login
 Run
Comments: The gun went off but it took several minutes before the pack started to move around me, of course. This time I remembered to push the start button on my Garmin right as I stepped on the pad. Only took me a year to get that figured out, LOL! I didn't have a specific plan for my run/walk ratio, just played it by ear. Looking at my data, it appears I mostly ran for 1.5 to 2 minutes followed by about 2 minutes of walking. But I definitely pushed my pace faster than I had before, both while running and walking. In the back of my mind I was hoping to hit 40 minutes, though I figured it was unlikely. Well, imagie my surprise and delight when I crossed the finish at 40:45! I was pumped! Sure, it's not going to win me any medals, LOL, but it's a huge improvement for me. (Last year my time was 52:10...) I also know that I did have something left in the tank. If I had really pushed, I'm certain I could've been into the 30's. But I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Every time I get out there I'm learning more about what my limits are, and since I'm losing weight and increasing fitness, those limits keep changing too! What would you do differently?: Really, nothing. I was very relaxed and felt great for this race. Despite the early morning, I had slept pretty well so I was adequately rested. I didn't eat or drink too much or too little. I pushed hard and accomplished a PR, what more can I ask?!!  Post race
Warm down: No warm down to speak of. Just waited for the volunteer to cut off my timing chip, and headed back to the finish line to watch for the others. Missed Kelly and Mike, but shouted out to Matt, and Sherri and Val as they came in. We stood around yakking for awhile, then decided we'd all drive over to Ruby's for breakfast, near Mike and Val's house. What limited your ability to perform faster: Well, as always, my weight is the biggest limiter. But my goal is still there -- to lose all the extra pounds. Every pound I lose will make it that much easier to swim, bike, and run faster. Event comments: Like last year, the water at the single drink station was barely drinkable. Seriously, it tasted like it came right out of a toilet or something. Next year, if I do this one again, I'm going to bring along my own water bottle! Last updated: 2008-04-05 12:00 AM
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK
United States
60F / 16C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 1247/1678
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 58/86
Got up at 5:45 am and got dressed for the race. Fortunately, I had the foresight to lay everything out last night so I didn't have to think this morning. Fed Casper, who appeared even less awake than me -- when I set down his dish, he just kind of looked up at me with this "dude, wtf?" expression. Yeah, I know... that's what all this fitness crap will do to you old boy, stop you from getting to sleep in properly on the weekends. Well, that, and empty your bank account...
Stopped by Starbucks, which unbelievably had three or four customers already. Must've been other athletes. Surely no one *chooses* to get up at 6 am on a weekend, do they?!
The drive to Seal Beach was simple. Parked on First Street about half a mile from the start line. Walked over to registration and picked up my t-shirt and packet. Didn't see any of the gang, so I headed back to the car to drop stuff off. Though it was still a bit nippy, I could tell it would warm up, so I opted to forego the fleece pullover. (I was going to say "forewent" but I'm not sure that's actually a word. ;) )
Walked and jogged back to the start area and waited for the others to arrive. Matt, Sherri, Kelly, Mike, and Val all showed up around the same time and we went over to the start line. Matt, Kelly, and Mike lined up to do the 10K, and Sherri and Val were walking, so I ended up in the middle of the pack somewhere. Man, it was crowded. 4,000 people supposedly.