April 6th, 2008
It was a lot of fun, though I froze my tush off thanks to a chilly rain that never quite stopped and for which I was underdressed. Turnout was small due to the rain, only 16 of us in all.
I met Matt and another fellow forumite Harry while waiting for the start. Matt had a freakout when he realized he didn’t have his Garmin, which he swore was with him in the car, so here’s hoping he found it eventually. Harry managed to lose his girlfriend on his way to the race and she never did appear, so here’s hoping he found her eventually, too.
I warmed up with 1.5 miles and a few strides, and then it was time to line up. We stood single file by respective goal times and at every 10-second mark, another runner was told to “Go!”.
It was tough. Near the beginning I started to gain on the guy in front of me but then psyched myself out thinking I was running too hard and now, looking at my Garmin data in SportsTracks, it appears so. The first 1/4 mile was about 35 seconds faster than goal pace, I slowed down too much in the second quarter and picked it up in the 3rd and 4th, but not enough to make my goal.
So I missed it, but I won’t flog myself over it since it wasn’t a race, per se and it was my first time at this distance. I gave it my best, anyway.
Afterwards, the organizer, Kev Gruenfeld, who did a fantastic job of creating the event and putting it all together, found us a covered spot for awards. Turns out there were more awards than runners, so we each got to pick one! I got a snappy little red Brooks running hat, Matt got a $30 gift certificate to Philly Runners and Harry chose a t-shirt. Considering the entry fee was only $5, can’t beat the value!
The other highlight was meeting Edwin Roberts, Bronze Medalist in the 1964 Olympics (he was the one telling us to “Go!”). He brought one of his medals, too. I can now say that I’ve actually touched an Olympic medal. Very cool.
And that’s about it. I took an extra day off this week, plus I missed my long run so I wanted to go out for an easy 9. On the other hand, I feel the beginnings of a cold coming on, so maybe I’ll just stay in. Decisions, decisions…
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Good news Flo! found my garmin hiding in my other jacket in the car. thank the Gods of running!
I had a hellacious time after leaving to go to Night Kitchen. several roads were blocked off throughout Philly and I got SOOO lost. luckily I called a friend who helped me out and I eventually got there and got home and ready for the party with plenty of time to spare.
That was a pretty fun event today and other than them needing better timing I think it was very well run and I would definitely continue to do it.
Yay, the Garmin has been found!! Whew!
Sounds like an anxiety-ridden day for you on the whole, first the Garmin, then getting lost trying to find the bakery. But glad to hear you made it for the party (he had a surprise party for his lovely wife today). May your week be far more peaceful than this last one.
Whats a frozen off tush look like?
I once did a mile race, it was on city street so not like doing one on the track. That was years ago when I first started running now I dont have much desire for a mile race. but is nice to do a half at about the same pace I ran that mile at.
“Whats a frozen off tush look like?” Not pretty.
This trial wasn’t on a track either, it was the bikepath by the river. Frankly, I don’t have much desire for another mile race either, except it was a good time, and next year I might have a clue of how to do it better, lol.
“nice to do a half at about the same pace I ran that mile at.” To me, this is what it’s all about!! Onward and upward.
Yep maybe some day will do a mile race just to see what I can do a mile in. Hey check my blog put a couple pictures from Saturdays race.
Did I miss something? What was your time? I need to know if my butter knife needs sharpening! Sounds like fun, though, (except for frozen tush thingie).
Bruce, loved the photos! You look great – strong running shot there! Your daughter did well with the cellphone.
Aargh, Tobey, I so casually left it out thinking no one would miss it. Butter knife was in full swipe, still had some fat on the blade…6:55. Wanted between 6:40 and 6:45 (using McMillan’s and Daniels’ predictions), but wasn’t to be. Maybe on a track in a real race without waiting in an hour of cold rain first (how many excuses can I put in one sentence? I am so lame).
FLo,
Not bad at all for the conditions. I just looked at McMillan and it says a good day for me would be 7:19. I had better start doing some speed work before I meet up with you and your butter knife!
At my apparent rate of improvement (or lack thereof), you’ll catch up to me in no time. Here’s hoping my 5K on the 19th gives me something to be happy about. This “not what I wanted but I’m ok with it” shit is getting old.
I have another half, (the Indy mini), in 4 weeks, so I still have time for a little speed work. I have no more short races planned for the year, but maybe I will have to slip one in there, (just for comparison’s sake).
Flo cheer up! Do I have to be your cheerleader again ?
I don’t mind at all !
the 1 mile is all aerobic and it HURTS like hell just as I figured it would. your 5K involves alot more pacing tactics and youve ran plenty of 5Ks. I know you are just going to RAWK it hard and crush your 5K time! You know it too!! So go get em!!
Hey Matt, no worries, I’m not really that bummed about it, just doing my usual bitching thing. But cheerleaders are always appreciated.