Kristi1357
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2000
- Messages
- 4,477
Race Reports for 4/27, 28, 29 and Encouragement/Kudos!
- Thread starter Maherae
- Start date
Mouse Skywalker
<font color=green>The Force is strong with this Po
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
- Messages
- 7,021
Hooah Vic! WTG!
thndrmatt
Real Life Mickey Wannabe!
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2005
- Messages
- 799
Another week, another race report!
Dance/sing with me!
"I was riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiiidin by the riivvvvvvvvvvvver, I SAY AGAIN I was riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiiidin by the river..."
The Boll Weevil 100 consisted of 25 mile, 100k (62 mile) and 100 mile versions of the course. Having never ridden over 35 miles in one go, I opted for the 100k. Unfortunately I forgot to take my Centrum the past two days, and as is always the case when I skip my vitamin accidentally, I instantly get
. Basically instant cold, not sure how that happens other than lacking the usual dose of vitamin C. Luckily it doesn't require much energy to type a race report so here I am.
DW decided to sleep through this one, rightfully so since she drove us up there late and after the 2 hour drive we didn't actually get to bed until after midnight. Alarm went off at 5:30, and I grabbed everything (or so I thought) and snuck out. Turned out the maids finally woke her up at 11:00 checkout time to clean the room, but I wasn't back yet, so she got it extended to 12:30.
Arrived at the race site and they had all kinds of food and beverage set up at registration at the civic center. It was put on by the Lion's Club of Enterprise, AL, so even though I was at least 30 years the junior of everyone in the room they were a cheerful chatty bunch and I fit right in. Hindsight I probably would have gotten in more sleep and not gotten there quite so early, there really wasn't much to do. Back to the car I went and catnapped til 7. I thought that would be enough time to be ready to go by the start at 7:30, but I forgot I hadn't put on the two new bottle cages for my bike, so out came the hex tool and I started working frantically. Basically when they said "TWO MINUTES" I finally just left the 2nd one a little loose and tried to jam on my shoes and helmet as fast as possible. That's when I discovered I had forgot my sunglasses, which meant every time a truck or large vehicle passed there was mad dust kicked into my eyes. At least I didn't get the raccoon tan I would have though, and remembered to put on sunblock! There were at least 100 people riding, probably more like 200+.
It was my first group ride of any kind, so I took it real easy at first. We had a nice police escort sirens and all on the way out of town. Eventually things stretched out a bit and I found a group of about 20 riders who were moving along about 20mph or so. This is where I discovered the gloriousness of riding in a pack. I guess because the people in front are fighting the air, it basically feels like you're just gliding along effortlessly. Regularly I had to coast just to keep from running into the rider in front of me. So then the sillyness started. About 100 yards from the start I reached down into my new Tyr top front pocket to check out the map for the first few turns, and it was gone. Another reason I stayed with the pack early on, was worried I'd get lost. A few miles in I feel the other pocket get light, and I hear the energy bar hit the ground and skid off the shoulder of the road. Bummer, now I have no nutrition (totally forgot I had a bar in my behind the seat pack too). Then the best part, another 5 miles in and I'm out in the middle of the road on the left side of the pack, and my rear bottle comes bounding out of its cage (I left that one loose remember) and somehow avoids getting under anyone else's wheel as it skids off the left side of the road. Pretty sure everyone felt I was a total moron by that point. That all worried me slightly since now I was down to one bottle and no map.
I made the mistake of stopping at the first SAG (Stop and Go) point about 12 miles in. I was the only one in the pack who did. Asked if they had a map (they didn't) and grabbed some quick gatorade and tried to catch back up. Really hauled for a few miles, but now it was me fighting the wind by myself like normal. Never did catch up. Ended up passing onesie twosie riders over the next several miles, mainly because there were some pretty significant hills, the ones where you keep trying to shift into an easier gear and realize that you're already on your easiest and still barely able to move forward. The north half of the course was really rolling, but most of the uphills were easier because you still had momentum from the downhills, there weren't many long uphills. At SAG 2 I ran into half a dozen riders or so, by this point the 100 mile course had split off to do an extra 5 miles or so, so it was mostly us metric types. Between 2 and 3 I got passed by a police car escorting a group of riders, figured they must have been doing the 100mi. They were cruel though, pretty much after every SAG was an immediate long uphill to drain away whatever energy you had regained. I tried to get down half a banana at one, granola bar at a few others knowing I'd need the calories. The good thing was I was able to refill my lone gatorade bottle at each, and the 20 ounces lasted me the 10-16 miles betwen SAGs.
Anyway long story short I rode and rode and rode and rode through some beautiful rolling countryside. Highlight was hitting the 40 mile point, I'd now ridden farther than ever in my entire life. Another one at the 56 mile point, I now knew I could finish the bike leg of the Ironman 70.3 next month at least standalone. Another one was the 62 mile point, I had now ridden 100 kilometers. What's that you say? For a metric century that's supposed to be the finish? Well yes that's true, but I guess they had trouble getting the course to be exactly that distance and still finish back at the civic center, so they added some "bonus miles." As it turns out I rode about 66.7 miles via the Garmin, or 2/3 of a full century.
I ended up averaging 18.2mph over a total time of something like 3 hours and 30 minutes. With regards to total time it was the second longest (next to the DW marathon this year) endurance event I had ever completed. With regards to distance, the longest by a longshot. I really did enjoy it though, although the roads were open to vehicles, there just weren't that many on the rural roads of southern Alabama on an early Saturday. Including stops my time was closer to 4 hours, so I ended up having to wolf the food at the finish, grab my bling and go to get the hotel in time to shower and late checkout. That's right there was bling! A medal even for a bike ride (I didn't know honest)! The main soreness for me is the tendons connecting the quad to the knee it feels like, there's a bit of swelling and pain there when I sit down or stand up. My behind was basically painless though which is weird since it gave me problems on much shorter rides.
It really woke me up to how impossible the full length Ironman seems. 112 miles just on the bike? Out there for like 7 hours? Then run/shuffle a marathon? And that's assuming you survived the swim? No thanks, won't even attempt it for at least another year plus. I guess that means it's a distant possibility in the future though if I say it that way hmm....
So I know I can at least finish the swim for the Ironman 70.3 hopefully under the cutoff, I know I can finish the bike and not be too torn up, and obviously after all those half marathons in February the run should be the least of my worries (except it comes last). So we'll see how it all goes come 20 May!
Note: First comes the Minnie 5k+15k next weekend, DW and I will be there!
Dance/sing with me!
"I was riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiiidin by the riivvvvvvvvvvvver, I SAY AGAIN I was riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiidin, riiiiiiiiiiidin by the river..." The Boll Weevil 100 consisted of 25 mile, 100k (62 mile) and 100 mile versions of the course. Having never ridden over 35 miles in one go, I opted for the 100k. Unfortunately I forgot to take my Centrum the past two days, and as is always the case when I skip my vitamin accidentally, I instantly get
. Basically instant cold, not sure how that happens other than lacking the usual dose of vitamin C. Luckily it doesn't require much energy to type a race report so here I am.DW decided to sleep through this one, rightfully so since she drove us up there late and after the 2 hour drive we didn't actually get to bed until after midnight. Alarm went off at 5:30, and I grabbed everything (or so I thought) and snuck out. Turned out the maids finally woke her up at 11:00 checkout time to clean the room, but I wasn't back yet, so she got it extended to 12:30.
Arrived at the race site and they had all kinds of food and beverage set up at registration at the civic center. It was put on by the Lion's Club of Enterprise, AL, so even though I was at least 30 years the junior of everyone in the room they were a cheerful chatty bunch and I fit right in. Hindsight I probably would have gotten in more sleep and not gotten there quite so early, there really wasn't much to do. Back to the car I went and catnapped til 7. I thought that would be enough time to be ready to go by the start at 7:30, but I forgot I hadn't put on the two new bottle cages for my bike, so out came the hex tool and I started working frantically. Basically when they said "TWO MINUTES" I finally just left the 2nd one a little loose and tried to jam on my shoes and helmet as fast as possible. That's when I discovered I had forgot my sunglasses, which meant every time a truck or large vehicle passed there was mad dust kicked into my eyes. At least I didn't get the raccoon tan I would have though, and remembered to put on sunblock! There were at least 100 people riding, probably more like 200+.
It was my first group ride of any kind, so I took it real easy at first. We had a nice police escort sirens and all on the way out of town. Eventually things stretched out a bit and I found a group of about 20 riders who were moving along about 20mph or so. This is where I discovered the gloriousness of riding in a pack. I guess because the people in front are fighting the air, it basically feels like you're just gliding along effortlessly. Regularly I had to coast just to keep from running into the rider in front of me. So then the sillyness started. About 100 yards from the start I reached down into my new Tyr top front pocket to check out the map for the first few turns, and it was gone. Another reason I stayed with the pack early on, was worried I'd get lost. A few miles in I feel the other pocket get light, and I hear the energy bar hit the ground and skid off the shoulder of the road. Bummer, now I have no nutrition (totally forgot I had a bar in my behind the seat pack too). Then the best part, another 5 miles in and I'm out in the middle of the road on the left side of the pack, and my rear bottle comes bounding out of its cage (I left that one loose remember) and somehow avoids getting under anyone else's wheel as it skids off the left side of the road. Pretty sure everyone felt I was a total moron by that point. That all worried me slightly since now I was down to one bottle and no map.
I made the mistake of stopping at the first SAG (Stop and Go) point about 12 miles in. I was the only one in the pack who did. Asked if they had a map (they didn't) and grabbed some quick gatorade and tried to catch back up. Really hauled for a few miles, but now it was me fighting the wind by myself like normal. Never did catch up. Ended up passing onesie twosie riders over the next several miles, mainly because there were some pretty significant hills, the ones where you keep trying to shift into an easier gear and realize that you're already on your easiest and still barely able to move forward. The north half of the course was really rolling, but most of the uphills were easier because you still had momentum from the downhills, there weren't many long uphills. At SAG 2 I ran into half a dozen riders or so, by this point the 100 mile course had split off to do an extra 5 miles or so, so it was mostly us metric types. Between 2 and 3 I got passed by a police car escorting a group of riders, figured they must have been doing the 100mi. They were cruel though, pretty much after every SAG was an immediate long uphill to drain away whatever energy you had regained. I tried to get down half a banana at one, granola bar at a few others knowing I'd need the calories. The good thing was I was able to refill my lone gatorade bottle at each, and the 20 ounces lasted me the 10-16 miles betwen SAGs.
Anyway long story short I rode and rode and rode and rode through some beautiful rolling countryside. Highlight was hitting the 40 mile point, I'd now ridden farther than ever in my entire life. Another one at the 56 mile point, I now knew I could finish the bike leg of the Ironman 70.3 next month at least standalone. Another one was the 62 mile point, I had now ridden 100 kilometers. What's that you say? For a metric century that's supposed to be the finish? Well yes that's true, but I guess they had trouble getting the course to be exactly that distance and still finish back at the civic center, so they added some "bonus miles." As it turns out I rode about 66.7 miles via the Garmin, or 2/3 of a full century.
I ended up averaging 18.2mph over a total time of something like 3 hours and 30 minutes. With regards to total time it was the second longest (next to the DW marathon this year) endurance event I had ever completed. With regards to distance, the longest by a longshot. I really did enjoy it though, although the roads were open to vehicles, there just weren't that many on the rural roads of southern Alabama on an early Saturday. Including stops my time was closer to 4 hours, so I ended up having to wolf the food at the finish, grab my bling and go to get the hotel in time to shower and late checkout. That's right there was bling! A medal even for a bike ride (I didn't know honest)! The main soreness for me is the tendons connecting the quad to the knee it feels like, there's a bit of swelling and pain there when I sit down or stand up. My behind was basically painless though which is weird since it gave me problems on much shorter rides.
It really woke me up to how impossible the full length Ironman seems. 112 miles just on the bike? Out there for like 7 hours? Then run/shuffle a marathon? And that's assuming you survived the swim? No thanks, won't even attempt it for at least another year plus. I guess that means it's a distant possibility in the future though if I say it that way hmm....
So I know I can at least finish the swim for the Ironman 70.3 hopefully under the cutoff, I know I can finish the bike and not be too torn up, and obviously after all those half marathons in February the run should be the least of my worries (except it comes last). So we'll see how it all goes come 20 May!
Note: First comes the Minnie 5k+15k next weekend, DW and I will be there!
hockeygirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 1,604
Hey everyone!!! All I have to say is AWESOME!! Not only did I finish without walking, but I finished in 2:06!!!
Today was my first half marathon, the Long Branch, NJ half marathon, and although I was exhausted at the end, I had a great time running, and strangely enough, I can't wait for the next race!!!
I went on Friday afternoon to pick up my race number and timing chip, and to check out the health and fitness expo they were having. Bought some running clothes on clearance, which was great. While there I wandered around and checked out where the start/finish line was so I was all ready for this morning.
Woke up at today 5am and got my stuff together, and DBF (my scream team) and I headed out around 5:30. Got to the starting line a little after 6. There was soooooooooo....many people! Of course I had to use the bathrooms a few times, I guess from the water I had been drinking on the way, and I think partly because of my nerves! They had bagels near the starting line, so I had a piece of one while I was waiting for the start. About 20 minutes before the 7:30 start, they had us all move into the starting area. Well, this was crazy!!! There was so many people stuffed into such a small area, I couldn't even move to stretch a little or even stay loose, it was a bit nerve racking, as I felt like my legs were getting stiff. Finally, the race starts and I was on my way!! It took about a two minutes to cross the starting line and things started to thin out.
I settled in on my pace, and realize "oh no, I have to go to the bathroom again!!---ugh!!!" So, I finished the first mile and half and saw a bathroom without a line, and made a very quick pit stop, before settling in for the rest of the race! The course was VERY flat, in fact there were no real hills at all. The best part was all the people watching along the way, I don't think there was any point of the race where there weren't people cheering us on. DBF saw me at the start and then he headed over to mile 5. I couldn't wait to see him again when I got over there, because I knew I wouldn't see him again until the finish. After the 5 mile mark, I was still going strong, and surprisingly not tired at all!! When I got to the end of mile 9 I was starting to slow down a little but I still felt pretty good. I still kept my splits at about 10 min or lower, which was my goal. Every mile that went by after 10, I just kept telling myself, you are almost there!!
The last two miles were on the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean, luckily, there wasn't that much wind, but only a nice breeze! And there were SO MANY people there to cheer us on!! Finally, I looked up and I could see the finish line!! I picked up the pace, and sprinted with everything I had left the last bit. I crossed the line in 2:06!!! (that is my own time from crossing the start to finishing)...not sure what official time will be yet. But I am so psyched, I figured I would be around 2:10...so to come in at 2:06, I am ECSTATIC!! My fastest mile was an 8:53 at mile 3 and slowest was 10:02 in mile 12.
I have to say that when I crossed that finish line, i felt really proud of myself for doing this! I know that may sound corny, but it is truly how I felt. I never thought I would be able to finish a half marathon, and now I can't wait to run a full marathon!!!
Time to go rest and take it easy for the rest of the day...I couldn't wait to check in with you all first!!
Today was my first half marathon, the Long Branch, NJ half marathon, and although I was exhausted at the end, I had a great time running, and strangely enough, I can't wait for the next race!!!
I went on Friday afternoon to pick up my race number and timing chip, and to check out the health and fitness expo they were having. Bought some running clothes on clearance, which was great. While there I wandered around and checked out where the start/finish line was so I was all ready for this morning.
Woke up at today 5am and got my stuff together, and DBF (my scream team) and I headed out around 5:30. Got to the starting line a little after 6. There was soooooooooo....many people! Of course I had to use the bathrooms a few times, I guess from the water I had been drinking on the way, and I think partly because of my nerves! They had bagels near the starting line, so I had a piece of one while I was waiting for the start. About 20 minutes before the 7:30 start, they had us all move into the starting area. Well, this was crazy!!! There was so many people stuffed into such a small area, I couldn't even move to stretch a little or even stay loose, it was a bit nerve racking, as I felt like my legs were getting stiff. Finally, the race starts and I was on my way!! It took about a two minutes to cross the starting line and things started to thin out.
I settled in on my pace, and realize "oh no, I have to go to the bathroom again!!---ugh!!!" So, I finished the first mile and half and saw a bathroom without a line, and made a very quick pit stop, before settling in for the rest of the race! The course was VERY flat, in fact there were no real hills at all. The best part was all the people watching along the way, I don't think there was any point of the race where there weren't people cheering us on. DBF saw me at the start and then he headed over to mile 5. I couldn't wait to see him again when I got over there, because I knew I wouldn't see him again until the finish. After the 5 mile mark, I was still going strong, and surprisingly not tired at all!! When I got to the end of mile 9 I was starting to slow down a little but I still felt pretty good. I still kept my splits at about 10 min or lower, which was my goal. Every mile that went by after 10, I just kept telling myself, you are almost there!!
The last two miles were on the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean, luckily, there wasn't that much wind, but only a nice breeze! And there were SO MANY people there to cheer us on!! Finally, I looked up and I could see the finish line!! I picked up the pace, and sprinted with everything I had left the last bit. I crossed the line in 2:06!!! (that is my own time from crossing the start to finishing)...not sure what official time will be yet. But I am so psyched, I figured I would be around 2:10...so to come in at 2:06, I am ECSTATIC!! My fastest mile was an 8:53 at mile 3 and slowest was 10:02 in mile 12.
I have to say that when I crossed that finish line, i felt really proud of myself for doing this! I know that may sound corny, but it is truly how I felt. I never thought I would be able to finish a half marathon, and now I can't wait to run a full marathon!!!
Time to go rest and take it easy for the rest of the day...I couldn't wait to check in with you all first!!
Hello All,
I, too, did my first half marathon today -- the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon in Allentown, PA. The weather was absolutely perfect. Lots of crowds along the route to cheer us on. I finished in 2:22 (not a chip time) so I'm not sure of my actual time. I have mixed feelings on my finish because I wasn't planning on walking but I did. I really thought I could completely run the course because the prior week I had done 11 miles without stopping. I figured if I could do 11, then I certainly do the half.
But I think I started the race too fast and that wore me out. At one point I was with two women who said they were running an 8:38 mile which for me is insane. Keep in mind, too, I had good intentions of maintaining my 10-minute mile pace because I signed up for the 2:10 pace group. Even though I was right by the pace leader at the start I managed to lose her very quickly because of huge crowds. While I'm pretty good at maintaining a steady pace on my training runs, I find that when I'm in a race I tend to go too fast at the start. While that works in a 5-K, it didn't work today. It was probably around the 8 mile mark that I started my run/walk.
Overall it was a very good experience. I loved the stadium finish where they announced my name as I entered the track. And I'm looking forward to my next one -- the Philadelphia Distance Run on Sept. 16
I, too, did my first half marathon today -- the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon in Allentown, PA. The weather was absolutely perfect. Lots of crowds along the route to cheer us on. I finished in 2:22 (not a chip time) so I'm not sure of my actual time. I have mixed feelings on my finish because I wasn't planning on walking but I did. I really thought I could completely run the course because the prior week I had done 11 miles without stopping. I figured if I could do 11, then I certainly do the half.
But I think I started the race too fast and that wore me out. At one point I was with two women who said they were running an 8:38 mile which for me is insane. Keep in mind, too, I had good intentions of maintaining my 10-minute mile pace because I signed up for the 2:10 pace group. Even though I was right by the pace leader at the start I managed to lose her very quickly because of huge crowds. While I'm pretty good at maintaining a steady pace on my training runs, I find that when I'm in a race I tend to go too fast at the start. While that works in a 5-K, it didn't work today. It was probably around the 8 mile mark that I started my run/walk.
Overall it was a very good experience. I loved the stadium finish where they announced my name as I entered the track. And I'm looking forward to my next one -- the Philadelphia Distance Run on Sept. 16
Matt - great reaport! Hope your soreness and pain go away quickly. My dh is doing a century ride in August. I'll probably just do the 50 miler which will be plenty challenging for me. 
Laurie - WTG on your first half!
You are speedy, speedy, speedy! I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. I have no doubt that you will easily conquer the full in January!
jam217 - you are speedy as well! Great job! I, too, have the problem of going too fast at the beginning. I guess I just get too caught up in the moment. Still, as they say in the South, you done good!
WAY TO GO, WISHERS!
Laurie - WTG on your first half!
You are speedy, speedy, speedy! I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. I have no doubt that you will easily conquer the full in January!jam217 - you are speedy as well! Great job! I, too, have the problem of going too fast at the beginning. I guess I just get too caught up in the moment. Still, as they say in the South, you done good!
WAY TO GO, WISHERS!
Tiger Lily 03
Moderator W.I.S.H.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2003
- Messages
- 9,672
Matt, Laurie, and jam217--
Congratulations!
You all did great and I am so glad you came to give us a report before you get your well-deserved rest. I'm glad you are all happy with your success.
Congratulations!
You all did great and I am so glad you came to give us a report before you get your well-deserved rest. I'm glad you are all happy with your success.
Hi Everyone,
Today I ran the Groton 10K Road Race. First let me say that I highly encourage anyone in the MA/NH area to run this race. It's very well organized and they have a Tot's Trots for 1 to 6 yr olds then a 2K, 5K and 10K. The have bands playing at the Start and in several places along the course.
My 3 kids ran in the Tots Trot. They stagger the starting lines every 30 yards or so around the inside of the track so the 1 yo run 30yds, the 2 yo run 60, etc. One of my DD2 heard them say go and took off, but she kept running into the backs of other kids who wouldn't run and their parents. My other DD2 wouldn't move unless I held her hand so the 3 of us ended up running it together. My sis took a great picture of us, I'll try to post it once she sends it to me. My DS5 ran about 150 yds. The rest of the day he kept telling me how tired his legs were and could I carry him.
Groton is this very picturesque New Enland town with cute shops and restaurants lining Main Street. The first mile of the race is down Main St. then you turn off to run through beautiful rolling pastures. It's really a very scenic race.
The weather was overcast and 50ish degrees which was chilly for standing around before the race, but perfect for running. At the starting line they had pace markers for 5:00, 5:30, etc. up to 7:30. After that everyone was lumped together. I had hoped to run 10 mpm so I lined up about half way back in the last group. I think I should have started a little farther back. My plan was to run 10:20 for the first mile then slowly speed up from there. At about 1/2 mile I noticed I was breathing a bit harder than I wanted to be so I kept trying to slow down, but with people passing me on all sides it was hard to do. My first mile was 9:37 so again I tried to slow it down a bit. Mile 2 was 9:51 and I was feeling OK. Just after the 2 mile there was a bit of a downhill, so I took advantage of that to stretch my stride a bit. At the same point up to my left in the middle of this green pasture was a lone bag piper playing music. It was such a beautiful sight/sound that I really think it helped my pace. Mile 3 was 9:07. During miles 4 and 5 I was trying to imagine that I was running on hot coals. I had read this in RW as a way to speed up your foot strike with out really increasing your effort. Thinking about my "burning" feet seemed to keep my mind off my stomach that was starting to cramp a little. Mile 4 was 9:26 and mile 5 was 9:00. As we went through the 5 mile mark I realized that I had a good chance to finish under an hour. My A goal was 10 mpm or 62 minutes. My "wouldn't it be nice" goal was to finish under an hour. So even though mile 6 was quite hilly I had extra incentive to push it a bit and ran 8:55. The last .2 (or my Garmin says it was .31) was run at 7:41 pace. Yikes!! I do have to admit you run the last tenth of a mile on the track with hundreds of screaming spectators. That helped a lot. I am so happy with my race. Even though I didn't run according to my plan it worked out OK. I guess my plan was a bit conservative.
Thanks to all my Wish teammates for the encouragement before the race.
Cindy
Today I ran the Groton 10K Road Race. First let me say that I highly encourage anyone in the MA/NH area to run this race. It's very well organized and they have a Tot's Trots for 1 to 6 yr olds then a 2K, 5K and 10K. The have bands playing at the Start and in several places along the course.
My 3 kids ran in the Tots Trot. They stagger the starting lines every 30 yards or so around the inside of the track so the 1 yo run 30yds, the 2 yo run 60, etc. One of my DD2 heard them say go and took off, but she kept running into the backs of other kids who wouldn't run and their parents. My other DD2 wouldn't move unless I held her hand so the 3 of us ended up running it together. My sis took a great picture of us, I'll try to post it once she sends it to me. My DS5 ran about 150 yds. The rest of the day he kept telling me how tired his legs were and could I carry him.
Groton is this very picturesque New Enland town with cute shops and restaurants lining Main Street. The first mile of the race is down Main St. then you turn off to run through beautiful rolling pastures. It's really a very scenic race.
The weather was overcast and 50ish degrees which was chilly for standing around before the race, but perfect for running. At the starting line they had pace markers for 5:00, 5:30, etc. up to 7:30. After that everyone was lumped together. I had hoped to run 10 mpm so I lined up about half way back in the last group. I think I should have started a little farther back. My plan was to run 10:20 for the first mile then slowly speed up from there. At about 1/2 mile I noticed I was breathing a bit harder than I wanted to be so I kept trying to slow down, but with people passing me on all sides it was hard to do. My first mile was 9:37 so again I tried to slow it down a bit. Mile 2 was 9:51 and I was feeling OK. Just after the 2 mile there was a bit of a downhill, so I took advantage of that to stretch my stride a bit. At the same point up to my left in the middle of this green pasture was a lone bag piper playing music. It was such a beautiful sight/sound that I really think it helped my pace. Mile 3 was 9:07. During miles 4 and 5 I was trying to imagine that I was running on hot coals. I had read this in RW as a way to speed up your foot strike with out really increasing your effort. Thinking about my "burning" feet seemed to keep my mind off my stomach that was starting to cramp a little. Mile 4 was 9:26 and mile 5 was 9:00. As we went through the 5 mile mark I realized that I had a good chance to finish under an hour. My A goal was 10 mpm or 62 minutes. My "wouldn't it be nice" goal was to finish under an hour. So even though mile 6 was quite hilly I had extra incentive to push it a bit and ran 8:55. The last .2 (or my Garmin says it was .31) was run at 7:41 pace. Yikes!! I do have to admit you run the last tenth of a mile on the track with hundreds of screaming spectators. That helped a lot. I am so happy with my race. Even though I didn't run according to my plan it worked out OK. I guess my plan was a bit conservative.
Thanks to all my Wish teammates for the encouragement before the race.
Cindy
hockeygirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 1,604
Just wanted to stop by and read everyone else's race reports!!
Vic--Great job on your race!
Matt--Great job on your race!! 62 miles on a bike--I definetely could not do that!!! You are awesome!
Jam--Great job on your half today!! I hear you about going out too fast...I had to force myself to slow down and stick to my pace today. It was awfully hard but I was able to do it! I was thinking about the Philadelphia Distance run in Sept., we will have to have mini-WISH meet if I do it!!
Cindy--Great job on your 10k! And a speedy pace, with a great finish!!
Vic--Great job on your race!
Matt--Great job on your race!! 62 miles on a bike--I definetely could not do that!!! You are awesome!
Jam--Great job on your half today!! I hear you about going out too fast...I had to force myself to slow down and stick to my pace today. It was awfully hard but I was able to do it! I was thinking about the Philadelphia Distance run in Sept., we will have to have mini-WISH meet if I do it!!
Cindy--Great job on your 10k! And a speedy pace, with a great finish!!
So, I'll put the same report here that I have on the other thread. This is the first time since joining the boards that I've run a race so I do feel kinda special being able to post on this particular thread.
What a race report I have!! Total time, 63:10 for 6.2 miles! Splits =
9:51 (OK, very scarey here, I CANNOT sustain this for an entire race; have to slow down)
10:14 (well, better, but still too fast)
10:37 (better but now too slow)
10:23 (made up time from mile 3)
10:15 (hmmm, too fast for the Minnie)
10:10 (oh dear, could I really be running this fast?)
And bring it in the last 0.2 miles.
The only thing I can say is, Didn't I have 11 seconds in me to bring it in under 63 minutes!?!?!!!!! Now this is a PR for me, but I'm complaining that I couldn't bring it in under 63 minutes! LOL!!!!!
I have run this race before. 3 years ago it was my very first 10K race. Time then 65:06. I didn't run it in 2005, but I ran it last year. Time then 65:16. So I really did well today. Now, here comes a really great thing that happened. I was wearing my WISH shirt and just after we'd crossed the finish line and got water, we were walking toward all the activity. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find someone I'd never met before say how great my shirt was and she used it as a guide throughout the race! She always kept it (me) in sight so she could keep with my pace! And she LOVED the DLF>DNF>>DNS.
And a very special thanks go to my dear, dear DH for staying with me. He was my Yoda (Do or do not. There is no try.). God bless you.
You'll have to read Calcio's take on it on the other thread. God bless all who have run a race today. May there be enough ice and ibuprofen to sustain you to the next race!!!
What a race report I have!! Total time, 63:10 for 6.2 miles! Splits =
9:51 (OK, very scarey here, I CANNOT sustain this for an entire race; have to slow down)
10:14 (well, better, but still too fast)
10:37 (better but now too slow)
10:23 (made up time from mile 3)
10:15 (hmmm, too fast for the Minnie)
10:10 (oh dear, could I really be running this fast?)
And bring it in the last 0.2 miles.
The only thing I can say is, Didn't I have 11 seconds in me to bring it in under 63 minutes!?!?!!!!! Now this is a PR for me, but I'm complaining that I couldn't bring it in under 63 minutes! LOL!!!!!
I have run this race before. 3 years ago it was my very first 10K race. Time then 65:06. I didn't run it in 2005, but I ran it last year. Time then 65:16. So I really did well today. Now, here comes a really great thing that happened. I was wearing my WISH shirt and just after we'd crossed the finish line and got water, we were walking toward all the activity. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find someone I'd never met before say how great my shirt was and she used it as a guide throughout the race! She always kept it (me) in sight so she could keep with my pace! And she LOVED the DLF>DNF>>DNS.
And a very special thanks go to my dear, dear DH for staying with me. He was my Yoda (Do or do not. There is no try.). God bless you.
You'll have to read Calcio's take on it on the other thread. God bless all who have run a race today. May there be enough ice and ibuprofen to sustain you to the next race!!!
nucpharm29
<font color=purple>The Exercise Goddess</font>
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2004
- Messages
- 3,074
Wow--what great race reports everyone!!!
Laurie--super speedy on your first half!!!
Matt--Super racing man--WTG!!
jam--Great race--don't worry about having to walk, you did great!
cindylou--WTG on the 10K!
Laurie--super speedy on your first half!!!
Matt--Super racing man--WTG!!
jam--Great race--don't worry about having to walk, you did great!
cindylou--WTG on the 10K!
MouseDogMom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2005
- Messages
- 1,734
Laurie - GREAT job! That's a terrific time - even better since you ran the entire way!
Matt - I think it's terrific that you know you can do the distance now! And yes, drafting off of other riders is one of the major elements in cycling!
Jam217 - Another terrific time for a first half marathon!
Vic - Why can't they design courses that are FLAT?
Cindy - Great time!
I ran the Race of Grace 5K today. DD was supposed to run with me, but she's coming down with a sore throat/head cold, and after playing soccer at 1:00, she was not doing well, so we agreed that she'd just be my scream team. The race didn't start until 4:00, which was insane, but it's sponsored by a group of churches so I guess we couldn't exactly run in the morning! It was 80 degrees and sunny, but with a mild breeze that kept it from being completely miserable.
There were bands every couple of blocks, mostly playing upbeat Christian music. You were never out of earshot of some form of live music. I wasn't expecting that, and it was really uplifting. Kept my mind off the heat! They had scheduled one water stop at the halfway point/turnaround, but moved it to the 1 mile mark and handed out water to both sides from there. At about 2.5 miles I heard someone yell my name - our associate minister's wife was on the curb near our church and cheered me on.
I finished in 36:10, an 11:28 avg, not a PR, but I was happy with the time since it's the first time I've run in really warm weather. I probably could have pushed it a little more, but really didn't want to overdo it since I've only run once outside since it got hot.
Funny story - we picked up DD's number even though she didn't run. A couple of minutes before I finished they called her name as crossing the finish line. Apparently the race announcer read the number wrong on his roster, but when I crossed the line he told me another family member had already beaten me to the finish! I was a little confused since I'd left her lounging on a blanket...
Now I'm off to sell DH on why we need to go to WDW for the ToT race...
Jackie
Matt - I think it's terrific that you know you can do the distance now! And yes, drafting off of other riders is one of the major elements in cycling!
Jam217 - Another terrific time for a first half marathon!
Vic - Why can't they design courses that are FLAT?
Cindy - Great time!
I ran the Race of Grace 5K today. DD was supposed to run with me, but she's coming down with a sore throat/head cold, and after playing soccer at 1:00, she was not doing well, so we agreed that she'd just be my scream team. The race didn't start until 4:00, which was insane, but it's sponsored by a group of churches so I guess we couldn't exactly run in the morning! It was 80 degrees and sunny, but with a mild breeze that kept it from being completely miserable.
There were bands every couple of blocks, mostly playing upbeat Christian music. You were never out of earshot of some form of live music. I wasn't expecting that, and it was really uplifting. Kept my mind off the heat! They had scheduled one water stop at the halfway point/turnaround, but moved it to the 1 mile mark and handed out water to both sides from there. At about 2.5 miles I heard someone yell my name - our associate minister's wife was on the curb near our church and cheered me on.
I finished in 36:10, an 11:28 avg, not a PR, but I was happy with the time since it's the first time I've run in really warm weather. I probably could have pushed it a little more, but really didn't want to overdo it since I've only run once outside since it got hot.
Funny story - we picked up DD's number even though she didn't run. A couple of minutes before I finished they called her name as crossing the finish line. Apparently the race announcer read the number wrong on his roster, but when I crossed the line he told me another family member had already beaten me to the finish! I was a little confused since I'd left her lounging on a blanket...
Now I'm off to sell DH on why we need to go to WDW for the ToT race...
Jackie
-
New LEGO x Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. Set Out NOW
-
We're Trying a Cookie Fries Recipe From Beaches & Cream
-
Disney Adult Costume Rules: Too Strict or Too Loose?
-
FIRST LOOK: GEO-82 Bar & Lounge at EPCOT in Walt Disney World
-
Your Father's Day Disney Gift Guide is Here!
-
Weird & Wacky Photos from Disney Parks' Past: Part IV
-
DISboards Members Get an Additional $10 Off with FL Tours Transportation This Summer!
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE
