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XC #4 6K - Run


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Seattle, Washington
United States
40F / 4C
Total Time = 24m 34s
Overall Rank = 30/
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Watched the NY marathon!!! What a great way to start the day. Deba, Deba ... We're you trying to tell me something????
Event warmup:

Got to the park with J. Showed her the course and the good places to spectate then watched the start of the masters race. Finally headed down to get my bib from my coach and then prepare for warmup. I darted through the woods to intercept my teammates. Sure enough they were right where I thought they would be. We finished our warmup then changed shoes, shed clothing etc. This was going to be my first race in spikes. I figured I ought to get some experience racing in them before Nationals.

We headed up the hill to the start as a team. I swung by to say hello to my friends and family that had come to spectate!!! It was awesome to have them all there!!
Run
  • 24m 35s
  • 3.73 miles
  • 06m 35s  min/mile
Comments:

We were informed the course was a little long, unfortunately. So it was all about racing and not so much about time.

The course marshall let us know that the combination of a long season of use, the previous days heavy rains and the 3 races that happened prior to our race would make the course quite choppy. I was especially happy with my decision to wear spikes.

I had been fighting a cold all week so I wasn't going in 100%. So, this was going to be one of those "against adversity" types of races.

We lined up in the starters box. The gun was up. "On your marrrrrks! "everyone got in stance and it was dead silent. Lonnnnng pause. "BANG!"

And we were off. I flew out of the box and down the hill. The spikes gave me amazing traction. I found myself waaaaaay too far in the front so I backed off.

Unfortunately I did not back off enough! They had someone giving us the mile split and we came through under 6:10. I really tried to settle down. I was having a difficult time. My head felt very foggy and totally disconnected from my body.

I was really focusing on my footing in my spikes. Being extra careful at the asphalt road crossing and avoiding roots.

We completed the first loop and things were getting interesting! I was racing! Trading on and off with some teammates. Accelerating, decelerating. Powering up the hills.

I was totally fatigued and we were only halfway through the second loop. I knew I was going to have to dig deep to finish this race. I had someone HOT on my trail. She passed me on a downhill. Downhills are not my strength, but with the spikes I felt like I was handling them better than usual. I accelerated into the flat and began to close the gap on her. We hit an uphill section and I laid it on thick. I made the pass and then continued to accelerate up and over the crest. Not allowing myself to recover much on the downhill.

There was a very long grassy hill segment at the close of the loop so I continued to surge, using the hill to put as much distance between as possible. Then we hit a long downhill and I could hear her gaining on me. Just as she was about to catch me we went back up and along the ridge. It was a long rolling section with sketchy footing. Up. Down. Up. Down. We were neck and neck. She passed me across the asphalt and along the flat section.

Now, here is where the old me may have given up. I was pushing harder then I EVER had pushed before. I thought my heart was going to explode. Or maybe my head. Or maybe my whole body. I was aerobically taxed and muscularly taxed. My legs were just burning with acid.

I felt like shit. I decided to compartmentalize that though, that feeling, and just PUSHED. We hit another long uphill segment and I surged past her. I just kept surging. Putting seconds in between us.

We passed my friends and family who were going nuts. I felt like I was watching all of this happen from afar. Like I wasn't connected to my body. There was about 400 M to go and I didn't dare look back. I pumped my arms hard, in hopes my legs would keep up. We rounded the last hard corner (nearly a 180) and I was able to see the distance between us. It wasn't much. I surged again, up the grassy hill and into the finishing chute. I continued to push. 100 meters, 50 meters , it felt like an endless tunnel. Finally I hit the line and took a knee.

I got up and turned around to congratulate my teammates and everyone coming in over the finish line. It looked like a zombie apocalypse. Girls were puking, foaming at the mouth ... grown ass women in tears.

I don't know WHAT it was about this course but it clearly affected everyone.


This was the regional championship meet and our club WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, on to the Oregon Regionals and then Nationals.

We were talking after the meet and one of my teammates was trying to describe how hard the course was. She said, and I QUOTE, "The only thing I could possibly compare the pain of this course too would be natural child birth."

*I believe I solidified my spot on the Elite team but that won't be announced until after PDX.
What would you do differently?:

I went out too fast
More experience in spikes
More experience racing
Feeling 100% would be helpful

All in all, I wouldn't say it was a perfectly executed race but it was a really ehhh gutsy race. I feel like I am improving as a competitor. I am looking forward to when I can put it all together!
Post race
Warm down:

Consoled an upset teammate then attempted a cool down jog.
I was so, so, so spent I could hardly jog.

I gave up on the cool down and went and got beers with my friends and family :)

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I went out too fast
More experience in spikes
More experience racing
Feeling 100% would be helpful


Profile Album


Last updated: 2013-10-08 12:00 AM
Running
00:24:35 | 03.73 miles | 06m 35s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 30/
Performance: Average
Long course
Course: 3 x 2K (+ some because of long course) loops. Hilly. Combination of grass/trail
Keeping cool Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]

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2013-11-04 2:10 PM

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Seattle
Subject: XC #4 6K


2013-11-04 2:33 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Expert
4594
20002000500252525
Middle River, Maryland
Silver member
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Your race reports are just awesome...I almost passed out reading it! 

Great race Salty...way to dig deep into the Pain Cave!

2013-11-04 2:43 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Champion
10550
500050005002525
Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Holy crap do I ever love reading your reports!  Not just because I like to live vicariously through those that are fast as fach (because I'm certainly NOT), but also because you're having so much fun out there with your team.  SO.MUCH.AWESOME!

Huge congrats to you and your team for the win!!!  

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you're chosen for the elite team   WOOT!  

2013-11-04 2:44 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Master
6595
50001000500252525
Rio Rancho, NM
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Wow. What a finish! Especially after being sick all week. I love how you dug in and pushed hard to beat the other girl!

Cool that J and the fam and friends were there too! Hope you enjoyed the post race beers.

2013-11-04 2:45 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Master
2167
20001002525
Livonia, MI
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Great report as usual!  You certainly have a knack for race storytelling.

Awesome and inspiring to read about your experience.  Way to fly past the old limits of pain and discomfort and set new ones that I'm sure you're bypass again before too long.  Congrats to you Salty, you are a true competitor!

Keep us updated on the Elite team spot......

2013-11-04 3:02 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Expert
3145
2000100010025
Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Nice job and great RR.  I can relate with that fast start.   Glad you took the spikes!



2013-11-04 3:13 PM
in reply to: thebigb

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Master
4452
200020001001001001002525
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

OMG, Adrienne, that sounds amazing!  So awesome that you have found that competitor inside and that you are able to push through the pain.  Congrats on your team win!!

2013-11-04 3:14 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

That's what I am talkin about!  Look at you go with all your competitive spirit :

Very glad to hear the spikes went well. Sorry to hear you weren't 100%.

The watching the race from outside your body feeling is a trip.  So very cool that you're doin what you're doin.  I am certainly enjoying hearing about it.  xo.

2013-11-04 4:55 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Takes serious faching guts to run 'til they come out of your mouth and your legs run away from your brain.

Made yourself go where you've never gone before. Just when I think I can't be any more impressed by you than I already have been ...

Super congrats on your team winning. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

2013-11-04 4:59 PM
in reply to: jmhpsu93

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by jmhpsu93

Originally posted by Asalzwed

Your race reports are just awesome...I almost passed out reading it! 

Great race Salty...way to dig deep into the Pain Cave!

Ah, I hate calling it that - The Pain Cave - Because I don't often go there. Or find it necessary. But today, that was absolutely the case.

2013-11-04 5:05 PM
in reply to: rrrunner

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by rrrunner

Wow. What a finish! Especially after being sick all week. I love how you dug in and pushed hard to beat the other girl!

Cool that J and the fam and friends were there too! Hope you enjoyed the post race beers.

Yes  



2013-11-04 5:06 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Pro
4482
20002000100100100100252525
NJ
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Great write up and terrific race! Congrats on the win, for both you and your team. 

2013-11-04 5:32 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by switch

That's what I am talkin about!  Look at you go with all your competitive spirit  

Very glad to hear the spikes went well. Sorry to hear you weren't 100%.

The watching the race from outside your body feeling is a trip.  So very cool that you're doin what you're doin.  I am certainly enjoying hearing about it.  xo.

Ahhhh it's all good. It's impossible for the stars to align in EVERY (or any?) race when you racing every other week. 

2013-11-04 5:41 PM
in reply to: TriAya

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by TriAya

Takes serious faching guts to run 'til they come out of your mouth and your legs run away from your brain.

Made yourself go where you've never gone before. Just when I think I can't be any more impressed by you than I already have been ...

Super congrats on your team winning. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you! Hoping to keep pushing in this general direction. No valleys,  no peaks, though

2013-11-04 5:44 PM
in reply to: Asalzwed

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Veteran
945
50010010010010025
South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K
you're getting better and better
pushing to the edge is a gift that not all athlete's have and you certainly have it
i'm glad you've learned to dig down deep-it is something you will need when the time matters less than the placing


with sound training, no injury and more experience, I'd expect you to continue to make PR's at multiple distances
playing with the elites is something you deserve based on talent and hard work
congratulations

Nice, very nice.
2013-11-04 6:21 PM
in reply to: dtoce

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by dtoce you're getting better and better pushing to the edge is a gift that not all athlete's have and you certainly have it i'm glad you've learned to dig down deep-it is something you will need when the time matters less than the placing with sound training, no injury and more experience, I'd expect you to continue to make PR's at multiple distances playing with the elites is something you deserve based on talent and hard work congratulations Nice, very nice.

Thank you so much, Dale. Always means so much coming from you!!!!

I'll keep at it and see where that puts me



2013-11-04 6:31 PM
in reply to: Asalzwed

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Royal(PITA)
14270
50005000200020001001002525
West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Holy WOW.  That was one hellacious race and you put more than all you had into outrunning that chick.  She had no clue how she was bulldozed down

 

Faching AWESOME once again!   Going deep into that place of just digging in and performing.

 

Laughed at the teammates comparison to natural childbirth without any meds.

2013-11-04 6:44 PM
in reply to: noelle1230

User image

Seattle
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Originally posted by noelle1230

Great report as usual!  You certainly have a knack for race storytelling.

Awesome and inspiring to read about your experience.  Way to fly past the old limits of pain and discomfort and set new ones that I'm sure you're bypass again before too long.  Congrats to you Salty, you are a true competitor!

Keep us updated on the Elite team spot......

Awwwweee thanks! Oh and I will! 

2013-11-04 7:35 PM
in reply to: Asalzwed

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Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

I love reading your victories.  So cool and such inspirational to what can be achieved by digging deep.  I can only imagine the puking and foaming at the finish line.  You are my HTFU role model. 

2013-11-05 8:03 AM
in reply to: #4892056

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Great job Adrienne!

2013-11-05 12:00 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Master
6834
5000100050010010010025
Englewood, Florida
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Really cool stuff, good job on another fine race! As always, you took what you had on this day, pushed yourself as far as you could, and learned from the experience.  You have done so much in a short period of time, I am truly excited for what the future holds.

Congratulations!



2013-11-05 12:05 PM
in reply to: #4892056

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Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Congratulations!!!  All that hard work is paying off!  So exciting that your club won.  

2013-11-05 12:34 PM
in reply to: Artemis

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Member
2098
2000252525
Simsbury, Connecticut
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K
Nice race! Look at you go - even not at 100%!!

My fingers are crossed for you for elites!
2013-11-05 2:30 PM
in reply to: mtnbikerchk

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Master
3870
200010005001001001002525
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K

Wheeee! You're just having all kinds of fun at these events  Awesome...as usual.

I'd say you've found your Eye of the Tiger, but Eye of the Cheetah seems more appropriate.

 

2013-11-06 6:11 AM
in reply to: 4agoodlife

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Veteran
2441
200010010010010025
Western Australia
Subject: RE: XC #4 6K
Great job Salty. You impress me every time I read one of your race reports.
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