USA Space City 10-Miler Race Report
At 7:30 p.m. on a Sunday evening, I can share with you that I'm not real happy with my performance today. I'm very disappointed (yes, even though it was very humid) and I'm having second thoughts about running the New York City Marathon in a few weeks. (I haven't made my travel plans yet. When I decided last March that I wanted to do a full marathon, it was the New York City Marathon that I wanted to do. I figured if I was going to do one that I might as well make it the biggest one - since I'd never run Boston!)
Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed to see my line today in the results.
I threw in the towel on the back half. Yes, I know that folks like Karen Bowler ran 8 minutes slower than last year (what she told me). And I can't go comparing myself to Karen as she's in a different class, but I'm really starting to doubt myself a little bit.
I know that a lot of the difference is that since early April I've been on the road travelling. From mid-August last summer up until April, I was able to maintain a fairly regular workout schedule, get decent mileage and run races strong because my routine was fairly set. I PR'd at four (4) different distances in five (5) weeks in mid-January to mid-February. (Sure, it was cold then too.)
And my work travel schedule doesn't look any more positive. Right now, I'm in Bloomington, Indiana. Starting in mid-November, it will be Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada).
And yes, I know that I'm not 6', 185 pounds either and I'm trying to hold myself accountable to someone who is. But still.
Here are the splits (with a cringe):
Mile 1 - 10:12.41 (ran about the first half mile with Holden Choi)
Mile 2 - 10:22.18
Mile 3 - 10:20.69 (next .1 mile was 1:07.78 - an indication of trouble lurking ahead)
5K - 32:03.06
Mile 4 - 10:58.50 (saw Waverly at the water stop and gave her a kiss)
Mile 5 - 11:18.06
Front Half - 53:12.24
Mile 6 - 13:04.38
10K - 1:09:26.50
Mile 7 - 13:15.87
Mile 8 - 14:39.32 (yes, I was starting to walk it here with Andrea Chan)
Mile 9 - 15:47.71
Mile 10 - 14:59.56
Back Half - 1:11:46.84
Overall - 2:04:59.08
Chip Time - 2:04:56.4
Gun Time - 2:05:31.2
Pretty clear that I was starting to fade in mile 4 and I was running at that time with Bayou City Road Runners (and former HARRA) president Joe Sellers. Joe and I ran for the next four (4) miles together. He had been running with John Frederickson and also waited a little for his wife, Hope, to catch up some too. (She had been about 4 minutes back at the 5-mile point.) I kept telling him to push on and he finally did after mile 7.
Right about that point, I saw Lynlee Linke on the side of the road (to the right) and didn't realize that it was one of our own Striders, Lisa Ruthven, who was down.
I really enjoy the sport and it was fun seeing all of the talented runners who really make Houston a maven for excellent running; however, my mental toughness really flew out the window today and I'm not real excited about that at all.
Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed to see my line today in the results.
I threw in the towel on the back half. Yes, I know that folks like Karen Bowler ran 8 minutes slower than last year (what she told me). And I can't go comparing myself to Karen as she's in a different class, but I'm really starting to doubt myself a little bit.
I know that a lot of the difference is that since early April I've been on the road travelling. From mid-August last summer up until April, I was able to maintain a fairly regular workout schedule, get decent mileage and run races strong because my routine was fairly set. I PR'd at four (4) different distances in five (5) weeks in mid-January to mid-February. (Sure, it was cold then too.)
And my work travel schedule doesn't look any more positive. Right now, I'm in Bloomington, Indiana. Starting in mid-November, it will be Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada).
And yes, I know that I'm not 6', 185 pounds either and I'm trying to hold myself accountable to someone who is. But still.
Here are the splits (with a cringe):
Mile 1 - 10:12.41 (ran about the first half mile with Holden Choi)
Mile 2 - 10:22.18
Mile 3 - 10:20.69 (next .1 mile was 1:07.78 - an indication of trouble lurking ahead)
5K - 32:03.06
Mile 4 - 10:58.50 (saw Waverly at the water stop and gave her a kiss)
Mile 5 - 11:18.06
Front Half - 53:12.24
Mile 6 - 13:04.38
10K - 1:09:26.50
Mile 7 - 13:15.87
Mile 8 - 14:39.32 (yes, I was starting to walk it here with Andrea Chan)
Mile 9 - 15:47.71
Mile 10 - 14:59.56
Back Half - 1:11:46.84
Overall - 2:04:59.08
Chip Time - 2:04:56.4
Gun Time - 2:05:31.2
Pretty clear that I was starting to fade in mile 4 and I was running at that time with Bayou City Road Runners (and former HARRA) president Joe Sellers. Joe and I ran for the next four (4) miles together. He had been running with John Frederickson and also waited a little for his wife, Hope, to catch up some too. (She had been about 4 minutes back at the 5-mile point.) I kept telling him to push on and he finally did after mile 7.
Right about that point, I saw Lynlee Linke on the side of the road (to the right) and didn't realize that it was one of our own Striders, Lisa Ruthven, who was down.
I really enjoy the sport and it was fun seeing all of the talented runners who really make Houston a maven for excellent running; however, my mental toughness really flew out the window today and I'm not real excited about that at all.
posted by WalkSports.com | 7:49 PM
6 Comments:
I know what you're feeling -- I just went out and ran 40 minutes on the treadmill and only covered 3.4 miles. But you've been encouraging me, so I'll try to encourage you! :) Nobody can set PRs every time they go out and run, and travelling takes a huge toll on your body even if sometimes you don't feel it.
I'm starting to come to grips with the fact that it's going to be a while before I can get back to where I once was (and cooler weather!). It'll take time for you too. As for NYC -- I know you can finish the race if you go, so I guess it's a decision of whether you'll be happy just to finish, regardless of time! :)
I had a rough time out there this morning too. It was definitely too hot for a 10 miler. I ran about 14 minutes slower than last year, although I have been struggling with an illness on top of everything else.
And why bother talking about skipping the NYCM? That's rediculous. It's NYC!
Keith.
It's New York. It'll be great. It's awesome. The support from the spectators is unreal. It'll be worth it. You'll regret it if you don't.
I had a horrible race when I ran it, but I'm glad I did. No regrets.
I decided at the last moment not to do the 10 miler due to transportation/upset stomach...don't lose any sleep about your perfromance-at least you came out strong and finished!!!
And go do NYC...there are SOOO many people out there that wish they could have YOUR spot!
-Jessica
I know you're frustrated, but try not to let it get you. The reason we run is b/c it makes us happy, right?? Vancouver is beautiful- you'll be able to find some amazing places to run I bet. As for NYC- didn't they turn away like 30,000 runners? It's NYC man, do it!!!!!!
Lance,
If you weren't a friend and didn't care, you wouldn't have taken the time to make the contribution that you have. I appreciate that.
I'm a stubborn one at times. So I'll read it, know exactly what I need to do (or need to be doing), but I'll let it sink in over time.
We all need people in our lives not to sugarcoat things and tell it like it is - whether we want to hear it, ask for it or not.
I serve that role for my daughter. That's my job as a Dad. Sometimes I fail, but a lot of times, I get it right.
So thank you .. and I'm sure that others that are reading will take something from it as well.
Jon
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