Back at It

Took four days off (instead of three as planned) post 5k. I think the race took more out of me than I thought. It just shows me that races can be punishing and days off afterwards are important to recovery.  Anyway, I decided that I felt recovered enough for a four mile run/walk this morning.

Running by Spacca Napoli this morning

Running a full 10k seems pretty daunting at the moment since I am still get pretty tired after run/walking 4 miles. However, I've still got four weeks to up the mileage so 6.2 seems doable.

This Run's For Jack 5k 2021 Race Recap

Sunday, I ran my first in-person race in over two years (last was June 2019). The race was the 2021 edition of "This Run's for Jack 5k" in Glen Ellyn. As for training for the race, I resumed run/walking two weeks ago after a one year running hiatus. I started with a one miler on a Monday, and maxed out last Thursday at 5.4 miles for 1.5 solid weeks of training. Although. truth be told, I wasn't a complete couch potato before that. I did a couple of longish weekend bike rides. Since Covid struck, I walk the dogs three miles a day, seven days a week. I also do yoga once a week. That said, I didn't know how I'd do in a 5k. I figured a 9:00, 8:30, 8:00 paces for an approximate 26 minute race might be a good target, considering the minimal focused training I did for the race.

Pre-Race:
I woke up at 5:30 am and did no shakeout run although I did walk the dogs a couple of blocks. After dropping them off at home, I grabbed a coffee and banana and made the trek out to Glen Ellyn, leaving just after 6:30am.

I arrived at the race at about 7:20 after crawling along the Kennedy through a single lane backup by the airport. Once at the race, my dad had my race packet and I pinned a bib on my shirt for the first time in over two years! The National Anthem was sung, and we were off!

The Race:

Mile 1: I started about ten rows back, assuming the first nine rows would be full of five, six and seven minute mile paced runners. Since my pace would be around eight minute miles I stayed back. Once the gun sounded, I realized that there were walkers and 15 minute milers in front of me, so I had to do some weaving. That said, the weaving might have been a good thing because it held me back a little during the first quarter mile. We wound our way downhill and around tranquil Lake Ellyn. 7:45/mile.

Mile 2: Mile two in this race has a super high incline (55 feet) for two blocks up Hawthorne Avenue. I slowed down during this stretch (along with everyone else). Following the hills there were some nice rollers which keeps the course interesting. 7:44/mile.

Mile 3: I got passed by a guy at the start of mile three and I was able to gasp out "nice job" to him and he said thanks. It's those little things about in-person racing that I guess I've missed. Lots of cheering by the volunteers kept the mood light and helped power me home. 7:27/mile.

Mile 3.13: I don't have the "jets" I once had, but gave it all I had. Near the finish, I was all by myself so I couldn't really key on anyone in particular to motivate me to try and pass. I came in with all I had and was finished!. 6:40/mile.

Stats:

Garmin Finish Time: 23:49

Garmin Pace: 7:36/mile

Place Overall: 25 out of 251

Place Age Group: 3rd out of 7

Analysis:

I surprised myself with my negative splits and running about two minutes faster than I planned for the 3.1 miles. Since the results aren't on-line (yet), I don't know too much about the number of runners in my AG and overall. However, at the race I typed my bib number into the computer at the results table and saw my placements.

So, taking a one year run break didn't really hurt me too much in my age group placement! Unless I start running in the CARA circuit, I'm starting to get so old that the number of runners in my age group are smaller than the younger age groups which gives me a decent shot at the podium.

Post Race:

I ran backwards through the course (using the sidewalk) and met up with my dad. I ran some of mile three with him and then left him for the last quarter so he could kick it to the finish by himself. I also got a picture of the homestretch:

The homestretch of "This Run's for Jack"

I picked up my 3rd place ribbon (there was no awards ceremony), and headed for home.

After a three day recovery this week, I'm likely going to ramp up my training at the end of this week for the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10k in November.

Next Up:
Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10k, November 21st!

Fleet Feet Pint Night Run #2

The second summit of our newly formed running club WRCE, took place last night at the Fleet Feet Pint Night run in Lincoln Square. I was "running" a little late, and missed the pre-run meetup at the Fleet Feet store. On my way up to the event, I spotted a gaggle of runners crossing Western Avenue at Wilson. I figured the WRCE members were probably either in that group or pulling up the rear. Luckily, I spotted them on the other side of the street, pulling up the rear.

Declan pulling up the rear with a traditional butt shot

Erin, Unknown Runner, Anne and Maggie crossing Western Ave.

I jumped in the group and we ran about 1.75 miles to the Chicago North Branch trail turnaround.  I crossed over the bridge to take a look at the progress at the North Park University track. It would appear that they are almost done with the renovation of the track. It looks pristine and appeared and smelled freshly painted:

North Park University track is almost done. It will be fun to test it out soon!

Then it was turnaround picture time:

WRCE (less Declan)

WRCE (less me)

After stopping off at Fleet Feet, where we got our free pint casino chips, we headed over to The Grafton. We were joined at our table by some random dude. This dude didn't like racing too much, especially distances over 5k because he says they are boring. Declan and I both ordered the delicious fish and chips and split some hummus. Maggie got a huge beer that I initially thought was a bottle of wine:

Maggie, her giant beer (with photo bomb by Erin)

After some stimulating conversation, including discussing t-shirts, websites, a potential WRCE 5k, and the Grand Geneva 5 miler, we left. We walked as a group down Lincoln Ave, and one at a time, one of the group would peel off and walk their separate way home. Next meeting is on Thursday for Sausage Fest '13. Looking forward to eating lots of sausage! I am bringing the sauerkraut!

Race Recap: Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon 2013

My goals for the Rock and Roll Half were:

#1 Have fun

#2 Finish
#3 Don't get injured

Spoiler Alert: Mission accomplished on all three goals!

This is my favorite half marathon course. It's even more spectacular than the Indianapolis Mini course where I hold my PR. I'd say that the RnR course is the second best race at shutting down major streets in the city (#1 is the full marathon).

Anyway, my across-the-street-neighbor Tad and I drove down to the race, found a $6 spot within spitting distance far from Grant Park and at about 5:45am we were at the bag check

Goal #1 Have Fun:

My goal of a having a fun time started early. Near the bag check, I met up with some of the running bloggers. My neighbor Tad snapped this one:

 L, Xaarlin, Eric, Me, Chris

Beth and Maggie showed up a few minutes after the first pic, so we took a second:

Beth, Maggie, Eric, Sara, L, Xaarlin, Me, Chris

Note for next year: I saw a few running groups meeting at the actual race start line for pictures. The start line seemed to be a great photo spot with the skyline as a backdrop, and it's not too far from bag check.

Anyway, after checking my bag, I made my way over to the uncrowded porta-potties near the "Finish Line Festival" area and then with about 5 minutes to spare walked over to the corrals. 

Race Strategy:

I had run a total of 11 miles  (3.1 + 3 + 5  training) in the last 43 days due to my ankle injury. I knew I needed to pace myself accordingly. My strategy was self-preservation, so I would only need minimal recovery from the RnR in order to start Chicago Marathon training early this week. So, I decided on a run/walk plan similar to what I did in Boston. I had heard/read that Xaarlin and Sara would be in Corral 3 and I decided that it would be more fun to start with them and see how long I could hang with them.

The Race:

After the National Anthem, and then a pause for corrals one and two to go, we were off! The first mile was relaxed and I took a walk break, but made it back to our group for this photo:

Here we are all (me, Sara, Xaarlin) during mile 1

Later on, I took another walk break while Xaarlin and Sara got this picture taken. I at least made it in the frame as I tried to catch up!

The Run/Walk strategy sometimes left me behind the group!

I was able to chat with Sara and Xaarlin periodically, and we had a fun time chatting. We spotted the basketball dribbler runner wearing a Michael Jordan jersey (near the United Center no less). Occasionally, I would run ahead, then walk until they caught me, or I would walk and then try to catch up to them. So, it went for the first 10 miles. 

Me and Sara

At around mile 10 with my legs starting to cramp, I spotted the 1:45 pace group in the distance, and I decided to see how fast my legs could take me the final 3.1 miles by setting the goal of passing the 1:45 pace leader.

Turning on the after-burners during mile 12

Off I went. Since the 1:45 group was about 1.5 minutes ahead of me, I figured I needed to gain about 30 to 40 seconds a mile to catch up with them over the last 3 miles. Knowing they were running 8:00/miles, I needed to drop down to 7:20/miles. Despite the lack of training, I felt okay running that pace up until the last mile. As we hit the home stretch, on Columbus Drive, I finally caught the 1:45 pace group leader (see red arrow)!:

Yay! Passing the 1:45 Pace Group (red arrow) just in time near the finish line

And I'm done! Goal #2 Accomplished

Don't know what I'm doing here?

I waited a couple of minutes for the rest of our group to finish. We got this one in front of the water spray tent:

Happy finishers

We got some Jamba juice and other finish line treats and stopped for one last group photo:

Source

Stats:

Finishing Time: 1:45:16 (The 1:45 pace group started behind me, so they actually beat me)

13.1 Mile Pace: 8:02/mile
Pace Last 3.1 Miles: 7:20/mile

Overall Place: 1043/18755
Age Group Place: 55/655

Post Race:

After the race, our trio parted ways and I changed into fresh clothes in a luxurious (not) porta-potty. After I came out, I spotted Maureen. We said hi and we decided to go over to the beer garden to enjoy a beer or two and meet up with Tad.

Me, Maureen, Tad (photo taken by a Boston 2013 finisher)

We sat around and chatted about Maureen's Ragnar adventures (including alligator sightings) and other interesting stuff. We also made tentative plans for a possible Terrapin 5k reunion.

*****

The day after the race, my legs are a little sore, but I'm pretty sure I didn't injure myself (Goal #3 accomplished). I went for a swim and lifted some weights. With the residual good vibes I'm still feeling post-RnR, I am extremely pumped to get out running again!