt and be really prepared. It's time to make my plan. I haven't decided on a target race(s) yet--we'll see what kind of deals are out there.
Ashley and I have decided to run Twin Cities next October. She ran Rocket City (again) yesterday in 3:52!! So I don't think we'll be running together.
Yesterday was the Universal Sole Trail Challenge, which was fun. It was 5.25 miles, pretty and snowy though Schiller Woods. I guess the "Challenge" part was the upper-ankle-deep icy water under a viaduct. Some folks climbed the hill and crossed the street, but I like to be official. I took it pretty easy, had a good time.
Oh, I played hockey today, a real game (lost). I've also been to two practices in the last two months. They asked if I'd like to play more. I think I would.
I went on the December (Sheridan Park) Fleet Feet historic run. Fun, informational, and easy enough to do after a longer run on the day before. I want to do more of these.
I signed up to be a pace group leader for winter half training, which starts on 2/27. I wish we were starting sooner, but I guess I'll just have to get off my butt and be really prepared. It's time to make my plan. I haven't decided on a target race(s) yet--we'll see what kind of deals are out there.
Ashley and I have decided to run Twin Cities next October. She ran Rocket City (again) yesterday in 3:52!! So I don't think we'll be running together.
Yesterday was the Universal Sole Trail Challenge, which was fun. It was 5.25 miles, pretty and snowy though Schiller Woods. I guess the "Challenge" part was the upper-ankle-deep icy water under a viaduct. Some folks climbed the hill and crossed the street, but I like to be official. I took it pretty easy, had a good time.
Oh, I played hockey today, a real game (lost). I've also been to two practices in the last two months. They asked if I'd like to play more. I think I would.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
So I've been slacking with the blogging, but there really is almost nothing to tell that the Garmin hasn't captured.
This was an interesting week... Tuesday I ran on the track at Chase Park. 5x400 with 400 m rests, not as terrible as I thought it might be.
Thursday I ran to Henry's House and was running late so the run didn't get recorded. It was around 2.75 mi and I don't know how long it took--probably was going sort of quick.
Saturday morning was the Carrera de los Muertos 5k in Pilsen. The website says it's actually 3.2 mi. I was looking for a PR, not having really run that many 5ks and none in a few years. My official (clock) time was 27:17.6, good for 6th place in my age group. Outrageously enough, this would've got me 2nd in the 35-39 group. My watch said 26:26.33, with which I was pleased, and it also said 3.17 mi., and I didn't cut at all. We'll see if the results get updated, as it was chip timed. In my dazed state, I took my disposable chip with the race logo off and threw it into a bin after being waved off by the chip removal people. Later I heard the announcement that only old-style chips without the race logo needed to be returned. That would've been a cute souvenir! Oh well. I've decided I need to go back next year and try to get an award--a fancy skull. The party afterward was fun, but I got too cold to stay around.
Today was the Fleet Feet Historic Run to Rosehill Cemetery. Weather was much better than my last (harrowing) historic run, and it made for a nice recovery run--not to far or too fast, with lots of stops. On my way out I bought a second pair of Brooks Adrenaline 9s on sale for $80, and was entered to win a pair of 10s when they come out.
This afternoon we took the kids to the pool, and my legs are officially tired, but not really sore. I feel pretty good, overall.
This was an interesting week... Tuesday I ran on the track at Chase Park. 5x400 with 400 m rests, not as terrible as I thought it might be.
Thursday I ran to Henry's House and was running late so the run didn't get recorded. It was around 2.75 mi and I don't know how long it took--probably was going sort of quick.
Saturday morning was the Carrera de los Muertos 5k in Pilsen. The website says it's actually 3.2 mi. I was looking for a PR, not having really run that many 5ks and none in a few years. My official (clock) time was 27:17.6, good for 6th place in my age group. Outrageously enough, this would've got me 2nd in the 35-39 group. My watch said 26:26.33, with which I was pleased, and it also said 3.17 mi., and I didn't cut at all. We'll see if the results get updated, as it was chip timed. In my dazed state, I took my disposable chip with the race logo off and threw it into a bin after being waved off by the chip removal people. Later I heard the announcement that only old-style chips without the race logo needed to be returned. That would've been a cute souvenir! Oh well. I've decided I need to go back next year and try to get an award--a fancy skull. The party afterward was fun, but I got too cold to stay around.
Today was the Fleet Feet Historic Run to Rosehill Cemetery. Weather was much better than my last (harrowing) historic run, and it made for a nice recovery run--not to far or too fast, with lots of stops. On my way out I bought a second pair of Brooks Adrenaline 9s on sale for $80, and was entered to win a pair of 10s when they come out.
This afternoon we took the kids to the pool, and my legs are officially tired, but not really sore. I feel pretty good, overall.
Monday, September 14, 2009
I've been a terrible blogger, but I've been running regularly (see Garmin uploads). Yesterday was the Chicago Half Marathon, and I did well. It was sort of warm and humid (especially for this year) and the last miles were south on LSD into direct sun, which was rough. But I got a PR (2:06:58), and by 4+ minutes! I don't know if I'll be able to beat it in two weeks in Ft. Wayne, but we'll see. I'm sore now.
I'm afraid the Brooks Adrenaline are croaking.
I'm afraid the Brooks Adrenaline are croaking.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Chicago Trail Series Renegade Trail run 10k. My first trail race, and it was fun. I should make more of an effort to get to trails. I was not sure what to expect, so I expected extreme and it wasn't. Somewhat hilly but not overly so--I never considered walking. Some stretches of dirt, but mostly crushed gravel. Seriously considering signing up for the 12k next month. Wore old shoes in case of bad mud, but unnecessary.
6.21/1:03:05/10:09
1: 10:34
2: 10:48
3: 10:22
4: 9:54
5: 10:02
6: 9:40
7: 1:42
6.21/1:03:05/10:09
1: 10:34
2: 10:48
3: 10:22
4: 9:54
5: 10:02
6: 9:40
7: 1:42
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fri., 5/15: 2/22 or so. A little sore. PT exercises
Sun., 5/17: Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon. The inaugural year, unseasonably cool (high 40s-low 50s) and sunny. 2-loop course from Lakeshore East down by McCormick Place. Went in with sort of low expectations, after having felt flat for a while, but finished with a PR of 2:11:11. Thought along the way about the effects of long runs at faster pace--maybe making me feel more flat all the time, but did it net the faster time? Concluded that I need more variety in training paces.
Weekly total: 18
Garmin arrived Saturday, but didn't get charged, etc. in time for race.
Sun., 5/17: Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon. The inaugural year, unseasonably cool (high 40s-low 50s) and sunny. 2-loop course from Lakeshore East down by McCormick Place. Went in with sort of low expectations, after having felt flat for a while, but finished with a PR of 2:11:11. Thought along the way about the effects of long runs at faster pace--maybe making me feel more flat all the time, but did it net the faster time? Concluded that I need more variety in training paces.
Weekly total: 18
Garmin arrived Saturday, but didn't get charged, etc. in time for race.
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