Unfortunately, the course that I set my PR on is no more and the new Ravenswood Run course has four extra turns. This might seem insignificant, but looking at my Garmin mileage from 2010 to that of 2014, those four turns added an extra 0.03 miles. At a 5:51 pace:
0.03 miles = 10 extra seconds
So even if I run exactly as fast as I did in 2010, those four turns will cost me 10 seconds. In fact, I need to run a 5:47 pace just to tie my PR!
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| 2010 Ravenswood Run Course = 7 turns |
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| 2014 and 2015 Ravenswood Run Course = 11 turns |
I really like this race as it goes through the quaint Lincoln Square area and it is only a few blocks from my house. However, if they keep making the course more difficult, I will have to look at this race as simply a tune-up for another, faster (i.e. less turn happy) 5k this summer. Who knows, I might be in better shape than I realize and pull out a magical run. However, I'll need to conjure up a lot more magic in my legs and lungs on Sunday than ever before.
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| In orange shirt at the 2011 Ravenswood Run |
I never cease to be amazed by your scientific race strategies! I am still on the lookout for the perfect 5K course that is perfectly flat and runs in a straight line the entire time. =D
ReplyDeleteOn a side note - the Good Life 5K (which took place on April 12) is what I consider to be a very PR-friendly race course. The entire course runs one giant square and there is only one minimal incline! Plus, the men and women have different start times so it never feels too crowded on the course.
Thanks! Yes, I was interested in doing the "Good for Life" race, because I was coming off a speedy last 2 miles at the Shamrock and wanted to recapture that speedy-mojo ASAP. But I also was interested because I'd heard from Erin and Eric that is almost one giant square. However, I took a pass as I decided to focus on getting a long run in that weekend instead, so I could "peak" for the Ravenswood 5k and my half marathon six days later. Maybe I'll do it next year? :)
DeleteThanks! Yeah, you're right, I should just go for it and see what happens! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with how meticulous your record-keeping always is on your racing! So neat. I hope you have a good experience this weekend regardless-- though I totally hear ya... when you're going at an all-out speed, the absolute last thing you want to do is stop dead in your tracks to make a turn, hairpin or otherwise :P
ReplyDeleteThanks. I love to over-analyze my racing. Maybe that's one of the reasons I love running, all of the numbers! :) Yes, I'd rather fly down that half mile long straight line to the finish, than a bunch of turns that slow me down! Also, no one is perfect at running the tangents that come with the turns - except maybe the leader who doesn't have to deal with crowds. :)
DeleteI have to say that I haven't run a 5k in years! I don't even know if I could pace myself for one! I'm anxious to see how you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I used to run them all the time, then I discovered marathons and am down to one or two per year. I am still trying to figure out how to approach this one pace-wise! :)
DeleteDitto what Emily said. Your data analysis astounds me. All the best with your PR quest!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteGood luck this weekend! I wish I could be there to run it, but I'll be busy doing other things. :)
ReplyDeleteI think if you are well rested and the temp/wind/etx are good, you would have a great shot at a PR even with the extra turns. Now you've analyzed the course you can run perfect tangents and kick butt!!
Thanks. You are right that if the other factors like temp and wind are favorable, I could have a shot at a PR. Yes, I need to stop whining (and over-analyzing) about things and run!! :)
DeleteI have never thought about all the turns adding distance! Very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I never really thought about it too much until I compared my distances between the two years.
DeleteCan't wait to see how you did. I guess I could go to Twitter and find out right?
ReplyDelete