Saturday, June 25, 2011

Solstice 10 Mile

First of my nine (or so) races. It went just about perfectly. :)

I went in with this vague idea of going relatively easy the first three miles, moderate hard the second three miles, and hard the last three miles.

Of course, those of you with math skills realize that this adds up to nine. I didn't really figure that out until mile six. On the other hand, I didn't follow that plan even a little, so I just got a chance to laugh at myself.

I warmed up about mile with some of my Daily Mile friends, kicked back and watched the 10K start. Soon enough I was lining up with the rest of the 10 milers, feeling that anticipation that usually comes at the beginning of a race.

Doing the first half mile on a horse track was sort of interesting. A bit sandy, and kind of banked, it wasn't my favorite running surface; on the other hand, I like it better than concrete. Nearly tripped going out of the track, and a few minutes later hit the first hill.

I later thought that during the race, if I can feel myself going down the hill, I'll probably have to pay for it a lot, later. Well. We started off with money in the bank. The first hill wasn't killer. Might maim a bit, if you didn't respect it, but not killer.

No, I think it was the downhills that were truly killer. I like to let my momentum work, but it still and kill the quads. I was feeling it by mile eight, and am particularly glad I skipped my strength training workout Friday.

The miles flew by; I thought random thoughts, and attacked (or was attacked by) random hills. There were houses, but I didn't see them. Lots of people were wearing the race shirt, I guess, but I wasn't paying attention.

In fact, either I was in the "zone" for most of the race, or I pretty much sleepran through it. Not really sure I could tell the difference, really.

Finished the race in 1:16:28 (Garmin time) and enjoyed the post race festivities. Had a good time standing around and chatting with all the various people. then went off to Guernsey Farms for food and company. I'm regretting not getting chocolate milk and ice cream... but I'll know better for next time.

So, I got a shiny new PR to go along with my shiny new metal. Also got a lei, which was new but not shiny. A good race. I definitely recommend it!





Saturday, June 18, 2011

It's possible I've overdone my race commitments this season. But you know how it goes when a big chunk of my social set are runners: every race anyone is doing sounds like a good idea. So here it is:

6-25 Solstice Run 10M
7-4 Hungry Duck Half Marathon
7-31 Warrior Dash 5K
8-6 The Legend Half Marathon
8-14 RUT lucky 13 fat ass
8-27 The Crim 10M
9-3 Labor Day 30K
9-10 Run Woodstock 50M
10-2 Brooksie Way Half Marathon

If I have anything left, I may sign up for a marathon after the Brooksie, but I'm not sure. Hopefully I can run these relatively smart; not push so hard that I injure myself.

I'm a little worried about the Crim/Labor Day 30K/Woodstock weekends; one after the other isn't a great way to keep myself from overdoing it. But I wouldn't have a problem dropping down from the 50 Mile to the marathon, or even the half if necessary. Or DNFing. There are lots of 50 Milers out there, and I have time to try again, if at first I don't succeed.

If you're doing any of these races, let me know!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Races!