March 21st, 2009
As the Adrenaline promises, today brought another collection of super fast runners together. You could feel the speed mojo while standing around waiting for the start, which was a chilly 35 degrees.
I got nervous last night, realizing that I’m finally at a level where I’m racing people, not just the clock. Now I have to pay serious attention to where I line up because starting behind someone in my AG can make all the difference between winning and losing. What a pain in the ass, but hey, I guess that’s why it’s called racing.
Lining up I saw a fast-looking woman who seemed around my age, so I tried to get as close to her as possible, but she was a little nearer to the front than I felt comfortable with, so I stayed behind. Not that it mattered, the gun went off and she shot ahead faster than I could have chased, so I just said “oh well, I know I’m not First” and sucked it up.
Funny how last year, this race seemed like it had a couple hills. This year, same course, it seemed a little rolling but instead of moaning about the ups, I took them in stride and thoroughly embraced the downs. I passed a lot of people, including XC girls, so I knew I was running well. The third mile was my fastest at 6:38 and I felt strong coming in for the finish.
Final time 21:11, 2nd place in my AG (award was a Brooks hat). The cherry on the sundae is my WAVA score: 77.02%. Movin’ on up!
So it’s a happy day, and happier still because I’ve got no races for an entire month. Woohoo! Time to remember what I was working on before, though…oh yeah, training for a Half in May. Hmm, might just concentrate on that now.
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Way to go Flo! Congrats on a great race and super speedy time! Can’t wait to hang out tomorrow night – we’ll toast your latest PR. Great job girl!
Thanks girlie, I was thinking about you. No Brooks shirts to grab, though – everybody’s cheaping out this year. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Holy crap! Excuse the French. You obliterated your goal for this race! Congratulations!
This is the best thing I’ve read on a running blog all week:
“I got nervous last night, realizing that I’m finally at a level where I’m racing people, not just the clock.
It is a shock when you make that realization, albeit a kind of delightful shock. Keep at it and soon enough you’ll be racing against all the other women, not just the ones in your AG.
Thanks Julie. Oooh, imagining the whole female field as competition, what a thrill/terror that would be. Crossing fingers and toes that I get the chance someday!
Soon, you won’t need a fancy schmancy Garmin! Awesome race ! I so love watching your progress. You are such a great success story, all your hard work and determination really shows. Keep it up!
Super race. PR in time and age-grade? Good stuff. I, too, prefer the highly-competitive races which seem to bring out the best in me, even if I find myself way behind the leaders. Recovering from a probably too-fast start to get into a fast rhythm, holding on for dear lief, and straining to pick off people in the latter stages, and avoid being a pickee, Welcome to the NFL.
Oh, and has someone let Lara out of that trunk?
Jack Daniels on pre-race nerves. We’re all unique.
Wow, Flo. I was still reeling from that 75% AG you did last week, then you produce a 77%, and crush your goal. I was going to say “Holy Crap!” but Julie beat me to it.
That Half PR on the right is in need of some serious adjustment now.
Mirnr, thank you dollface! Can’t wait for the Martian to cheer you on.
Joe, I loved that clip, Daniels is such a cool guy. Loved the NFL remark too, I feel special.
Aw Jim, thank you, you can never have enough Holy Crapping, the more the merrier.
WOW Flo!!! Or should I join Julie and Jim in saying “Holy Crap!!!” You are an absolutely fast chick!!!! I am so happy I have been able to read about your journey. Congrats and keep running (fast!)!!!
daaaaaaaaamn!!! congratulations on one FAST race! and congrats on 2nd in your AG
Three percentage points away from national class! Excellent, excellent performance! Well done.
Christi, Sara, John, thank you so much for the kind words!
HeeHaaaw! Flo, that is such a wonderful time you put up! I am so proud of your hard and consistent work. I just wish I could see it live to cheer you on! Congratulations woman! Please take some credit for our BQ thread’s overall improvements, I really think you have inspired us all to put it out there in training and racing. That is so true for me! Enjoy your day Flo, Hugs to you!XO HG
Jackie, aw, you are too much. That is uber flattery to say I’ve something to do with the BQ thread becoming such a lean, mean running machine (it’s exciting that everybody’s doing so well!). Though I can honestly say it’s been a huge help in getting me to this point, moreso than if I hadn’t met you lovelies. Lol, envy is a wonderful motivator…works for me, anyway.
Hugs back at you, sweetie.
Wowzers- you just keep getting faster and faster!!!! Congrats on a new PR and a great race.
[...] ease and clocking nearly a minute faster than he had raced the course a month-and-a-half earlier. Someone else found herself suddenly competing for [...]