Masters Weekend Runs and Races

muddygirl

RE: Masters Weekend Runs and Races 5/6/2012 7:08PM - in reply to Mr. Ed

An actual race report. It's been 4 1/2 months since my torn soleus injury and I haven't raced since early December. I have steadily been running mileage with a weekly harder effort (tempos, minute repeats, hills, etc.), but I haven't been really focusing on getting faster as much as logging the mileage and losing weight (10 lbs now).

I entered the 3k geezer race at the Oregon Twilight meet because my friend Karen was running the accompanying 400m and it was free. But even the prospect of public embarrassment really didn't do much to motivate me to do a whole lot of specific training. It isn't a goal race - and I rarely do track race - but I figured that it would do me some good.

I estimated that I could maybe run 12 min. for 3k , basing that on my fastest 5k xc race (20:50). I know that for most people, the track is faster, but I thought it was a safe goal.

I haven't done a track race in 2 years and haven't worked out on a track since March 2011. I did go to a track last Friday and did a bunch of 200s to get an idea of pacing, but only learned that I can do a lot of 44-45 sec. 200s.

There were 18 people running, only 2 women. A couple of older guys had slower seed times than me.

I went out in dead last and stayed there for over 600m, although I came through the first 400m at 94. I moved past a few people as we all slowed down a little. (The other woman was way ahead from the get go). 3:11 at the 800. I was a little bummed to hit the 1600 in 6:23, meaning I'd slowed and that my cushion on 12 was down to 2-3 seconds, but finding myself all alone and running into the wind, I kind of lulled myself to sleep. I didn't want to go too fast, so I told myself that my pace was something I could handle and just stick with it.

I was passed with about 800 to go and for a while, I didn't realize the guy had been behind me and wasn't lapping me. Unfortunately, by the time I'd figured it out, he was long gone. The other woman was getting closer, but still quite a bit ahead and there really wasn't anyone to chase. But I was shocked into action when I hit the 2800m mark and heard 11:13-14 as I realized that I was going to have to kick to break 12. Since I REALLY didn't want to just miss it and since I'd done all those 44-45 sec. 200s, I went after it and was really grateful to squeak under 12 (11:57.9 officially).

I had hoped I would run a bit faster, although I at least wanted to be under 12. I realized that I really had no practice at sustained effort (more than a 200) at race pace and that didn't help. I did feel rather "comfortable" at the pace I was running and the track was nice and springy, but I just wasn't eager to go into the discomfort zone.

btw, I ran my time under the WAVA age-grade and really think it's inaccurate. My time comes out to be the equivalent of my open PR, which is just crap. I was in so much better shape when I ran that time. Also, how depressing? Does that mean that 11:57 is the best I can expect? I felt like with practice I could run so much better. It seems quite limiting and not very accurate.

I had a absolutely lovely long run (14) on trails today, followed by a vigorous hour of lawnmowning.

I was offered a free entry to a half marathon in two weeks -- I am still pondering. I don't know if I'm in any better shape for a half than a track 3k.

Both my younger two had PRs this week. Daughter's was a slight one and she was a bit disappointed, but is still trying to figure out this track racing stuff ( it's her 3rd one). Son's JV meet was very blustery and he's been trying to be "not last" in his races. His friend who is usually back there with him was injured and sat out, so he went out with the back of the pack (still out pretty fast for him at the 400) and moved up, getting the next slowest guy on his team and nearly catching one of his best buddies at the finish (buddy has run 40 secs faster than my son before). Son's time was a whopping 22 seconds faster than his previous best, despite the winds. He also got a solid PR in the 800m. At 5'6 and 110 lbs, the wind was definitely a factor, but he raced really well. Very pleased for them both -- and realized (crossing 1600m in 6:23), that they could both kick my butt in the 1500! ;-)

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