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Comments: Since I am a slower runner I put myself about 3/4 of the way back in the pack, thinking that I should be with people of similar speed. I was pretty nervous there and went through a surprisingly large number of thoughts and emotions. Strangely I had doubts about myself, which normally I don't have. They didn't last long and disappeared completely once the race started. When the race went my plan of using my heart rate to monitor my first mile pace went to hell. The adrenaline pumped in and before I started to run I went from 70 bpm to 140. I went to a back up pacing method which is a repeated four count. It was likely faster than it should have been but it keep me under control leaving the starting line. The first part of the race went well, I keep a comfortable pace, about 10:30 for the first mile. I spent most of the time dodging slower runners and looking for open space. I have to say I think ipods and music players need to be banned from all running races. I got boxed in by two different groups of runners who were blaring music into their ears, and could hear me try to get by them even though I was calling out, on your left, excuse me, coming through..etc. After about the first 1/2 mile I started to get settled into the run, left great. By the second mile the run was going smooth and I was having fun running down people in front of me. I would continue to increase the pace all the way to the end. Once I broke the 3rd mile I really started to open up my stride, trying to push harder. When I broke into the last .1 I went all out for the finish line, might be kind of silly being so far back in the pack, but I wanted to leave everything on the course. I finished at 29:28 by my watch, not bad for a 295 guy running his first race. Especially when I figure in that at the start of Feb. I could run a mile. I just managed not to puck at the end of the race, but really really thought about it. As I was walking out of the finish area to meet up with my wife, I was hit with a complete wave of emotion. 3 Months ago there was no way for me to do this race now I finished it running sub 10 minute miles. I can't explain what I felt but it was intense, making me want to cry, laugh, shout with joy and a hundred other things all at one time. It pretty cool feeling, hopefully it is there after every race. What would you do differently?: 1. I need a better warmup plan 2. Place myself further up in the line up. 3. Work on lateral cut drills to help get around slower runners (1/2 joking with this)  Post race
Warm down: Not much of one. Mostly the 1/4 mile back to the car, and stretching at the car. Should rethink this a little What limited your ability to perform faster: Was not in a normal day for me. My legs didn't feel like they had their normal kick to them. My weight and were I am at with my training. Event comments: I think this would be a great first race event for anyone just starting out. The course isn't going to kill you so you can focus on the run itself. Last updated: 2009-02-15 12:00 AM
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United States
Campus rec St.Cloud State University
70F / 21C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 394/1101
Age Group = 30-35
Age Group Rank = 29/47
My day wasn't a normal day. I had a field trip to be on, so my normal eating pattern was off. Plus since it was a play my student's were seeing I was stuck in a chair most of the day, not moving around, which left me feeling a bit tight. I picked up my race packet about 4 pm, race was at 6:30 pm. Went and bought a new pair of bike shorts to kill time and the went back to the race area. We (my wife, daughter, and I) got back to the race venue about an hour before race time. We got a great parking spot near the starting line and were able to hang out in the back of the van, relaxing until it go closer to the start time. This alone made it a pretty good day, just relaxing with the family.
Went for a short jog of about 1/4 mile. I got my heart up to the target pace of 144. Practicing that last two weeks this is about my heart rate doing a 10:30 mile. Stretched and did some dynamic warmups. i need to improve this for my next race. I thought I was ready to go, but I still took the first 1/2 mile or so to settle into my run.