Post by scott on Dec 8, 2009 19:16:13 GMT -5
I told myself I wouldn't be qualified to post a race report on the Spiridon Message board until I had a sub 7 min. mile. Well after many long months of training and hard work here it goes.
I attended the Jingle bell 5K this past weekend with the backdrop of this being my first annual race since I started running last September. Some know that I started out with the couch to 5K program before I started with Spiridon training. I had set my sights on the Jingle bell run to be my first 5k race. At 220 lbs, I lumbered across the finish line at the 30:59 mark sucking major wind and close to death.
I had high hopes for this year due to the improvements I have made over the past few races. The race was very fun and well organized as always. The registration was quick and fluid as expected. Great festive environment, as well as a good turn out. I had prearranged to meet up with one of my track partners to pace off the first mile. He is much younger and much faster than I. The plan was for me to slow him down and for him to speed me up. First mile goal 7:30. overall goal 22:45. We warmed up with a few others and settled in at the starting line close to the front. I took off at the gun very comfortable, feeling good and trying to dodge the kids. Turned off of Church street with a good cold wind blowing, just enjoying the run. Came up to Mile 1 and the clock read 6:45. I looked at my pace partner and we both said "Whoops". We kept on at that click for a little then hit the turning points around mile 2. The wind had kicked up and we were running strait into it. I got in behind someone to draft a little and that seemed to help. I was looking forward to the wind being at my back at the next turn but it changed direction as soon as I hit it. I was close to my goal time at mile three. I tried to do simple math with oxygen deprivation going on with great difficulty. I just knew I needed to speed up. Then a guy with a Christmas tree on his head passed me, it was all I needed. I was coming to the line when Coach started yelling " You only got 10 Seconds!". I crossed the line at 21:54. A nine minute improvement. ( and 50 lbs less)
I felt great after the race and was very happy with my time. Spiridon and all associated with it has been tremendously encouraging over this past year. Thanks to you all. Looking forward to the Holiday Half this weekend.
I attended the Jingle bell 5K this past weekend with the backdrop of this being my first annual race since I started running last September. Some know that I started out with the couch to 5K program before I started with Spiridon training. I had set my sights on the Jingle bell run to be my first 5k race. At 220 lbs, I lumbered across the finish line at the 30:59 mark sucking major wind and close to death.
I had high hopes for this year due to the improvements I have made over the past few races. The race was very fun and well organized as always. The registration was quick and fluid as expected. Great festive environment, as well as a good turn out. I had prearranged to meet up with one of my track partners to pace off the first mile. He is much younger and much faster than I. The plan was for me to slow him down and for him to speed me up. First mile goal 7:30. overall goal 22:45. We warmed up with a few others and settled in at the starting line close to the front. I took off at the gun very comfortable, feeling good and trying to dodge the kids. Turned off of Church street with a good cold wind blowing, just enjoying the run. Came up to Mile 1 and the clock read 6:45. I looked at my pace partner and we both said "Whoops". We kept on at that click for a little then hit the turning points around mile 2. The wind had kicked up and we were running strait into it. I got in behind someone to draft a little and that seemed to help. I was looking forward to the wind being at my back at the next turn but it changed direction as soon as I hit it. I was close to my goal time at mile three. I tried to do simple math with oxygen deprivation going on with great difficulty. I just knew I needed to speed up. Then a guy with a Christmas tree on his head passed me, it was all I needed. I was coming to the line when Coach started yelling " You only got 10 Seconds!". I crossed the line at 21:54. A nine minute improvement. ( and 50 lbs less)
I felt great after the race and was very happy with my time. Spiridon and all associated with it has been tremendously encouraging over this past year. Thanks to you all. Looking forward to the Holiday Half this weekend.