Didn't seem like there was the normal amount of runners for a downtown race this morning. It was probably due to the weather. It was overcast and actually started to drizzle part way through the race. Needless to say, it was very humid.
The after race food and drinks was probably the best I've ever seen at a 5k. There was coffee, bagels, bananas, oranges, watermelon, orange chicken (battered) from Panda Express, chocolate milk and there were other giveaways, too.
About my race... I started 1 minute and 3 seconds after the official start. I hit the first mile marker at 8:45, so my real time was 7:42. I passed the two mile marker at 16:51, so my real split was 15:48 which translates to a 8:06 mile. My finish time was 24:52, which brings my last mile split to 8:12.
I averaged exactly 8 min/mile. My goal was to beat 25 minutes and I just made it. Woohoo!!!
I have to give some props to my gf Kim for helping me get ready in the morning, getting me to the start on time, and most of all... when I wanted to get loaded last night, she reminded of my race in the morning and that I probably didn't want to do that. Thanks Kim!!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Couple of good runs last week
I ran on Monday and Saturday.
I noticed that on some days (obviously Monday), the YMCA running group goes by my apartment and then around Lake Ivanhoe and back downtown. I wasn't sure the exact route or the time they run, but I passed some of them on my scooter on the way home. When I got back to my apartment, I got a hair up my butt. I quickly got changed into my running gear and headed out the door. The last runner had at least a quarter mile on me, but I was determined to catch at least one runner.
I took off at a pretty quick pace. I finally caught up to the first person at just over a mile. I caught the next person in about another quarter mile. I could see a small pack a few hundred yards ahead and I caught them at around 2 miles.
I figured I could keep up the pace if they headed straight back the way they came, but they took a turn that meant they were going around another lake. Plus 1 mile. I couldn't keep going at that pace, so I caught the pack, but dropped to the back for the rest of the run.
Overall, I ran 3.75 miles.
Saturday, I ran 5 miles. 2 laps around Lake Ivanhoe. The first 2.5 mile lap I did at an average to slow pace. I was very concerned with hurting my calf, so I tried going back to the running style I had gotten away from. Very little leg lift, very fast motion. More kick and less forward knee motion. I picked up the pace on the second lap, but kept the running style.
My total run time was 50 minutes, so I averaged 10 min pace.
I noticed that on some days (obviously Monday), the YMCA running group goes by my apartment and then around Lake Ivanhoe and back downtown. I wasn't sure the exact route or the time they run, but I passed some of them on my scooter on the way home. When I got back to my apartment, I got a hair up my butt. I quickly got changed into my running gear and headed out the door. The last runner had at least a quarter mile on me, but I was determined to catch at least one runner.
I took off at a pretty quick pace. I finally caught up to the first person at just over a mile. I caught the next person in about another quarter mile. I could see a small pack a few hundred yards ahead and I caught them at around 2 miles.
I figured I could keep up the pace if they headed straight back the way they came, but they took a turn that meant they were going around another lake. Plus 1 mile. I couldn't keep going at that pace, so I caught the pack, but dropped to the back for the rest of the run.
Overall, I ran 3.75 miles.
Saturday, I ran 5 miles. 2 laps around Lake Ivanhoe. The first 2.5 mile lap I did at an average to slow pace. I was very concerned with hurting my calf, so I tried going back to the running style I had gotten away from. Very little leg lift, very fast motion. More kick and less forward knee motion. I picked up the pace on the second lap, but kept the running style.
My total run time was 50 minutes, so I averaged 10 min pace.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Greater Maitland 5K
Sometimes, it's good to do what you normally would do on any other day. Like usual, I had a cup of coffee in the morning. It was either that or the cool temperature or the first race in my new running shoes, but I had a great race. It wasn't my best time ever, but I felt really good.
I took my time warming up. I did about a quarter mile out from the starting line and came back. When I took off, everyone was back at the registration area, but when I got back, everyone was lined up at the starting line. I knew I didn't have much time to stretch, but had to get it in. I put more emphasis on my calves since they have been hurting off and on since April. I also put an emphasis on rotating my arms around to get them going.
The next thing you know, I see everyone's start running. I didn't even have my shoestrings tied the way I wanted yet. It took me about 15 seconds to re-tie my shoes and off I went. There weren't too many people running and walking, so I was able to get to a place in the pack that I liked relatively quickly.
I ran the first mile in 7:57. It felt good. Not too fast. I started a little late, but my mile split was aided by a couple of downhills which I utilized to my advantage by coasting and letting my inertia carry me. You don't want to go too fast, but I don't understand why most people try to slow down when going downhill.
The second mile was in 15:30. I felt like I kept my pace the same, but I did add a few bursts to keep myself going without getting bored.
The last mile was definitely the hardest. The course was pretty much an out and back, so I obviously had to run up a couple of hills. My time was 25:30. The official time says 25:29.9, but whatever. If it was a PR, I'd take it. It didn't feel like around 9 minute pace on that last mile, but the clock doesn't lie.
I need to get some more quality training runs logged in the next couple of weeks. The next race is October 25th - Dick Batchelor Run for the Kids in downtown Orlando.
I took my time warming up. I did about a quarter mile out from the starting line and came back. When I took off, everyone was back at the registration area, but when I got back, everyone was lined up at the starting line. I knew I didn't have much time to stretch, but had to get it in. I put more emphasis on my calves since they have been hurting off and on since April. I also put an emphasis on rotating my arms around to get them going.
The next thing you know, I see everyone's start running. I didn't even have my shoestrings tied the way I wanted yet. It took me about 15 seconds to re-tie my shoes and off I went. There weren't too many people running and walking, so I was able to get to a place in the pack that I liked relatively quickly.
I ran the first mile in 7:57. It felt good. Not too fast. I started a little late, but my mile split was aided by a couple of downhills which I utilized to my advantage by coasting and letting my inertia carry me. You don't want to go too fast, but I don't understand why most people try to slow down when going downhill.
The second mile was in 15:30. I felt like I kept my pace the same, but I did add a few bursts to keep myself going without getting bored.
The last mile was definitely the hardest. The course was pretty much an out and back, so I obviously had to run up a couple of hills. My time was 25:30. The official time says 25:29.9, but whatever. If it was a PR, I'd take it. It didn't feel like around 9 minute pace on that last mile, but the clock doesn't lie.
I need to get some more quality training runs logged in the next couple of weeks. The next race is October 25th - Dick Batchelor Run for the Kids in downtown Orlando.
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