Executive summary: inadequate training, overweight runners gets PW
(Personal Worst) on a beautiful flat course.
The Race event:
This race is a real event. This year marked the 30th Twins Days
festival. The race has a separate category for twins. You may think
your eyes are seeing double, but they got a lot of twins to sign up.
The course is on a paved park trail, to lots of trees and shade.
My race:
Okay, so my training last few years actually has been severly lacking
in consistancy. And then a couple weeks ago, I cut a run short due to
feeling pains in my shins. It was clear I needed new shoes. I tried a
running shoe store that I just found out about and that is close to
home. From the store I found out that the Twins Days 5k had been
ressurrected, apparently just last year.
I lined up near the back. I knew I wasn't ready, but I needed to get
back into the racing habit. The 9AM start, in the parking lot, was in
bright sunlight and temps were already climbing. The race was chip
timed, but I did not see a starting mat. No big deal for me, I was
definitely not planning on a record time. 8^)
the crowd moved out and onto the narrow trail. I fell into step with a
few other folks and we carry on together for a good bit. I was
breathing hard, but I was hoping that was just my usual startup
struggle. It was hot in the sun, but the temp felt like it dropped
significantly when we got into the shade.
In the first mile I gradually passed a few people. There was a women in
black that I seemed to be keeping pace with. The first mile seemd to go
okay. time 10:10. I'm actually happy with that time, given my training
has been [censored]. I only hope I can hold it.
The woman in black (WIB) and I exchange leads a few time in the second
mile. The course is mainly flat. What slope exists is mainly long
slight inclines. I try to take advantage when they are downhill,
lifting my legs a little higher to get more air time.
The event photographer/veteran/flagman lifted up the flag as I passed,
so I gave a salute. He said thanks. Not long after that was the
waterstop/turnaround. I took a glass just to splash my face. WOW! the
water was ice cold, so it was a refreshing shock. I managed to pick up
the pace and gain the lead on the WIB.
for mile two my time was 10:45. I'm not happy that I cannot hold closer
to 10, but it's my own fault for not training well. Shortly after, one
guy that we passed early on in the race goes flying past. Nothing I
could do about that. The WIB asks if we are last. No we weren't that
far back. I said we were at the front of the back of the pack. I guess
she didnot notice the runners going the other was fater the turn round.
I concentrated on keeping up. The woman in black had now built up about
a 10yard lead on me and I'm struggling. I focus on running form. The
only issue I has at this point is will I have any kick left at the end
for a strong finish.
As we approach the parking lot again, I'm slowly gaining ground. Thru
the parking lot, I gain slightly more. The finish is on the school
track and as we pass thru the gate I've closed to within 2yards of the
WIB.
Around the first turn though, I wonder when I can make a final run. Do
I have anything left for a charge at the finish. I close the gap a
little more on the straightway. Final turn and I think, "Okay, it's
worth a try, kick on the last stretch." So on the final straightaaway,
I start to push, hard. She sees me pass and says "no you don't". I
replied, " gotta try!" and we are both racing for the finish line. I
have maybe a two step lead, but she had a little more in the tank, and
passed me just before the finish. We slap hands as we slow down. "great
finish" I say to congratulate her.
Well, maybe it was that final sprint, but we broke 33:00. Hey, small
victories for total lack of decent training. I brent over trying to
catch my breath.
Waited for the awards announcement because a neighbor had also run. He
managed to take third in his age group. Great run Bruce!
I looked up the race results:
http://www.ohiochallengeseries.com/
128 282 DN6615C Red Kuelling 48 F Cuyahoga Falls
OH 32:46.00 10:33
129 6124 DA8Z88D Robert Zigmont 39 M Wadsworth
OH 32:49.45 10:34
130 266 DN66TAZ Edward Prochak 51 M Twinsburg
OH 32:58.65 10:37
131 260 DN66Y4R Lyle Mcgregor 51 M Unknow
33:39.70 10:51
132 335 DN661YC Kathy Olemer 37 F BG
33:41.70 10:51
130 out of 165 finishers. 4th out of 5 in my age group. (Hey, wait 'til
next year!) 80 of 91 males.
I didn't see a time just ahead of me, so I wonder if the WIB had lost
her timing chip along the way. There is no name near mine, timewise.
The race really is nice. The twins make it more interesting. Come on
down and try it sometime.
It may be my Personal Worst race time, but at least I'm racing again.
Now I have a goal to shoot for next race. There's one labor day weekend
that looks good.
Ed