Frozen Tundra @ Magnuson Park
I've done this series two years in a row as an intro to faster running. the past two years, I've been injured and not running late summer and into fall and just running again in late fall. Yes, it took that long to figure out what was going on and I feel like I've figured some things out about what works for me. Last year, I still had some residual foot things going on but was still able to get some pretty good running in during the series. this year I was excited to go into this series but also this particular race with a whole year of solid running behind me.
I thought for sure I'd show some real improvement in times but alas that was not to be. And it's given me some things to think about.
first off, the race. It was cold! Gah! K was going to come over to the park to watch the race and I'm really glad he came so he could do the driving on the slick roads. There was frost/ice over everything and we hit ice fog as well. He had a great time taking in the beautiful frosty foggy landscapes and got some great photos. We got there with plenty of time for a leisurely "warm up" of about 2 miles. This is the first real cold snap we've had and I could tell my muscles did not like it and weren't used to it. Everything felt sluggish. I found RPD who looked a bit cold as well and then we ran into another runner MJ who is back to running after double stress fractures earlier this year. It sure was nice to see her running so well!
The event was even more low key than usual as they did not set up a PA system nor use a clock. the race director's air horn had fizzled too so he just yelled "go!" and dropped his arm and we were off!
My plan was to do a quick start (otherwise you get hung up a bit in the section known as The Fins), stay strong on the uphill section going up Kite Hill, use the downhill (side photo) and don't fade in the middle. Stay focused on the second loop going up Kite Hill and then all out to the end.
And I honestly think I did this. I ran it well. I've very pleased that I stayed pretty steady going up the hill and then passed people once on the crest. I didn't let up in the middle section either which is usually a tough go for me. I let it all hang out too as I had no kick at the end whatsoever and got passed by quite a few people at the very end.
And? that's great, right! Well yes it is, but I was quite disappointed with my time. I came in at 14:59 which is a few seconds slower than last year's XC race. They did do a few minor tweaks to the course so it was a bit longer than last years and a true 3k. I was faster pace-wise if you compare it (7:50 this year to last year's 8:02) but I felt disconcertingly slow.
Some of this has to do with conditions. It was on grass but the grass was frozen and hard. A couple of places, we crossed a road and there was definitely ice on that area. And again, I haven't had any running yet in frozen temps and I know I get used to that after a few runs. A bigger issue is the lack of speedwork. This short, hard race was quite a shock to this system and I know by the end of the series, I'm in better shape to handle the pace.
Some other things have changed these past few months as well. I've used a coaching service in the past as I dislike coming up with my own schedule especially when working towards a particular goal race. As of September, I'm setting my own schedule and speedwork. It's gone well and given me a chance to try some things but there is a definite reluctance on my part to run hard by myself. Obviously this is something I need to work on.
I've been toying with goal races next year. I'll continue the winter series because it is just fun! I think I'm pretty set now on racing the Nookachamps Half Marathon in mid-January (barring acceptable conditions). I had debated a mid-February marathon but now think that'll be too soon so I'll aim for a may marathon. It feels really nice settling this in my mind. I've had a wonderful running year (that post is coming soon) and it is great to be able to continue to build what I've developed this year.
garmin track: click here
last year's garmin track: click here
more photos: click here
1 comment:
I feel really wimpy. Mag Park looks Icelandic compared to Vegas this AM.
Oh, the new feline friends look like keepers to me. We always had a Red Tabby growing in our house, plus three or for others cats of differing fancy. I had not heard about Meow before. Are they new? What I am saying? It has been over 10 years now since I lived in Seattle.
Post a Comment