I did something a little bit different today. I ran in the second annual Alex DeVinny Memorial 4K Run. The race was about three miles from my house, so I ran to the race site, ran the 4K at a steady 7:49/mile (finishing in 19:23), and then ran home. My training plan had me going seven miles today, and my total for the day was eight, with several rest breaks. Works for me. :)
In other news, I'm still waiting for the results of the Kenosha Firecracker 10K (on July 1) to be declared "official", so I'll save my recap until then.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
PR at 10-mile Lighthouse Run!
It was a bit hot on June 16, 2007 for the Lighthouse Run. I ran most of the race with my friend Mark. We helped pace each other most of the way. With about three miles to go, I could tell that he had a bit more left in the tank than I did, and when he asked if he could go on ahead, I gladly gave him permission. :)
Overall, it was a great race. Mark finished in 1:22:19.7, averaging 8:14 per mile. I finished in 1:22:59.2, averaging 8:18 per mile. Here's the splits:
8:03, 8:11, 8:10, 8:09, 8:11, 8:14, 8:21, 8:31, 8:43, 8:26
Coming soon: Details on yesterday's Kenosha Firecracker 10K Run (which was also a PR).
Overall, it was a great race. Mark finished in 1:22:19.7, averaging 8:14 per mile. I finished in 1:22:59.2, averaging 8:18 per mile. Here's the splits:
8:03, 8:11, 8:10, 8:09, 8:11, 8:14, 8:21, 8:31, 8:43, 8:26
Coming soon: Details on yesterday's Kenosha Firecracker 10K Run (which was also a PR).
Monday, May 28, 2007
PR in Mad City
We didn't have much going on this weekend. On Wednesday, I considered the possibility of running the Madison Marathon. To make a long story short, we made the two-hour drive on Saturday, signed up, stayed with family nearby, and I ran the race on Sunday morning. I finished with a new personal record (3:54:26), improving my previous best by about four minutes. Yay!
More Pictures
More Pictures
Madison Split Times
| Miles 1-5 | 8:55 | 8:37 | 9:08 | 8:45 | 8:28 |
| Miles 6-10 | 9:08 | 8:56 | 8:45 | 8:54 | 8:54 |
| Miles 11-15 | 8:42 | 8:59 | 9:02 | 8:53 | 8:48 |
| Miles 16-20 | 8:52 | 8:54 | 8:50 | 9:09 | 8:54 |
| Miles 21-25 | 8:47 | 9:21 | 9:21 | 9:14 | 9:15 |
| Miles 26-End | 9:08 | 1:47 |
- Average Pace: 8:57/mile
- First half: 1:56:04 Second half: 1:58:22
- Fastest Mile: #5 (8:28) Slowest Mile: #22/#23 (9:21)
- Updated Marathon Graph - I still slowed down a bit at the end, but it wasn't as dramatic as Houston, Portland, or Little Rock.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Third Place Again!
The Lake Geneva 10K was a more challenging course than I anticipated. It had its share of hills, though I didn't think there was as much "rolling" as there was in Minnesota last weekend.
Right before the race, I realized that everyone (but me) was wearing chips around their ankles to track their time. I had incorrectly assumed that only marathoners and half-marathoners needed chips. I ran back (fairly quickly) to a nearby hotel to get my chip, only to be told that they had *just* been driven over to the start/finish area that I had just left. Oh well. I eventually found my chip, put it on, took a deep breath, and set out on the course.
It was a bit exciting to pass hundreds of 5k and 10k runners at the beginning of the race. There weren't any mile markers, but my GPS had me pacing at about 8:00/mile. As soon as we got into a more wooded area, it lost track, and it had me reaching the 5k turnaround point at 1.8 miles.
Even though I didn't have an exact measurement, the course seemed longer than 10k to me. I was hoping to crack 50 minutes, as I had run 10k in less time than that on a treadmill. I reached the halfway point in about 26 minutes. Even though I had run a bit extra prior to the race, I still felt pretty good.
On the way back to the finish, I spied another runner about 200 feet in front of me. Slowly and steadily, I closed the gap. On the final stretch by the lake, I had a sprint left in me, so I took off and finished well ahead of the other runner.
My chip time was 52:15, just fast enough to get third place for the M25-29 age group. It's my third age group award in three weekends! My prize was a running hat, which I really like because I've never had one before. I might wear it at the Lighthouse Run on June 16 if it's sunny out. :)
Right before the race, I realized that everyone (but me) was wearing chips around their ankles to track their time. I had incorrectly assumed that only marathoners and half-marathoners needed chips. I ran back (fairly quickly) to a nearby hotel to get my chip, only to be told that they had *just* been driven over to the start/finish area that I had just left. Oh well. I eventually found my chip, put it on, took a deep breath, and set out on the course.
It was a bit exciting to pass hundreds of 5k and 10k runners at the beginning of the race. There weren't any mile markers, but my GPS had me pacing at about 8:00/mile. As soon as we got into a more wooded area, it lost track, and it had me reaching the 5k turnaround point at 1.8 miles.
Even though I didn't have an exact measurement, the course seemed longer than 10k to me. I was hoping to crack 50 minutes, as I had run 10k in less time than that on a treadmill. I reached the halfway point in about 26 minutes. Even though I had run a bit extra prior to the race, I still felt pretty good.
On the way back to the finish, I spied another runner about 200 feet in front of me. Slowly and steadily, I closed the gap. On the final stretch by the lake, I had a sprint left in me, so I took off and finished well ahead of the other runner.
My chip time was 52:15, just fast enough to get third place for the M25-29 age group. It's my third age group award in three weekends! My prize was a running hat, which I really like because I've never had one before. I might wear it at the Lighthouse Run on June 16 if it's sunny out. :)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
5k Bud Break Recap
The weather was a bit rainy, but conditions were great for the 5k Bud Break in Chanhassen, Minnesota, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I was in the North Star State visiting my brother, Andrew, his wife, Holly, and their two daughters, Ella & Lily. They patiently browsed the gift shop and checked out the blooming flowers as I warmed up.
I started off the race a bit quick, but it wasn't long before I settled into a 7:00/mile pace. The course had tons of hills -- rarely was there a flat stretch. Up and down, up and down, I kept forcing myself to just get over the next hill. My GPS paced the first two miles at 7:00 each, and I wasn't getting too tired yet. The third mile was more of the same, and it also clocked at about 7:00. However, it must not have been perfectly accurate, becuase it measured another .22 miles to the finish.
I finished 22:16, enough to get third place for my age group (M20-29). The award was a bit of a surprise, considering that the winner finished in about 18 minutes.
Many thanks to Andrew, Holly, Ella, and Lily for all of their support, and for waiting around even longer so that I could get my medal!
I started off the race a bit quick, but it wasn't long before I settled into a 7:00/mile pace. The course had tons of hills -- rarely was there a flat stretch. Up and down, up and down, I kept forcing myself to just get over the next hill. My GPS paced the first two miles at 7:00 each, and I wasn't getting too tired yet. The third mile was more of the same, and it also clocked at about 7:00. However, it must not have been perfectly accurate, becuase it measured another .22 miles to the finish.
I finished 22:16, enough to get third place for my age group (M20-29). The award was a bit of a surprise, considering that the winner finished in about 18 minutes.
Many thanks to Andrew, Holly, Ella, and Lily for all of their support, and for waiting around even longer so that I could get my medal!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Racine Running Fest 30K Recap
The weather was just about perfect for the 30 kilometers (about 18.64 miles) of the Racine (Wisconsin) Running Fest on April 28, 2007. I was targeting to finish in about 2:43:00, or about 8:45 per mile, or better. I had never run a 30k before, so I knew I would set a personal best!
I live in Kenosha, and I work in Racine, so I felt like I had "home field advantage" for this race. In addition, my grandparents live a block away from the start/finish, so I was able to use their place to drop off my gear and get ready before the start of the race. Many thanks to Grandma & Grandpa!
Shortly before the race started, I met up with Gerald Cameron, a colleague from work who also signed up for the 30k. Jerry ran the Boston Marathon earlier this month, and he decided to run this race after I told him about it. He mentioned that his quads hadn't completely recovered, but I could tell he was excited about the race. He's much faster than me, and I knew he'd be at the front of the pack.
Anyway, on to the race -- there were three separate starts.
30k (27 participants) - 8 a.m.
Half Marathon (136 participants) - 8:10 a.m.
5k (162 participants) - 8:20 a.m.
Shortly before the start, we were informed of a slight course change from the original map. In addition, the 30k start was delayed because the race director was waiting for the final "OK" from the police officials. I didn't get cold waiting, but I did get very nervous, as I wondered if I'd get lost on the course. Oh well, just take it one step at a time.
Just before 8:10, we finally began our journey. The largest group of spectators was the half-marathoners and 5k runners, and they enthusiastically cheered us on. Shortly after that, I saw Grandma and Grandpa, who also gave their support. I handed off my warm-up jacket to Grandma, and kept moving steadily along the course. With only 27 people in the 30k, there was plenty of breathing room. (Splits for miles 1-3: 8:31, 8:41, 8:40)
At mile 4, I got some more energetic cheers from my Aunt Lisa and my five year-old cousin, Rachel. I waved, smiled, and thanked them for coming out to support me as Rachel responded, "I hope you win!" :) Another relative, Aunt Sue, was waiting for me at mile 5 with a much-appreciated bottle of water. I carried it with me through about the 10k mark, where I used it to wash down the first of two hammer gels I was carrying with me (vanilla-flavored, yum). Many thanks to Aunt Lisa, Rachel, and Aunt Sue! (Splits for miles 4-7: 8:37, 8:43, 8:30, 8:56)
The course wasn't too lonely as the race continued, mainly because a lot of the faster half-marathoners were flying by. We were now heading south along the shoreline of Lake Michigan on a bike trail. Parts of it had "rolling hills", but they were insignificant compared to the hills I've experienced in the Seattle and Portland marathons. I felt great, and I kept up the pace. (Splits for miles 8-11: 8:35, 8:34, 8:24, 8:34)
The course eventually turned west along the Root River. I passed the turnaround point for half-marathoners. Things were pretty lonely for a while, and then I saw a policeman on a bicycle clearing the way for the 30k leaders, who were already heading east toward the finish. Jerry was leading the race, but another runner was drafting him. He looked very focused, but he acknowledged me as I shouted, "C'mon, Jerry, keep it up!" As I wondered how he would fare against his opponent, I pressed on toward the turnaround point, taking my second hammer gel (tropical-flavored) during mile 14. (Splits for miles 12-15: 8:29, 8:32, 8:53, 8:28)
I reached the turnaround and continued my steady pace. This is probably one of the best races ever as far as even splits are concerned. I waved to other 30k runners as I passed by. Later on, I encountered some tired-looking half-marathoners who hadn't quite made it to their turnaround yet. I cheered them on as best I could. There was one more incline before a mostly-downhill straightaway to the finish arch. Grandma made the walk to the finish to support me, and I waved and thanked her as I ran by. I think I had a very solid finishing kick in me, but with no runners in sight in front of me and no one bearing down behind me, I sped up only a little bit as I raised my arms in victory and crossed the line. (Splits for miles 16-end: 8:31, 8:45, 8:43, 5:03)
My finish time was 2:40:09. I averaged about 8:36 per mile, well ahead of my goal pace. As an added bonus, I received my first ever age group award. Among males 25-29, I finished second! Granted, there were only four people in my age group, but it was quite a thrill to receive a plaque (in addition to a medal) to remember my accomplishment.
So, are you curious how Jerry finished? He was done about 25 minutes before me, but he was still hanging around in the area by the post-race goodies. I was thrilled to learn that he had won the race! He shared the details of his performance with me. When I saw him on the course, he had about three miles to go. The runner behind him had been shadowing him for most of the race, and Jerry had not been able to shake him. Jerry informed me that my cheers gave him an extra boost of energy, and that the other runner could not keep up with him much longer. Jerry pulled away, and finished five minutes ahead of the second place finisher. Congratulations, Jerry!
I live in Kenosha, and I work in Racine, so I felt like I had "home field advantage" for this race. In addition, my grandparents live a block away from the start/finish, so I was able to use their place to drop off my gear and get ready before the start of the race. Many thanks to Grandma & Grandpa!
Shortly before the race started, I met up with Gerald Cameron, a colleague from work who also signed up for the 30k. Jerry ran the Boston Marathon earlier this month, and he decided to run this race after I told him about it. He mentioned that his quads hadn't completely recovered, but I could tell he was excited about the race. He's much faster than me, and I knew he'd be at the front of the pack.
Anyway, on to the race -- there were three separate starts.
30k (27 participants) - 8 a.m.
Half Marathon (136 participants) - 8:10 a.m.
5k (162 participants) - 8:20 a.m.
Shortly before the start, we were informed of a slight course change from the original map. In addition, the 30k start was delayed because the race director was waiting for the final "OK" from the police officials. I didn't get cold waiting, but I did get very nervous, as I wondered if I'd get lost on the course. Oh well, just take it one step at a time.
Just before 8:10, we finally began our journey. The largest group of spectators was the half-marathoners and 5k runners, and they enthusiastically cheered us on. Shortly after that, I saw Grandma and Grandpa, who also gave their support. I handed off my warm-up jacket to Grandma, and kept moving steadily along the course. With only 27 people in the 30k, there was plenty of breathing room. (Splits for miles 1-3: 8:31, 8:41, 8:40)
At mile 4, I got some more energetic cheers from my Aunt Lisa and my five year-old cousin, Rachel. I waved, smiled, and thanked them for coming out to support me as Rachel responded, "I hope you win!" :) Another relative, Aunt Sue, was waiting for me at mile 5 with a much-appreciated bottle of water. I carried it with me through about the 10k mark, where I used it to wash down the first of two hammer gels I was carrying with me (vanilla-flavored, yum). Many thanks to Aunt Lisa, Rachel, and Aunt Sue! (Splits for miles 4-7: 8:37, 8:43, 8:30, 8:56)
The course wasn't too lonely as the race continued, mainly because a lot of the faster half-marathoners were flying by. We were now heading south along the shoreline of Lake Michigan on a bike trail. Parts of it had "rolling hills", but they were insignificant compared to the hills I've experienced in the Seattle and Portland marathons. I felt great, and I kept up the pace. (Splits for miles 8-11: 8:35, 8:34, 8:24, 8:34)
The course eventually turned west along the Root River. I passed the turnaround point for half-marathoners. Things were pretty lonely for a while, and then I saw a policeman on a bicycle clearing the way for the 30k leaders, who were already heading east toward the finish. Jerry was leading the race, but another runner was drafting him. He looked very focused, but he acknowledged me as I shouted, "C'mon, Jerry, keep it up!" As I wondered how he would fare against his opponent, I pressed on toward the turnaround point, taking my second hammer gel (tropical-flavored) during mile 14. (Splits for miles 12-15: 8:29, 8:32, 8:53, 8:28)
I reached the turnaround and continued my steady pace. This is probably one of the best races ever as far as even splits are concerned. I waved to other 30k runners as I passed by. Later on, I encountered some tired-looking half-marathoners who hadn't quite made it to their turnaround yet. I cheered them on as best I could. There was one more incline before a mostly-downhill straightaway to the finish arch. Grandma made the walk to the finish to support me, and I waved and thanked her as I ran by. I think I had a very solid finishing kick in me, but with no runners in sight in front of me and no one bearing down behind me, I sped up only a little bit as I raised my arms in victory and crossed the line. (Splits for miles 16-end: 8:31, 8:45, 8:43, 5:03)
My finish time was 2:40:09. I averaged about 8:36 per mile, well ahead of my goal pace. As an added bonus, I received my first ever age group award. Among males 25-29, I finished second! Granted, there were only four people in my age group, but it was quite a thrill to receive a plaque (in addition to a medal) to remember my accomplishment.
So, are you curious how Jerry finished? He was done about 25 minutes before me, but he was still hanging around in the area by the post-race goodies. I was thrilled to learn that he had won the race! He shared the details of his performance with me. When I saw him on the course, he had about three miles to go. The runner behind him had been shadowing him for most of the race, and Jerry had not been able to shake him. Jerry informed me that my cheers gave him an extra boost of energy, and that the other runner could not keep up with him much longer. Jerry pulled away, and finished five minutes ahead of the second place finisher. Congratulations, Jerry!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
South Shore Half Marathon Recap
Whoa, I'm falling behind in my race recaps!
On April 7, I ran in the South Shore Half Marathon, only my second organized half marathon race. My first was the Disney Half, during which I was saving my energy for the full marathon the next day. So, this was my opportunity to set a solid PR. I had run the Waukesha Trailbreaker Marathon the week before, but my quads were in great shape.
It was unseasonably cold. I bundled up properly (wool hat, mittens, tights, etc.) and didn't feel chilly during most of the race. The course was a simple out-and-back course, heading south first. I paced fairly well, making the turn with a chance at a 1:50:00 finish. However, the fierce winds out of the north and a bit of snow slowed me a bit in the second half. Still, I pushed through and managed a solid 1:51:22 in far-from-ideal conditions.
I don't know when I'll run my next half marathon, but if the conditions are better, I think there's a good chance I can improve my PR.
Coming soon: The story of my first ever age group award.
On April 7, I ran in the South Shore Half Marathon, only my second organized half marathon race. My first was the Disney Half, during which I was saving my energy for the full marathon the next day. So, this was my opportunity to set a solid PR. I had run the Waukesha Trailbreaker Marathon the week before, but my quads were in great shape.
It was unseasonably cold. I bundled up properly (wool hat, mittens, tights, etc.) and didn't feel chilly during most of the race. The course was a simple out-and-back course, heading south first. I paced fairly well, making the turn with a chance at a 1:50:00 finish. However, the fierce winds out of the north and a bit of snow slowed me a bit in the second half. Still, I pushed through and managed a solid 1:51:22 in far-from-ideal conditions.
I don't know when I'll run my next half marathon, but if the conditions are better, I think there's a good chance I can improve my PR.
Coming soon: The story of my first ever age group award.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Waukesha Recap
About two weeks ago, I ran my eighth marathon. It was the second in two months, only four weeks after Little Rock. This race featured a 40-foot tower in the middle and about four miles of very rugged terrain. I'm thrilled to report that I survived, and the crushed-stone bike trail kept my quads from getting sore. I was out running the next day! Fun facts are below. You can see the impact of the rough trails in the middle, but I still managed to run my fourth fastest marathon ever.
| Miles 1-5 | 9:14 | 9:14 | 8:41 | 9:14 | 9:38 |
| Miles 6-10 | 9:20 | 10:12 | 9:34 | 9:59 | 9:38 |
| Miles 11-15 | 9:35 | 9:44 | 11:34 | 14:07 | 9:46 |
| Miles 16-20 | 10:00 | 9:13 | 8:24 | 8:41 | 10:05 |
| Miles 21-25 | 8:55 | 9:13 | 9:14 | 10:09 | 9:47 |
| Miles 26-End | 9:13 | 2:21 |
- Average Pace: 9:44/mile
- First half: 2:07:07 Second half: 2:07:37
- Fastest Mile: #18 (8:24) Slowest Mile: #14 (14:07)
- Updated Marathon Graph - You can see the impact of the tower on the royal blue line of the Waukesha race.
Monday, April 02, 2007
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