I don’t think I like race re-caps, but I have to write about
this one (mainly because my time has me on cloud 9). This race took place at
Signal Knob Middle School in Strasburg, Virginia. It’s a little bit of a drive
(roughly 25 minutes), but has a really cool concept --- you run tandem with a
partner to compete against other pairs. After totaling the times together, you
see how your team did against the rest.
With my original partner having to cancel, my adoring wife,
Sara, proclaimed that she would run with me! SWEET! She isn’t into competitive running too much, but loves to
run. Plus, outside of the annual Turkey Trot, I cannot recall a time when we
ran a 5k together. Now we finally get to be out there, together.
With a partner and a babysitter (Thanks, Kacie!) we were
off. To our dismay, the course changed from last year, making it a new route
for both of us. The main reason for this change was because of ice and snow.
And with the course being mostly uphill for the first two miles, we needed all
the traction we could get.
Speaking of which, there weren’t too many pockets of bad
footing. The only two spots that I can remember were the climb right before the
first mile and the path through the woods. This is where the Winter Series
aspect comes in. Fortunately, I try my best to utilize “form running.” This is
especially helpful when it comes to running on hazardous surfaces and hills.
Combining the two, I was able to gain on a couple runners.
*Quick derail as to what form running is. Most people, when
they run utilize their calf muscles way too much. By using your quads more, shorter
strides, gravity, and a good body lean it takes less effort/energy to run.
Think of it as running on hot coals. It also prevents your foot from slipping
out since you are catching yourself rather than propelling yourself.
At the second mile and in the woods, I decided to make a
move. I was feeling good (both physically and mentally) and thought I was
making good time. I was already closing in on the pack that usually beats me,
but as I trudged through the snow I glanced quickly at my watch. 7:05. Uh-oh. That was nowhere near my
6:30 mark that I was shooting for. I
needed to go.
As the path narrowed,
I was telling others “Passing on the left.” Fortunately, I was able to slide by
a couple and was back on macadam.
Hearing the breath of the runner I just passed gave me the
determination to keep going. He was trying to stay with me and I was hoping
that he would. About 15 more meters of
the climb and I was at the top of the hill. No more heavy breathing behind me.
I was going to glance back to see if he was still there, but then I saw another
runner that has led me every WS race since last year!
Today was going to be the day that I was going to get him.
As I slowly gained and pondered how much was left in the race, I caught up to
Shane. I told him that I was going to finish with him today. A brief exchange
of words and a “Go get ‘em” from Shane, I was off and chasing the next runner.
This is where my ego got the best of me. I think if I would
have kept going with a slower, longer kick I could have fared better. Instead,
I met my next target and stated how I wanted to finish with him. Then, the
movie moment happened. With the turn of his head and a brief smile he took off.
I did my best and stayed with Louis for 25 meters or so, but
I knew I was toast. He did give me the motivation to finish faster than I anticipated
though. At one point, my watch had me at 5:15 with the rest of the race
cruising right around 5:20 pace. Wowzers!
Mind you, this entire
time, I have paid very little attention to the total time for the race. As I
turned the last corner towards the finish line I squinted to see the clock.
19:something… I could get a sub-20! Stubbornly, I continued to push myself (I
can’t wait to see the photos from this race). As I crossed the line I was
almost in shock. I knew my last mile was a 5:54, but wasn’t sure how I did
overall. Well, according to my watch, I crossed the finish line at 19:22
(Official race time 19:24)!
WHAT?! I haven’t run that fast since high school.
After boasting to myself silently, I began talking to the
other runners (that were a lot closer to me than what I thought) who made my
new PR possible. Their charisma during the race and positive spirits helped
give me the extra push I needed. Also, it was nice to finally finish in front
or near the guys that I’ve been struggling to keep up with for the past year. Here’s to you; Shane, Mario, Louis, Alex,
and other guy that I can’t remember what your name is!
Then, just as I was finally lowering my heart rate, in came
why wife! Holy crap, right around 25 minutes!
She rocks by the way. Best mom and wife I could ever ask
for.
fter she finished, we continued a few conversations and
grabbed a few snacks. We chatted a little while longer and then, we were on our
way.
Shortly after arriving home, I received the results email.
Out of 249 finishers, I placed 16th overall and the 14th
male. As for my age group (20-29), I placed 3rd out of 8.
As for the tandem results, Team Ilnasty took 4th
out of 13. 102 team points (16th and 86th overall
placing) and a cumulative time of 44:28!
Not a bad race!
Now, I get to spend the rest of my day having tea parties
with the coolest kid in the world while watching Scooby Doo. Enjoy the rest of
yours!
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