Monday, March 12, 2012

Run for the Shamrock 10K

Spontaneously created outfit!
On Monday I had that feeling where I needed to find a race. I found a 10K in Eugene that was actually happening at the same time and place as the 5K The Coach was registered for. After verifying that I wouldn't look like a stalker by being at that same race I registered. A few days later there I was, parked about 5 cars down from The Coach. (Not stalkerish, just coincidence ... and that small of a race.) Compared to the races I've been doing, this was a total 180ยบ change. 

No chip timing. No expo. Cotton t-shirts (which I actually liked, too!). The race was benefiting the Sheldon High School track team, and it appeared that members of the team were the people at each mile marker calling out split times. The 10K did have a water stop at mile 4, which was also manned by the students. Very informal, laid back, short and fast! These legs of mine are not used to short and fast anymore. That was my 2010 body. Now I'm all about the long haul ... so I was certainly unprepared for the spontaneity of this race!

My nerves were pretty in check. I spent pre-race getting my bib on, stretching a bit and visiting the bathroom ... the bathroom with NO doors on the stalls. I had to verify I didn't walk into the men's room because it pretty much looked like a row of giant urinals. 

At the start area I wished The Coach and his son-in-law well ... knowing I would not see them again at the race. (They did the 5K. The Coach was 10th overall and 1st in his age group!) I kept myself toward the middle/front so that I wouldn't be stuck behind any walkers. But in all honesty, this was a FAST group of people and my goal was to not be last! No joke.  My other goal ... PR. 


We started and I was in a steady group going about 9:30 minute mile pace. I kept up for quite a long time but knew I wasn't going to maintain that for 6.2 miles. I kept trying so hard to back off, but the racer in me couldn't do it. I had such a competitive streak for the first half of the race, it was ridiculous! I did use a woman between 60 and 70 years old as a pacer. She kept me going at a nice steady 10 minute mile pace and faster. I appreciated her a lot. Because I kept speeding up, I did fizzle a couple of times. It wasn't huge, but I would like to have not taken as many tiny walk breaks. 


In the last mile I was pretty spent. My body was working in newer ways and I was just ready for the finish line. A girl about my age came up behind me and said, "Come on! Let's do this. Let's bring it home!" I thanked her for giving me the swift kick in the rear that I needed, and I ran the rest of the way to the finish line. My upchuck reflexes were starting to flare up and I had to mentally fight the urge. I still managed a strong finish ... and NO throwing up!! Woo hoo!!

So how did I do? I was NOT the last person. AND I got a new PR by 7 minutes!! Pretty damn good results I'd say! In the finish area I ran into a friend that I didn't even know was into running now, so that was fun. I didn't come close to getting any age group awards, but since The Coach had to leave early I lingered and picked up his award. I should have just claimed it as my own. All in all it was a great day! The weather held out and I kind of got that taste of short and fast again ... and I think I want more!!
I found my dearest Steve Prefontiane at Trader Joe's!

22 comments:

  1. This is so awesome!!! You are amazing!! :)

    It sounds like a really fun race. Sometimes these laid back races can really be a blast...not as much pressure! ;)

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    1. It was totally strange to me to be in something so laid back. In some ways that made it even more nerve wracking because I could easily see how fast everybody was before we even got to the start line!

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  2. Great job on the PR! 7 minutes AMAZING!!!!!!

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    1. I can hardly believe it myself. Thanks!

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  3. love the outfit
    love the 7 min PR even MORE!!!!
    BRAVO!!!!

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  4. Wooohooo, well done .... 7 minutes slashed off. Nice one :-)

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    1. "slashed" -- I love your choice of words!

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  5. I like those little races. There's a local HS that puts on a 5k. I did it for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. Congrats on the PR!

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    1. I haven't done little in so long - it was a nice change!

      Thanks a lot!!

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  6. Congrats on the new PR! Way to go! :)

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  7. WOOT! Great PR and hooray for no puking!

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    1. Can you believe it?!? I haven't puked in a race at all this year!! *knock on wood*

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  8. Way to kill it! Congrats on the PR!

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  9. WOOHOO!! Awesome job on the PR!! And super cute outfit. I think I'm totally going to copy you on the whole capris & socks look for my 5K this weekend.

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