Jingle Bell Run 10k Chicago: Race Recap

I signed up for the Jingle Bell 10k using what turned out to be the last schwaggle.com race deal before schwaggle went out of business. The entry was $22 instead of the standard $45. Even though the entire course is entirely on the Lakefront Trail, I thought it was reasonable enough for a whole 10k this late in the year.

Race Strategy:
Since the race was being held in the middle of December and during my marathon training (i.e. no taper), I decided that I should not expect a wicked fast finish time. I did, however, want to break 40 minutes. Breaking 40 is something I have only done twice before, and I should be in sub-40 shape at the moment. Another reason to not expect a fast time: Looking at the weather the night before, I noticed that it would be raining and that the winds would be blowing out of the south at 20 mph at race time.

Pre-race:

Pre-Race in front of the Nature Museum

The race was held in front of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park.  The parking lot at the Lincoln Park Zoo race was charging $20/car, which would have nearly equaled my entry fee, so I parked about one mile away near Lincoln and Belden. So, after a mile walk by the Lincoln Park row houses, I checked my gear inside the museum and used the porta-potty. I had just enough time to slip into the corral about 30 rows back for the starting gun.

And we were off!

Mile 1: This was a 5k and 10k combined start so everyone sprinted out too fast, including me. I tried to reel myself in, but I noticed that I was running effortlessly. Then I remembered that there was a 20 mph wind coming from the south and we were heading north!  6:23/mile

Mile 2: This pace was so easy with the tailwind. I knew that I might regret running this fast once we turned around and headed back south. We lost the 5k runners and it was just me running stride for stride along a fast female runner. 6:14/mile

Mile 3: We looped around Cricket Hill, home of the place I should be doing some Boston hill training someday in the near future. I started to pull away ever so slightly from the fast female runner. I thought to myself "What place am I in?  Am I winning this thing?" I spotted some runners way ahead, but they may have just be running the trail for fun. We approached an aid station and I got a sip of Gatorade. Fastest mile of the day 6:09/mile.

Mile 4: I completed the turnaround and started heading back home. The 20 mph tailwind became a 20 mph headwind and my lungs really felt it. I had run on this part of the Lakefront Trail a hundred times before with these type of headwinds, just not in a race situation. So, at this point I realized that I would have to back off of my blistering pace or else I would fade dramatically in the final mile. I passed by the runners still heading north. They weren't cheering for me, so I could safely assume the 10k leaders have gone by and I was not one of them! 6:18/mile

Mile 5: My lungs were maxed out as I passed by the 5k turn around, a mile and a half from the finish line. Due to the many many 5k walkers, I had to run through the puddles of water on the gravel "shoulder" of the paved trail. At certain points I even had to run on the grass because the trail was overflowing with 5k walkers. I don't like these combo 5k/10ks for this reason. I really was feeling the "push-back" of the headwind.  6:31/mile

Mile 6: The trail was bursting with 5k walkers and I had to shout so walkers would know I was approaching, although it did not make a bit of difference. Not one walker moved out of the way! Shouting just ended up using up more of my already maxed out lung capacity! I had to narrowly avoid running over a homeless man sleeping under a bridge that goes under LSD.  6:36/mile

Hairpin Turn

Mile 6.2: As I neared the end of 6.2 on my Garmin, I still couldn't see the finish line. I shouted at a volunteer, "Which way? Which way?" and they told me to turnaround! Yes, the finish line was about 100 yards after a hairpin turn around! Not the best way to finish, but at least I got 100 yards of tailwind! 6:03/mile

Race Summary:

• Total Time: 39:58
• Overall Place: 5th out of 143*
• Age Group Place: 1st out of 11

*Since I was 5th, I made the leaderboard on Active.com!

Post  Race:

Post race at the finish line

After the race, I caught my breath for a couple of minutes then grabbed a banana, drank some pomegranate hot tea, and took a video of some of the finishers:

I was ready to go home at 9:45am. However, the race emcee mentioned that the medals were to be given out at 10am. So I decided to wait. However, I did not actually get my medal until almost 11am. They had a delay in getting the results, held a costume contest, a raffle, the 5k awards then another 5 minute wait, then finally the 10k awards. There were only a few of us 10k medal winners waiting around to the bitter end. I should have just gone home when I finished the race like most of the others and saved an hour and 15 minutes!

Race Takeaway: Only 3rd time in my life to go sub-40 for a 10k! However, I need to remember to pull back even more in the first half of the race if there will be a headwind on the 2nd half. Also, this reminds me again that I don't like races where the last 1.5 miles is weaving through walkers!

Next up:
F^3 Lake Half Marathon in January. Some of the same trail sections I ran today will be used for that one.

My First Speed Workout

The Brooks Hanson Marathon Training Plan calls for speed workouts in the first nine weeks of the 18 week plan. The workouts consist of a total of three miles of speed intervals at 10k pace. Today was supposed to be my first such speed workout of this training cycle. However, I am running an actual 10k on Saturday, so I will be getting more than enough 10k pace running in just two days from now. So, I needed to modify my first track workout!

Mid-workout at the North Park University Track this morning

So, since you are supposed to focus on speed (not distance) in the week before a race, I thought I would run less total distance, but faster. So I decided to do:

• 2 mile warmup
• 1200m fast, 400m jog
• 800m fast, 400m jog
• 400m at all out pace, 400m jog
• 400m run at exactly 10k pace (to get used to what I will be doing on Sun)
• 2 mile cool down

I think the intensity of the workout was just about right, although I am sore right now. I only have 48 hours to recover, so I may be feeling the workout by mile four on Saturday! Next week, I will start the actual speed work called for in the training plan, but I'm sure the Hanson brothers would approve if I did 6.2 miles at 10k pace instead of their recommended 3 mile 10k pace track workout!

A view from my cool down run along the Chicago River

Another view from my cool down

I will run tomorrow, rather than take the day before the race off, because I am participating Kim's December running streak.  So, how is my streak going?

December 2nd: 2.3 miles, 3rd: 4.1 miles, 4th: 8.0 miles, 5th: 8.0 miles, 6th: 9.8 miles, 7th: 5.3 miles, 8th: 2.4 miles, 9th: 10.3 miles, 10th: 2.0 miles, 11th: 8.8 miles, 12th: 6.2 miles, 13th: 6.5 miles.

Anyone else doing the December streak?

I Got What I Wanted

On Saturday, I mentioned that I wanted a few weeks of cold and strong winds this winter for my marathon training. 

So, I went for a run by the lake yesterday morning.

Waves crashing

Who knew that on my first run of my 18 week training cycle, I would almost get my wish?

Runners avoiding the waves on the paved trail at Fullerton Ave. Beach

I "almost" got my wish because it was only 40 degrees (not too cold), but it was wet and windy.

Heading South on the Trail

However, it felt more like 30 degrees.

Entrance to Diversey Harbor

 Nevertheless, it was an excellent workout and it was nice to knock out my first run, get home and get dried off! 

One down 100+ more to go! Total Run: 10.25 miles @ 7:56/mile

Boston Marathon Training Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow, I start my 18-week training cycle for the Boston Marathon in April. I took last week off from running and I am now feeling 95% healthy. After running 40 easy miles this week, I feel completely refreshed. I am ready to tackle whatever plan I come up with. As I make last minute adjustments to my training calendar I am left to wonder:

• Is my goal of a sub 3-hour marathon too aggressive? Should I just run Boston to say I ran Boston, enjoy the experience and not risk an injury which will sideline me?
• Which workout on the calendar (if any) could be my undoing (i.e. I push too hard and have to sit out for a few days/weeks)?
• Am I planning on running too many miles each week or not enough?
• Will I really be able to run the three tempo runs in weeks 15, 16 and 17 (my peak mileage weeks) which call for 10 miles a piece at marathon pace (6:52/mile)? 
• Will I really be disciplined enough with my sleep and eating habits to accomplish my goal?

That said, I am super excited to get started. I am hoping for lots of cold and windy workouts which will make me stronger and more battle hardened.

Winter by the Lake (Jan, 2012)

I want the workouts to be just tough enough that I won't fear a 6:52/mile x 26.2 pace and not too tough that I won't be able to recover for the next workout.

 But for a few weeks this winter, I really want it cold, and I want to run against strong winds whipping off of the lake. 

A training wish for a few weeks of this type of weather.

These are the kind of winds which gust in your face and make you fight for every step. Sometimes it's an absolute struggle to run 10 minute miles. Those type of training conditions gave me my half marathon p.r. in May 2010 and my marathon p.r. in March 2011. They will hopefully bring me a new marathon p.r. in April 2013.

Despite all of those lingering training questions, as of tomorrow morning, I will throw my full confidence behind whatever plan I have in place. Then I'll put my winter gear on, lace up my Mizunos, start running, and I don't plan on slowing down until April 15th! 

A Different World: Taking A Week Off From Running

I run practically every day. The only time I take a day off is during a day or two taper before a race. This week, I am taking an entire week off from running  and it is quite a lifestyle change. I liken withdrawing from running as waking up in completely different world. Everything seems different. Maybe it has to do with slowly diminishing amounts endorphins, adreneline, strength or endurance. Or maybe it is because my high-energy outlet is shut off. But the world seems different and I can't exactly put my finger on it.

Anyway, I took the week off because:

1. I started feeling tightness in my right tibialis anterior (the outside of the shin). No real pain, but long runs were starting to be uncomfortable. Probably happened because I was increasing speed and mileage at the same time. A big no-no! Anyway, better to not aggravate it for no good reason.
2. My 18-week Boston Marathon training plan starts next week and I'd like to be at least 90% healthy going into training.
3. I need a break, and what better time than BEFORE I am going full-throttle in an 18-week training cycle!

To better put my finger on why the world seems different, I have compiled a list of things that I have observed about myself since I stopped running four days ago:

1. Phantom Pains - these are the pains usually associated with tapering. I stopped running because my right leg had some soreness, and now my left leg seems to have joined the soreness party for no apparent reason. Ouch! What's that? My ankle is now sore....
2. Diet - I eat worse and am hungrier. Another three cookies for dessert? Who cares? I'm not training for anything! For some reason, I seem to be hungrier now than when I am running. This is also seems to be a classic taper syndrome.
3. Sleepy - I can now sleep 8+ hours easily, where when I am training, I am lucky if I can sleep for 6 to 7 hours.
4. No Goals - I no longer pore over my upcoming marathon training, which I would plan out and tweak over-and-over. It has been completely ignored. I could be doing light cross-training, yet I haven't even been to the pool at all this week. I usually go once or twice.
5. Reading - Only a few days ago, I would frequently read running articles on Runners World, check out race-time equivalents for my fitness-level, and read about marathon training. Now, I don't want to read about running or training. If I can't do it, I don't want to read about it!

Anyway, all of these things will pass soon enough. The world and I will be likely back to normal when I set out running again next week*!  Hopefully I won't have an extended period off from running for another 19 weeks!

Do you feel like the world becomes a slightly a different place when you don't run for an extended period of time? What are some of the things you observe about yourself when you stop running?

* If you see me on the trail this weekend, I guess I couldn't wait a whole week!

Instagram-free Lakefront Run

This morning, I completed my longest run since 10/7/2012. It was perfect training weather: Sunny, 35 degrees and a slight wind. The cold wind makes the workout a tad more challenging, but you don't feel that "heat stroke" type nausea that happens often during a long hot run in the summer. With the extra layers of clothing, I don't tend to over-speed, which is easier on my legs and that's the point of a true "long, slow, distance" run.

Anyway, I took some pictures on my run.

The Orb by the lake

#1 in my "Man Encounters Orb" Series entitled "Man Examines Orb"

#2 in my "Man Encounters Orb" Series entitled "Man Approaches Orb"

#3 in my "Man Encounters Orb" Series entitled "Man Touches Orb!"

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel with Runners

Near the half way point around Oak Street Beach

Believe it or not, all of these pictures are unfiltered/unaltered pics of the Lakefront Trail this morning.

Total: 13.1 Miles @ 7:51/mile. A Dunkin' Donuts bagel sandwich was my reward after the run!

Sub 40 Minute 10k! Lincolnwood Turkey Trot - Race Recap

The Lincolnwood Turkey Trot is slowly becoming an annual tradition for me. It's an all-street race which takes place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The course runs through the lovely town of Lincolnwood, which is on the outskirts of the Chicago city limits on Lincoln Avenue. The start line is basically in front of L. Woods Pine Lodge restaurant.

At the Start Line of the Lincolnwood Turkey trot

I have run this race with my dad over the last 5 years. Typically he runs the 5k and I run the 10k (except 2 years ago when I ran the 5k). The age group trophies are the big draw of this race as they are turkey trophies, and I have been lucky enough to win a couple. Would I be lucky enough this year?

My Lincolnwood Turkey Trot "Turkey Trophies"

Pre-race:

It was about 40 degrees, sunny and a bit windy this morning. I got in line for the porta potties with 10 minutes before race start. Big mistake. The porta-potty line was barely moving and I still needed to do my warm-up run. So, I decided to hold it and I jumped out of line and started my warm-up run across a baseball field. A minute or two later I noticed that I was missing a glove. I must have dropped it early in my warm-up run. So, I frantically zig-zagged backtracking on my run, looking for my glove. Miraculously, I found it! It would have been a chilly race without it.

I ducked under the corral ropes about 50 yards from the start line and after a few seconds we were off!  

Mile 1: The 5k and 10k started at the same time, so I spent the first 1/2 mile weaving in and around the casual 5k runners who had pressed their way to the front of the line. Even though I was passing people, I kept telling myself to hold back, just hold back as we tore down Lincoln Ave. Pace 6:24/mile.

Mile 2: We started to make our way back into the houses of Lincolnwood. Suddenly, a guy in front of me strips down to his pink underwear (his bib was on his behind)! I heard a kid spectator shout, "hey there goes daddy." Still held back: 6:23/mile.

Mile 3: Running into the wind, made the next few miles difficult. But I was passing people who I thought were fading, but it turns out I was starting to speed up: 6:18/mile.

Mile 4: We were finally rid of the 5k runners (for the time being) so I could better pace myself with the 10k runners. 6:13/mile.

Mile 5: I tuck behind a tri-athlete looking guy with tatoos on his arms. He just wouldn't let me pass him, When I would surge, he would fight me off. We headed into a tough wind and we both slowed down a bit. 6:20/mile.

Mile 6: At this point, I started pouring on the speed, and "Mr. Triathlete" did the same. We started to catch up to the 5k walkers and slow runners. Weaving around them as they seemed oblivious to the fact that there was a 10k race going on. I was slowly running out of energy, and my lungs were straining, but I was giving it my all. I made it my mission in life to hunt down "Mr. Triathlete". Fastest mile of the day. 6:02/mile.

Mile 6.2: We ran onto the final street and with 100 yards to the finish line with my lungs screaming for mercy, I turned on the after burners and finally ran past "Mr. Triathlete!" I almost barrel into people milling around just after the finish line. Luckily, no one was injured! I collapsed on someone's front lawn for a couple of minutes until I could breathe normally again. 5:49/mile.

Race Summary: 

• Total time: 39:06. Average pace: 6:18/mile
• Overall Place: 7th out of 554
• Age Place: 3rd out of 74 (note, these are 10 year age groups).
• Other note: This was my second fastest 10k ever! And only the second time I've broken 40 minutes in a 10k. The age group awards aren't given out on race day, so I assume I can pick it up this week at the park district building. I'm hoping they are still giving out cool turkey trophies for third place! I will try and post a picture if they do. 

Anyway, I am really happy with my run. I was full of endorphins all day. I almost teared up during the James Bond movie, which I went to afterwards! Last time anything like that happened to me was when I cried for no reason during the L.A. Marathon last year. 

Race Takeaway:

Running fast = lots of endorphins all day!

Next up:

Next race will be another 10k in December and I can't wait!

Still Recovering from the Chicago Marathon

I think that I am still recovering from the Chicago Marathon. I am struggling to run 30+ miles a week, where pre-marathon a 40 mile week was a cutback week. On long runs, my legs are barely willing to do any pace which is faster than my marathon pace. I have done some track work, and I have yet to crack a 6:00 mile, where before marathon training, a 5:30 mile would not be unheard of.  But, I guess this is the price you pay for racing a marathon. There is a reason that most elites* only race two marathons a year -> They need a lot of time to recover. And so do I.

Anyway, I did a slow eight miles today, and with my not-so-smooth running, it makes it easier to stop to take some shots of the city:

Runner near Belmont Harbor

What I see running down Irving Park Rd. towards the Lake

 

Lone Runner

  

Another Runner

  

Remember the Super Storm Sandy wave video and pictures from last week? Well, here is the same location now:

Yes, the waves are a lot calmer. Check out the runner. Oh yeah, that's me.

One of the last sailboats still on the lake?

A great morning for a sail..

  

Skyline with Haze

Hancock and Trump Tower with haze

  

Buildings along Lake Shore Drive

I'm still recovering from this run, mid-run!

So the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5k/10k is coming up soon. I have yet to register. I am trying to decide between the 5k and 10k. I am leaning towards the 10k, so I can run a slower pace and still get a respectable time.

* I am not an elite by any means. :-)