I ran this race last year and you can view that review in the February 2011 reviews. It was the same set up as last year with just a couple of changes. Same sign up, parking, packet pickup and same route for the course. Same shirts basically which do not have the year on it. Need to step it up to techs and put year on it. Also the same is the 1/4 or so distance from the parking/finish line to where the starting line is. One other the same was the 10 minute delay for the start!!!
One good change was going with a timing company and using the disposable bib chip timer. Thye moved the starting line about 30 yards so they could lay the mat across the road and moved the finishline back teh same to keep the measurments correct. Also had the big banner/flags finishline which makes it a better feel as you finish the race.
They turnout this year was about 100 more than last year's event. The weather also was very foggy so it was going to be humid, but the sun would not be a problem.
Brought the sub 19 runners to the front (funny there were about 15 runners that went up, but there were not 15 that even finished under 21 minutes) then anyone under 21. Everyone else then lined up behind. My goal was to beat my last year time of 21:50 and no injuries. With the longer distance training I have not started to work back on my sprint training. Will start to do soem now with only the Ft Desoto Half coming in March as the last long race until fall.
Started off a laittle fast as I looked at Garmin at 1/2 mile pace of 6:34 so slowed a little to mile time of 6:50. Let a few pass me up to this point and decided to see again how many I could pass after the first mile. Started to push it a little more through the second mile as I picked off about 4 runners passing halfway at 10:41. Passed the second mile with a second mile of 7:08 which was pretty much on schedule. Did not feel like I was slowing down, but did get passed by an older man so checked my Garmin and saw my pace was up to 7:40. With about 3/4 of a mile left picked it up and got my pace going as I pulled back by the older man and started to close on the next 3 person group.
Passed the 3 mile mark with a 7:17 third mile and was just behind a woman, high schooler, and runner I thought might be in my group. I surged passed with just under the final 1/10 to go, but the high schooler and guy pciked it up also to beat me through the finish. Told the guy "nice final sprint" and asked his age which turned out he was in teh younger group--always good!
Finished in 21:57 which was 7 seconds slower tghan last year, but without the training I was not disappointed. Was disappointed to find out I was 5th in my age group this year thou. Problem is they do 10 year groups so instead of 45-49 (which I would have been first) they do 40-49. Oh well at least they post it in the race details. Did mention with the extra runners they pulled this year they should look at doing that.
Ample strawberries and drinks afterwards and notcied the medals looked the same as last year also. Waited for son to finish then noticed from the results posted that we both finished in 5th in age group so we left to make it to daughter's softball game.
All in all a nice small event and would receommned. Probably next year I will look to do a different one for a change according to what tarining I am doing thou.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Melbourne Music Marathon and Half Marathon
It took me awhile to get to this review from last weeks event, but it was a good time. This had allot of title sponsors namely State Farm being the biggest and with it being the Master's Half Marathon championship I expected a large turnout and some fast runners. I was correct!
After the letdown of the Ocala Expo and dinner I was interested to see how a bigger race does it. We decided not to do the dinner at a local eatery, but the Expo was nice. It was held at the Crown Plaza hotel which is located on the beach. There were plenty of volunteers directing you where to go for bib, shirt, and bag. Bib had timer on it, the tech shirt is very nice, but not much in the bag at all except I will admit I will take the hat they gave over normal bag filled with flyers! We walked around the expo for a bit and tried some of the vendor samples. I would guess about 20 vendors were there. Met former Olympic runner Zola Budd, but didn't ask about her friend Mary Decker Stanley since I am sure she is asked that a thousand times.
After the expo we drove the course so I could see it and my wife would know how to navigate through during it. The plan was for her to see me around 4 miles and 8 mile points. I will admit driving over the bridges did not give me an excited feeling knowing we had to go over two of the them. Also driving over the first one and looking down the intercoastal to the second one was funny when my wife stated how far it looked from one to the other.
Instead of the race dinner we decided to go to Squid Lips which was located just off the course on the intercoastal. My wife's good friend Amy was also doing the event so we met them and some friends there for dinner. Not a good selection of entrees to eat before a race, but I did have the Citrus Salmon and it was real good! After dinner went back to the hotel and crashed--ok not really since I never sleep good before a race.
Up and ready to go. My wife drove me to the start and found a spot on "Waverly Place" (hopefully no Wizards are around!! ie.. Disney show) She hung around so she could take a picture of me and some new Half Fanatics runners friends. After that she went back to the hotel to get my son up and make thier way to the 4 mile mark. Walked around to find the portalets and there was a long line that I really did not want to stand in. Right or wrong I will just state that I found a dark place to relieve myself.
Walked through the people and found Amy and talked with her a little. I moved up to just behind the 1:50 pacer and could hear some people talking on a bullhorn, but could not understand. The race was scheduled to start at 7:05 then I thought they switched it to 7:07, but on my watch at 7:03 all of a sudden I heard "Runners start your engines!" A NASCAR driver was doing the start. Anyway off we went. Took me 13 seconds to cross the starting line. Wanted to remember since even thou I started my Garmin at the line the finish line clock will be 13 seconds faster than my actual time.
Couple of goals for today were to try and beat my Ocala time 1:52:58 by running a 4 mile split of 8:45, 8:35. and then a 8:25, Even bigger goal was to finally run a good race when my wife was in attendance!!! Just have never done a good run when she has been there. So off we went and tried to settled into a good pace and keep an eye on the 1:50 group. Notice at 1/2 that my pace was 8:30 so slowed down some. Problem I was getting into was trying to make my way through slower runners it would make me sped up to get through. Regardless my first mile was 8:20. Way to fast with so much to go.
Will keep my time review short by saying I was on track with a 4 mile split of 34:25 (30 seconds ahead). Then the second 4 miles in 34:33 (13 seconds behind) and finally the last 4 miles in 36:17 (2:37 behind pace). At halfway I was 22 seconds ahead of over time pace. Reasons for the slower splits were namely the two bridges. They just took more out of me then I thought they would. Also of course going out to fast in the first 4 miles The Ocala race my first 4 miles were over a minute slower so I had allot left during the race. Also the higher temps didnt help either. It started in the upper 60's and kept climbing.
Highlights along the course are running along the intercoastal, plenty of water stations, music acts--even thou it sometimes was just one person. The piano guy at the top of the intercoastal bridge was a highlight for sure. The turn onto Riverside right at halfway was full of people (some for the relay) and a line of Corvettes were there. Was running along and this guy was cheering on the runners and yelled out "Go 666!" Yep there was the dreaded number bib right next to me. Told the woman I would have asked for a different number. Did not like being near her so sped up away from her.
Wife and son were there right on schedule at 4 and 8 mile mark and gave me a water bottle and change of hand towels-I sweat allot! It helped seeing them and especially her to remind me that I even thou I would not PR I needed to finish strong. Passed Amy's family and gave her daughter a low five. Ran through a neighborhood where some people just set up their own water stations or cheered. Pretty cool! Sadly missed the Gummie bears at mile 10 stop and didn't want to go back.
Made the turn towards the second bridge and told myself to get up and over. Did notice as I was coming down my foot felt a little numb. Had not felt that before, but put it out of mind and pressed on. After passing the 12 mile mark I knew it was just over a mile left and you get a nice little downhill to help. Problem thou is I drove the entire course except the last mile which sadly includes a modest 3/4 mile uphill before the turn to home. I did not know about it so did not plan on it. It got me for sure. Final mile was 9:16 about 25 seconds off pace. Learned a lesson for next races!! Made the turn towards home and could see the clock clicking away. Still wanted to be under 1:56 so sprinted it out and passed a few and hit the line at 1:55:55 Garmin time. Actually jump over the finish line for the pictures! Was not to bothered by the slower time since it was still way under 2 hours and did get a decent time with my wife there!
After crossing was handed my medal-very nice! A towel --another goodie. Then hurried through to have them take a picture with the backdrop. Found my wife and son and waited for Amy to finish. She had ran it last year and she beat her time by two minutes this year--Great job! Got our picture together and we all made our way through the after party. They has pizza, pancakes, sausage, water,orange juice, massages, and allot more. Checked out the trophies--wishful thinking!!
Got back to the hotel and was joking with my wife that my shoes were "squishing" and I stepped. We laughed how wet my shoes were even though I did not run through water. Got to the room and took my socks off and WOW! My big toe was as black as night! That was the numbness I was feeling from the blister and blackened toe and toenail. Will take awhile for that to heal, but I will press on!
All in all a very good event that I would recommend to someone to do. Also cool was the live webcast of the finish line. My brother had it one and sent a screen capture of it!! Now a little break until Florida Beach Half in March.
After the expo we drove the course so I could see it and my wife would know how to navigate through during it. The plan was for her to see me around 4 miles and 8 mile points. I will admit driving over the bridges did not give me an excited feeling knowing we had to go over two of the them. Also driving over the first one and looking down the intercoastal to the second one was funny when my wife stated how far it looked from one to the other.
Instead of the race dinner we decided to go to Squid Lips which was located just off the course on the intercoastal. My wife's good friend Amy was also doing the event so we met them and some friends there for dinner. Not a good selection of entrees to eat before a race, but I did have the Citrus Salmon and it was real good! After dinner went back to the hotel and crashed--ok not really since I never sleep good before a race.
Up and ready to go. My wife drove me to the start and found a spot on "Waverly Place" (hopefully no Wizards are around!! ie.. Disney show) She hung around so she could take a picture of me and some new Half Fanatics runners friends. After that she went back to the hotel to get my son up and make thier way to the 4 mile mark. Walked around to find the portalets and there was a long line that I really did not want to stand in. Right or wrong I will just state that I found a dark place to relieve myself.
Walked through the people and found Amy and talked with her a little. I moved up to just behind the 1:50 pacer and could hear some people talking on a bullhorn, but could not understand. The race was scheduled to start at 7:05 then I thought they switched it to 7:07, but on my watch at 7:03 all of a sudden I heard "Runners start your engines!" A NASCAR driver was doing the start. Anyway off we went. Took me 13 seconds to cross the starting line. Wanted to remember since even thou I started my Garmin at the line the finish line clock will be 13 seconds faster than my actual time.
Couple of goals for today were to try and beat my Ocala time 1:52:58 by running a 4 mile split of 8:45, 8:35. and then a 8:25, Even bigger goal was to finally run a good race when my wife was in attendance!!! Just have never done a good run when she has been there. So off we went and tried to settled into a good pace and keep an eye on the 1:50 group. Notice at 1/2 that my pace was 8:30 so slowed down some. Problem I was getting into was trying to make my way through slower runners it would make me sped up to get through. Regardless my first mile was 8:20. Way to fast with so much to go.
Will keep my time review short by saying I was on track with a 4 mile split of 34:25 (30 seconds ahead). Then the second 4 miles in 34:33 (13 seconds behind) and finally the last 4 miles in 36:17 (2:37 behind pace). At halfway I was 22 seconds ahead of over time pace. Reasons for the slower splits were namely the two bridges. They just took more out of me then I thought they would. Also of course going out to fast in the first 4 miles The Ocala race my first 4 miles were over a minute slower so I had allot left during the race. Also the higher temps didnt help either. It started in the upper 60's and kept climbing.
Highlights along the course are running along the intercoastal, plenty of water stations, music acts--even thou it sometimes was just one person. The piano guy at the top of the intercoastal bridge was a highlight for sure. The turn onto Riverside right at halfway was full of people (some for the relay) and a line of Corvettes were there. Was running along and this guy was cheering on the runners and yelled out "Go 666!" Yep there was the dreaded number bib right next to me. Told the woman I would have asked for a different number. Did not like being near her so sped up away from her.
Wife and son were there right on schedule at 4 and 8 mile mark and gave me a water bottle and change of hand towels-I sweat allot! It helped seeing them and especially her to remind me that I even thou I would not PR I needed to finish strong. Passed Amy's family and gave her daughter a low five. Ran through a neighborhood where some people just set up their own water stations or cheered. Pretty cool! Sadly missed the Gummie bears at mile 10 stop and didn't want to go back.
Made the turn towards the second bridge and told myself to get up and over. Did notice as I was coming down my foot felt a little numb. Had not felt that before, but put it out of mind and pressed on. After passing the 12 mile mark I knew it was just over a mile left and you get a nice little downhill to help. Problem thou is I drove the entire course except the last mile which sadly includes a modest 3/4 mile uphill before the turn to home. I did not know about it so did not plan on it. It got me for sure. Final mile was 9:16 about 25 seconds off pace. Learned a lesson for next races!! Made the turn towards home and could see the clock clicking away. Still wanted to be under 1:56 so sprinted it out and passed a few and hit the line at 1:55:55 Garmin time. Actually jump over the finish line for the pictures! Was not to bothered by the slower time since it was still way under 2 hours and did get a decent time with my wife there!
After crossing was handed my medal-very nice! A towel --another goodie. Then hurried through to have them take a picture with the backdrop. Found my wife and son and waited for Amy to finish. She had ran it last year and she beat her time by two minutes this year--Great job! Got our picture together and we all made our way through the after party. They has pizza, pancakes, sausage, water,orange juice, massages, and allot more. Checked out the trophies--wishful thinking!!
Got back to the hotel and was joking with my wife that my shoes were "squishing" and I stepped. We laughed how wet my shoes were even though I did not run through water. Got to the room and took my socks off and WOW! My big toe was as black as night! That was the numbness I was feeling from the blister and blackened toe and toenail. Will take awhile for that to heal, but I will press on!
All in all a very good event that I would recommend to someone to do. Also cool was the live webcast of the finish line. My brother had it one and sent a screen capture of it!! Now a little break until Florida Beach Half in March.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Ocala Half Marathon 2012
What a beautiful day for running!!!! Today was the 15th annual Ocala Marathon and Half Marathon. This a smaller Marathon of about 130 and a Half with about 300 runners, They also have events on Saturday with a 5k and Kid races. Ocala is well know for being "Horse Country." The runners are lucky enough to have part of the course go through the beautiful countryside and able to see many beautiful horses and high priced homes.
I signed up for this event in advance to get the low advance $45 price. Pretty low for a Half Marathon. Hopefully they will keep it low. Also with signing up I decided to purchase advance tickets $10 also for the night before Pre Race Pasta Dinner (more on this later). In reading the reviews (like I do for most races) this look to be a fun small event. Weather look like it was going to be great as I arrived on Saturday afternoon. Previous Race Expo, Packet pickup, and Dinner was at nearby hotel, but was moved to the Paddock Mall this year. Since I am just getting longer distance events this would be the first time going to an Expo and Dinner so I was looking forward to it. Previous years had good reviews of both. Well my interest in both quickly went away and an 'Unimpressed" rating!
First you arrive at the mall and enter through the Food Court. Outside they had an inflatable you walked under so good so far. Then you have to walk through half the mall to get to the (what was called) the Expo. Maybe my fault in expecting allot of vendors and stuff, but it was very small. I'm thinking 4 or 5 vendors and that was it. I have seen more at a 5k race. Okay let it pass and not spoil the event I said. So got my Packet, Bib, Shirt, and Dinner tickets. Packet was full of running magazine, race flyers, visor, and various other freebies. My favorite is the bright yellow Chiquita banana headband. Will not wear it, but great conversational piece. All in all not a bad packet. Nice teach shirt (a little small but was able to exchange) and also love the personalized Bib!! So things were looking up. Ah that is until the dinner!
Again maybe I was expecting more and since it was a low price event maybe I am being to critical, but another big letdown. The dinner was positioned in the back of the Food Court (this was not mention until about a week before the event so tickets were already purchased) and as I walked by on the way to the Expo I noticed about 30-40 chairs. I am trying not to be to negative, but no decorations for the event and all that was there was a salad plate (mostly just lettuce), some pasta noodle/sauce (ok this was not that bad), garlic rolls (hard and garlic the night before??), cake (again icing the night before), and lemon green tea (no other drink provided--no water??). They had run out of spaghetti, but did have some a little later. If I had known it was going to be like this and at the food court I would have chosen to eat elsewhere. Matter of fact my son (my cheering group) did not touch and choose to eat at Chickfila instead. Beside the Space Coast Marathon in November where they have the dinner at Kennedy Space Center I will not buy dinner tickets in advance!!
Okay let I know let it go and focus on the event. One reason I was looking forward to this event was being able to meet a fellow blogger Kevin from his blog http://halftriing.blogspot.com/ (check it out!). Was able to meet up with him and friend downtown before the dinner. Talked about different events and he talked about running Ocala before. I stated my goal for the race with the hills to get under 2 hours. He stated his goal was to get in about 2:15--YEAH RIGHT! More on that later!
.
After recovering from the legs strains and pains from the end of last year I was looking forward to making of my bad performance in the Brandon in Dec (2:03:55). I knew doing an event with all the hills might not be a good idea, but I had already signed up. My son forgot his jacket (okay maybe I forgot) and it was going to be low 50s so we stopped by Walmart to but a cheap pullover for him. Arrive in plenty of time to hit the portalets twice, talk with Kevin, watch the marathon start, make sure my son knew where to ride his bike to see me, and make my way to the start.
My plan was the event was to run a smart "negative" split race. I was going to break it down into 3 sets of 4 miles. Run the first 4 miles in 36:00-9:00 pace, second 4 in 35:20--8:50 pace, and final third 4 miles in again 36:00-9:00 pace and then having enough for the last 1 1/10 mile to make my second half faster than the first half. No PR planned with the hills, but running smart. Also just for fun seeing since I will go out slower to see how many "go out to fast" runners I can pass after mile 2 and not get passed.
Lined up and off we went. Started on the mall road and made our way through and then out to the main road CR 475A/27th Ave. At the 1/2 mile point I noticed I was running a 8:34 pace so slow down big boy. Slowed down to pass mile 1 at 8:50 so still a little fast. Made our way down, up, and down some more. Passed some beautiful pastures with some light fog as the sun was beginning to rise. As I made my way passed mile 2 and 3 I was right on pace, starting passing the ones who went out to fast. and keep listening to Kevin, his friend, and another runner that were about 15 yards behind me. Thought he was going out to fast for a 2:15 finish, but focused on my own pace. Reached mile 4 at 35:43 for a 8:56 pace so right on schedule and feeling great even with the couple of hills I passed. More to come of course.
Put on my headphones and picked up the Joy FM and listening to some Sunday morning Praise music. Great to see a beautiful morning with the sunrise, the light fog, and the horse countryside all the while listening to some great music praising our creator! Really got in the right frame of mind and made my pace come much easier. Kept picking off other runners as I passed mile 5 and made the turnaround. Saw Kevin just after turning around at about the 5.25 mile mark and did not hear him or his friends anymore o figured he dropped back some. Feeling good and started to pick it up through miles 6 and 7 slowing down only to get water at the aid stops. Came up to mile 8 at 1:19:19 so ahead of schedule by running a 34:36 4 mile with a pace of 8:39. Kept right on going and decided to go for the "negative" split by trying to run the final set of 4 the fastest.
One point on the aid stations. I thought they were well positioned, well manned, well stocked with water/gatorade/gel, and very friendly. My only complaint is they had stated they would have fig newtons, but all the saw was oranges and bananas. I asked at a few when I came up to them, but they acted like they didn't know what they were. No biggie I just popped in my gel at mile 5 and 10. Brought my own since did not want to try something new on the course.
Could tell today was a good day as I kept the faster pace up through miles 9 and 10 and out on Hwy 475C/32nd then 42nd st. Big uphill and also big downhill and I made my way back to main road CR 475A/27th Ave. As I came up to mile 12 I knew I would be way ahead of the goal time for the day and now was looking at PR!! Passed my son cheering me on at mile 12 at 1:43:48 which made my last 4 mile set at 33:29 and a 8:22 pace. Went through the 3 sets of 4 miles in 8:56-8:39-8:22 paces. Never done that before.
My son helped bring me in riding his bike. Up to this point I had passed 15-25 runners after mile 2 and had not been passed by any except for the fast full marathon runners. Then my son stated "Here comes that guy."
What? Who? Then I heard Mister "I'm going to run about 2:15" Kevin yell out "Here I come." Yep here he came and there he went. The only one I can remember that passed me for the Half after mile 2 was Kevin around the 12.5 mile mark. Tried to keep pace, but he was a man on a mission. Did not want to spoil my finish so made sure to finish strong with a final mile of 8:14. Saw the clock time clicking up to 1:53 so kick it into high gear to cross at 1:52:58!!!!! PR BABY!!!
Results clock states 1:53:01, but I am going with my Garmin time. Got my negative split also by running first half in 59:11 and amazing the second half in 53:49!!. A great run and a PR also by Kevin--great job!!
I will say thou they do have the BEST trophies I have seen anywhere. The horse trophies are replicas of the horse statues from around town. Very cool!! Maybe one day I can get one, but knew there was no way I would get one today since there are fast runners here. Finished in 8th place in my age group. Love the 3 inch medal also--TOP NOTCH!
Hey at least I got to sit next to the overall trophies!!!
I signed up for this event in advance to get the low advance $45 price. Pretty low for a Half Marathon. Hopefully they will keep it low. Also with signing up I decided to purchase advance tickets $10 also for the night before Pre Race Pasta Dinner (more on this later). In reading the reviews (like I do for most races) this look to be a fun small event. Weather look like it was going to be great as I arrived on Saturday afternoon. Previous Race Expo, Packet pickup, and Dinner was at nearby hotel, but was moved to the Paddock Mall this year. Since I am just getting longer distance events this would be the first time going to an Expo and Dinner so I was looking forward to it. Previous years had good reviews of both. Well my interest in both quickly went away and an 'Unimpressed" rating!
.
After recovering from the legs strains and pains from the end of last year I was looking forward to making of my bad performance in the Brandon in Dec (2:03:55). I knew doing an event with all the hills might not be a good idea, but I had already signed up. My son forgot his jacket (okay maybe I forgot) and it was going to be low 50s so we stopped by Walmart to but a cheap pullover for him. Arrive in plenty of time to hit the portalets twice, talk with Kevin, watch the marathon start, make sure my son knew where to ride his bike to see me, and make my way to the start.
My plan was the event was to run a smart "negative" split race. I was going to break it down into 3 sets of 4 miles. Run the first 4 miles in 36:00-9:00 pace, second 4 in 35:20--8:50 pace, and final third 4 miles in again 36:00-9:00 pace and then having enough for the last 1 1/10 mile to make my second half faster than the first half. No PR planned with the hills, but running smart. Also just for fun seeing since I will go out slower to see how many "go out to fast" runners I can pass after mile 2 and not get passed.
Lined up and off we went. Started on the mall road and made our way through and then out to the main road CR 475A/27th Ave. At the 1/2 mile point I noticed I was running a 8:34 pace so slow down big boy. Slowed down to pass mile 1 at 8:50 so still a little fast. Made our way down, up, and down some more. Passed some beautiful pastures with some light fog as the sun was beginning to rise. As I made my way passed mile 2 and 3 I was right on pace, starting passing the ones who went out to fast. and keep listening to Kevin, his friend, and another runner that were about 15 yards behind me. Thought he was going out to fast for a 2:15 finish, but focused on my own pace. Reached mile 4 at 35:43 for a 8:56 pace so right on schedule and feeling great even with the couple of hills I passed. More to come of course.
Put on my headphones and picked up the Joy FM and listening to some Sunday morning Praise music. Great to see a beautiful morning with the sunrise, the light fog, and the horse countryside all the while listening to some great music praising our creator! Really got in the right frame of mind and made my pace come much easier. Kept picking off other runners as I passed mile 5 and made the turnaround. Saw Kevin just after turning around at about the 5.25 mile mark and did not hear him or his friends anymore o figured he dropped back some. Feeling good and started to pick it up through miles 6 and 7 slowing down only to get water at the aid stops. Came up to mile 8 at 1:19:19 so ahead of schedule by running a 34:36 4 mile with a pace of 8:39. Kept right on going and decided to go for the "negative" split by trying to run the final set of 4 the fastest.
One point on the aid stations. I thought they were well positioned, well manned, well stocked with water/gatorade/gel, and very friendly. My only complaint is they had stated they would have fig newtons, but all the saw was oranges and bananas. I asked at a few when I came up to them, but they acted like they didn't know what they were. No biggie I just popped in my gel at mile 5 and 10. Brought my own since did not want to try something new on the course.
Could tell today was a good day as I kept the faster pace up through miles 9 and 10 and out on Hwy 475C/32nd then 42nd st. Big uphill and also big downhill and I made my way back to main road CR 475A/27th Ave. As I came up to mile 12 I knew I would be way ahead of the goal time for the day and now was looking at PR!! Passed my son cheering me on at mile 12 at 1:43:48 which made my last 4 mile set at 33:29 and a 8:22 pace. Went through the 3 sets of 4 miles in 8:56-8:39-8:22 paces. Never done that before.
My son helped bring me in riding his bike. Up to this point I had passed 15-25 runners after mile 2 and had not been passed by any except for the fast full marathon runners. Then my son stated "Here comes that guy."
What? Who? Then I heard Mister "I'm going to run about 2:15" Kevin yell out "Here I come." Yep here he came and there he went. The only one I can remember that passed me for the Half after mile 2 was Kevin around the 12.5 mile mark. Tried to keep pace, but he was a man on a mission. Did not want to spoil my finish so made sure to finish strong with a final mile of 8:14. Saw the clock time clicking up to 1:53 so kick it into high gear to cross at 1:52:58!!!!! PR BABY!!!
Results clock states 1:53:01, but I am going with my Garmin time. Got my negative split also by running first half in 59:11 and amazing the second half in 53:49!!. A great run and a PR also by Kevin--great job!!
Okay Kevin you got me this time, but I will be ready next time!!!
All in all a great day that started off in the low 50s and ended up in the middle 60s. A very hilly course
with allot of beauty to look at. Well organized, well staffed, and well held.
I would do this event again (especially since I would love to get a horse trophy), but I know what to expect from the Expo and will skip the dinner for sure!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Love those Christmas Gifts!!
With the increased mileage in 2012 I am getting good use out of my Christmas Gifts!!!
First for those days when I have "Long runs" I am using my new Nathan Sports Trail Hydration Pack Belt Amazon.com $29.75.
Did not know if I would like to wear the belt, but since I do not like to carry a water bottle I wanted to give it a try. After using it 3 times I really like it. It has (2) 10 ounce flasks to carry water/Gatorade. Have heard they are hard to get out of the belt or water can spill, but no problems here and I usually do not have to slow down to use.
It also had a front zipped pocket that had two compartments. I have carried my gloves (for when it got colder or warmed up later), gum (to wet my mouth), gel (for that 45 min boost), and a few other things in there.
I could see why some do not like the tightness of the belt or maybe it rubbing their sides, but have not had any problems with it so far. I like the idea of carrying the extra weight on practice runs so that during an event I will have less weight than I am used to. Will not wear during events of course.
The other Christmas present I received was the Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp--Amazon.com $17.86.
After running with the Brandon Running group at night doing "Hills" workouts I figured I would get one for there. Also with the increased mileage in 2012 I wanted to have the option of being able run in the morning before work or after dinner. I use it with my visor instead of wrapping around just my head. It really helps light up the darkness and makes it easier to see the sidewalk for elevation changes, cracks, and tree limbs. Only problem is when a car is coming your way their headlamps make it difficult to see. Of course in that same breath it does make it much easier for them to see you running and we all need to practice Safety First!!
Both are highly recommended.
Of course check out on-line both items and others to find out what would be best for your running needs!!
Training 2012
Off to a good start in 2012 with two weeks in the books as I train for the upcoming "hilly" Ocala Half Marathon on Sunday 1/22 and the Melbourne Half on Sunday 2/5.
So far two weeks and just under 65 miles in the books.
Weekly training schedule looks like:
Monday -- Hills workout
Tuesday -- Rest
Wednesday -- Track or Tempo
Thursday -- Cross train/Bike
Friday -- Eazy short
Saturday --Eazy long run
Sunday -- Rest or as needed
This week's runs
Mon- (6 1/2 miles) 8:15 pace up hill
Wed -(6 1/4) mile warmup and then mile repeats 7:35, 7:43, 7:47 miles and 7:40 1/2 mile with 1/2 mile rest jogs in between.
Thurs-(4 1/2) bike
Fri-(2 3/4) Eazy short 9:00 pace
Sat-(11 1/2) Eazy long run 8:55 pace
Weekly total 31 1/2 miles
Next week will be slightly shorter total mileage with the Ocala Half event at the end of the week.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The MADD Dash 5k..A Resolution Run
The MADD Dash 5k Saturday January 7 Al Lopez Park Tampa FL
The MADD Dash 5k at Al Lopez Park in Tampa was in its 10th year. Last years review can be found in the Jan 2011 blog. This is was going to be the first race of the year for me and still coming off the hamstring soreness combined with some (running hills) calf soreness I was not sure I would do it. I decided after doing a slow jog on Friday that I would since I enjoy the events the Take ... the First Step group puts on and I was first in my age group last year. Could I repeat? Another reason was I wanted to run a good race at Al Lopez since I have not been happy with the two races I have run there. Not the times, but the overall race.
Nice playground for the kids that come out to cheer parents on during the race.
It was a semi chilly morning in the high 40's (start time it was 48) accompanied by some overcast clouds made for a nice race. Did day off registration since it was unclear I would be running so arrived a little early. Registration was no problem. Signed up and got my shirt. Same design as the one last year, but this one was long sleeve--me like! Did not receive the "goodie" bag with coupons and flyers thou, so went to another table to get one of those.
After putting stuff in the car I went to the park bathroom (nice instead of portalets) and went to warmup. During warmups I noticed one of the runners I see allot Sebastian H was warming up with his son. Had to stop and ask if he was in my age group yet since he runs so well. He had not had his birthday yet so good he was still in the group below me. Will be the last one thou.
My goal for the race today was to run a good race, but get out with any more injuries or make the ones worse. I have the "hills" of the Ocala Half marathon in two weeks so want to be healthy for that. The plan was to go out allot slower on the first mile (5k average around 6:25-6:35) and try to run a negative split. Like most runners I have run 5ks by sprinting a fast first, staying close in the second, and trying to hold on in the third. Need to improve this year to run more even miles. Even thou well below my usual 5k time somewhere between 22:30-23:15 final would be okay for today.
All paved street and sidewalk course.
Got my warmups in and got lined up at the start. Saw a few of runners that I usually are back and forth with so it was harder to line up back a little and know I was going to let them run off. A few instructions, comments on MADD, course directions, and off we went. Felt good with the start and did not feel like I was running to fast until my Garmin showed 6:27 pace at 1/4 mile. Starting slowing it down some and past 1/2 mile at 6:40 pace. Still to fast even thou I felt good. Funny I was making myself slow down, but passed 2 runners as I was doing it. My mind was better at ease as I passed 1 mile with a 7:20.
As we exited the park and ran down Hines Ave I passed two other runners with the next one a good bit ahead of me. Concentrated on my pace and reeling him in. Entered the north part of the park and remembered this is usually my problem area. I do not know what it is, but I lose my pace and time in this area as you make a long curve around the pond and head back towards the parking lot. As I checked my Garmin I noticed my pace was slowing down so focused on my "Pump, Lift, and Turnover" manta I say to myself. As I made the turn to go around the parking lot I glanced back to see a large gap behind me from the next runner. Coming out of the parking lot I passed the 2 mile mark with a 2nd mile pace of 7:39. Not good for one of my regular 5ks, but on pace for today.
No one in view behind me--now to catch the one in front of me!
Okay no one behind me that is going to catch me so let's focus on pace, finishing strong, see if I can catch the guy in front of me! Since I was not feeling any of the leg pains I started to pick up the pace to see if I could match or beat my first mile pace. As I made my way around the long curve on the south end of the park I was getting closer and closer to the guy in front. As I pulled within a few steps I noticed he looked like my age group so with running a slower overall pace did not want to take any chances. I surged past him with about 3/4 miles to go and kept picking up the pace. Came off the road portion and onto the finishing sidewalk portion. As I came towards the 3 mile mark I saw my pace for the third just off my first mile at 7:26 (vs first 7:20). With just a 1/10 left and enough room behind (just in case my leg started to hurt) I "opened it up" and went into a full sprint. Really felt good to finish a race here with a full sprint left for the finish. Crossed the line at 23:05 which is my slowest race here, but ran a smart race with the injuries, a close to even pace, and able to full sprint at the end without being tired after. Very happy with that!
Always good supplies of Fruit (oranges, apples, and bananas), bagels, bars, combos, water, and gatorade awaits you at the pavilion. There were about about 15 nice door prizes which they had already pulled numbers and had it posted for you to check--like that. Filled out my unofficial finisher card (you fill out info since it is not chip timed) and talked to fellow runners. They did a mile "fun run" and then time for awards.
Very nice trophies for overall (wow--13 yr old Daniel D won in a 17:04 time), master, grand master, senior grand master, and high school awards. Funny the high school winner's times were in the 30s which is high, but they guy and girl were the only ones in their age groups. Good for them. Noticed my runner friend Sebastian H won Masters (hopes he keeps winning that to keep him out of my age group). Started with older group and worked oldest to youngest.
Made the way I planned to run and stayed on the plan during the race so much better by placing First in my age group (and yes the guy I passed near the end was in my age group). First time I have repeated after placing first last year! Now it is time to plan on the Ocala race, but will continue to put this beginning of the race on my calender!!
The MADD Dash 5k at Al Lopez Park in Tampa was in its 10th year. Last years review can be found in the Jan 2011 blog. This is was going to be the first race of the year for me and still coming off the hamstring soreness combined with some (running hills) calf soreness I was not sure I would do it. I decided after doing a slow jog on Friday that I would since I enjoy the events the Take ... the First Step group puts on and I was first in my age group last year. Could I repeat? Another reason was I wanted to run a good race at Al Lopez since I have not been happy with the two races I have run there. Not the times, but the overall race.
It was a semi chilly morning in the high 40's (start time it was 48) accompanied by some overcast clouds made for a nice race. Did day off registration since it was unclear I would be running so arrived a little early. Registration was no problem. Signed up and got my shirt. Same design as the one last year, but this one was long sleeve--me like! Did not receive the "goodie" bag with coupons and flyers thou, so went to another table to get one of those.
LONG SLEEVE TEE!!
My goal for the race today was to run a good race, but get out with any more injuries or make the ones worse. I have the "hills" of the Ocala Half marathon in two weeks so want to be healthy for that. The plan was to go out allot slower on the first mile (5k average around 6:25-6:35) and try to run a negative split. Like most runners I have run 5ks by sprinting a fast first, staying close in the second, and trying to hold on in the third. Need to improve this year to run more even miles. Even thou well below my usual 5k time somewhere between 22:30-23:15 final would be okay for today.
Got my warmups in and got lined up at the start. Saw a few of runners that I usually are back and forth with so it was harder to line up back a little and know I was going to let them run off. A few instructions, comments on MADD, course directions, and off we went. Felt good with the start and did not feel like I was running to fast until my Garmin showed 6:27 pace at 1/4 mile. Starting slowing it down some and past 1/2 mile at 6:40 pace. Still to fast even thou I felt good. Funny I was making myself slow down, but passed 2 runners as I was doing it. My mind was better at ease as I passed 1 mile with a 7:20.
Okay no one behind me that is going to catch me so let's focus on pace, finishing strong, see if I can catch the guy in front of me! Since I was not feeling any of the leg pains I started to pick up the pace to see if I could match or beat my first mile pace. As I made my way around the long curve on the south end of the park I was getting closer and closer to the guy in front. As I pulled within a few steps I noticed he looked like my age group so with running a slower overall pace did not want to take any chances. I surged past him with about 3/4 miles to go and kept picking up the pace. Came off the road portion and onto the finishing sidewalk portion. As I came towards the 3 mile mark I saw my pace for the third just off my first mile at 7:26 (vs first 7:20). With just a 1/10 left and enough room behind (just in case my leg started to hurt) I "opened it up" and went into a full sprint. Really felt good to finish a race here with a full sprint left for the finish. Crossed the line at 23:05 which is my slowest race here, but ran a smart race with the injuries, a close to even pace, and able to full sprint at the end without being tired after. Very happy with that!
Always good supplies of Fruit (oranges, apples, and bananas), bagels, bars, combos, water, and gatorade awaits you at the pavilion. There were about about 15 nice door prizes which they had already pulled numbers and had it posted for you to check--like that. Filled out my unofficial finisher card (you fill out info since it is not chip timed) and talked to fellow runners. They did a mile "fun run" and then time for awards.
Very nice trophies for overall (wow--13 yr old Daniel D won in a 17:04 time), master, grand master, senior grand master, and high school awards. Funny the high school winner's times were in the 30s which is high, but they guy and girl were the only ones in their age groups. Good for them. Noticed my runner friend Sebastian H won Masters (hopes he keeps winning that to keep him out of my age group). Started with older group and worked oldest to youngest.
Made the way I planned to run and stayed on the plan during the race so much better by placing First in my age group (and yes the guy I passed near the end was in my age group). First time I have repeated after placing first last year! Now it is time to plan on the Ocala race, but will continue to put this beginning of the race on my calender!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
2011 Recap
My first full year of running is in the books. Allot of running from a "newbie" standpoint covering 790 miles of races, slow jogs, hills repeats, track sprints, and long runs. As I get into longer distances I look for the total mileage to increase dramatically in 2012.
Some key notes from 2011:
27 races participated in
Placed in 18 of them
8 first place, 4 second place, and 6 third place
I achieved 2 5k PRs
I ran in my first 8k, 10k, and Half Marathon
Several aches, bruises, calf strains, hamstring pulls, and lost toe nails.
Goals for 2012
Increased mileage
Achieve PRs in each event distance I participate in
Participate in my first Full Marathon
HAPPY RUNNING!
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