Learning From Prior Races

 Hello! Like most runners I strive to improve my running experience, pursue new personal bests, and enjoy the friendships and acquaintances of my fellow runners. I have started a promising new 12 week training program in preparation for the Carlsbad 5000 coming up on May 22, 2022. My previous time was a disappointing 25:22 putting me in 445th place out of the 1008 competitors in the Masters Men Over 40 age group. While this is an event where I had a fantastic time mingling and talking to some of the best runners in the world, soaking in the gorgeous weather, and taking in the beautiful City of Carlsbad and their awesome beachside views, in the end I still felt a little down with my performance. When I finally shook it off I took the time to break down the race and identify what I need to do differently this time. 

First, for some unknown reason I left the starting line trying to keep up with the leaders, (that was silly since the winner, James Thie, did a 15:18 time, which is a 3:15 per K pace). That was great for my first 2K pace numbers but left me nothing for the rest of the race. This time I need to run MY race. Stick to my race plan and adhere to my per kilometer pace. 

Second, I lost focus on the race. The atmosphere was so captivating that I found myself watching those cheer us on and gaze at the ocean view. This may have been because of reason one above where I had no gas left, but regardless, staying focused is usually one of my strong suits. I am hoping that since I have now been to this venue before, it will work itself out. The adrenalin and excitement will hopefully be slightly tempered or at the very least kept in check and used to spur me on. 

Third, I have a tendency to slow down when someone passes me. I am not sure if it is a "giving in" to the voice inside of my head saying things like "well you are tired anyway you can slow down" or "these are the best in the world so why kill yourself" or "some people are just faster than you so take a little rest". Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy when you are running. Your mind can convince you of anything, and it does not take much convincing! I think if I can be successful with 1 and 2 above, then hopefully that will keep my mind from turning on me at an inopportune time. 

Finally, I need to have fun with the race as well (see grimacing, not having fun, me above). I am not going to beat Edward Cheserek and his 13:29 time, but I can use his performances as inspiration to do the best that I can do. In the end, that is all that is really important. Run The Course my fellow runners. 


https://www.runnerswithoutborders.com/home





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts

Run The Course Affiliation

Image
 RTC is affiliated with Runners without Borders.  The Mission/Reynosa/Mexico City Team that supports the running communities not only in the United States and Mexico but all countries of the world.  Their mission is one of self growth, community outreach, and runner support; one country at a time. To us that is an amazing concept. We are proud to be associated with RWOB. Visit often as we will keep you updated with their activities.  https://www.runnerswithoutborders.com/home
Read more

Arbor Day McAllen Event

Image
  A crazy sky, a wind picking up from the north and a warmth we had not seen here for what seems like a month! Bikers, short distance runners, long distance runners, walkers, baby carriages, and even an Arbor Day bear  made up the scenery at Quince and Bicentennial this morning. Oh, and a whole lot of trees just waiting to be adopted and planted. All types of trees set as a back drop for the Arbor Day races we all had anxiously awaited.  Organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters all performing their tasks flawlessly and I never saw so many smiles and helpful folks as in this event. Well done one and all.  The course was the same tried and true path used in years past, except that the trees you run by have grown of course. This is a fast course, closed, flat, well paved, and with plenty of width to house the running of the bulls.  We had two Runners Without Borders represented at the race, both did well improving their personal bests for this course while ...
Read more

Introductory Post

Image
 Runners are truly an awesome lot. We have all heard or read about runners who have assisted their fellow collapsed dehydrated runners over the finish line in major events such as the London Marathon, the Okpekpe International and the NYC Marathon. However, what I am talking about are the selfless small acts of kindness that happen in practically every race but does not garner the media attention. I run across these acts of kindness at almost every race venue I attend. Like the simple encouragement given to you by the runner standing next to you during those anxiety ridden pre-race minutes where you find yourself jumping up and down to keep loose and to quell those ever increasing butterflies that always seem to want to dance in your stomach just before the start of a race. Or just after the race the kind soul that helps you open that water bottle top that seems to have been sealed at the factory by the Terminator, when you can barely blink let alone twist off that top.  Duri...
Read more