Adidas Run for the Parks 4M
List by Runner Number: 7106
Distance: 4.0 Miles
Distance: 4.0 Miles
Date/Time: April 20, 2008, 9:00 am
Location: Central Park, NYC
Weather: 50 deg., 89% humidity, wind 12 mph.
The official stats from the website:
http://web2.nyrrc.org/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe/88119.1.455232093200019315
Bib # 7106
Gender/age: F43
Distance (miles): 4.0
Finish Time: 34:21
Pace Time: 8:35
Overall Place: 2726
Gender Place: 763
Age Place: 62
AG Time: 32:25 (don't know what this means??)
AG Gender place: 567
Age-Graded%: 59.3%
Well, I woke up around 5am, had my pre race meal of oatmeal and a banana. Got ready, and met my brother John at the train station, as we had decided to take public transportation into the race this time, as the Pope was in town. Travel into the race went without a hitch, and we were picking up our bibs by 8:20ish. Met up with Tom and John B.
We got ourselves ready and went over to the start. This race was the first one where there was a coral start. Because my race time from last race was a 9:48 pace, the computer PUT me in the 9:48 corral for this race:( So, since I couldn't move forward, everyone moved back to my coral to start the race. Thank you guys, but if I can't get my pace changed for the next race, please start where you were assigned, because I know we all came in about a minute slower than we should have because of the crowd, and very slow start. But I will do my best to get the pace changed to reflect more of what I can do.
Anyway, on to the race. It was awesome. My goal was to finish in 34:00, and to really keep pace with John B., or be in sight of him the whole way. John B. was hoping he would beat the 8min mile, not that I could do that, but wanted to be able to see him to make me run faster:) He met his goal, crossing the finish line at a 7:54 pace. Way to go John B.!!! We started out, and it was crowded and slow. I followed John B., and we zig zagged our way through. I felt good, pace was all over the place, from as slow as 11:00 at one point and as fast as 7:00 at one point. Not the best way to start out, but it was crowded. I felt good. I was with John B. till about the .5 mark, then we got separated. I could still see him as I approached the 1 mile mark, but after that he was gone in the crowd, so I ran the race by my garmin, and picked people to follow along the race. That was fun. I passed lots of people, and really had a fun race. At the mile mark, I took off, was weaving in and out of people, and just focusing and concentrating on keeping my HR effort up and my pace up. I was really pleased.
Mile 1 - 8:50 pace HR 165 - 183 bpm
Mile 2 - 8:20 pace HR 169 - 175bpm
Mile 3 - 8:45 pace HR 172 - 176bpm
Mile 4 - 7:50 pace HR 172 - 181bpm
370ft - :36sec HR 180 - 183bpm
So, I didn't beat my goal of 34:00, but I came damn close (34:21), and a heck of a lot faster than my previous time (of 39:19) on the exact same course!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!
I am so thrilled. I knew I could do better. I wasn't sure I could do the 7:30 - 8:00 minute pace that my training was indicating on paper, that I could do, but I just knew I could do better. I was very focused this race to run by effort, and I made sure my HR stayed up and my pace was quicker. I believe last race, my HR stayed between 151 - 169 or so, this time it was between 165 and 183 the whole time!!! I ran the whole race at 85% - 90% HR. something I have never done before, and it felt GREAT!! Now, I know how to continue to train, and how to run my races. I can not wait till my next race on Mother's Day. It's another 4 mile race, so hoping the course will be the same again, and I can really see if I can improve, 'just a little'. A MONSTER HAS BEEN CREATED:)
Oh, and I forgot to say, I feel pretty good today. Not that sore at all, but my muscles are tightening up a little while I type on the computer today. But I had to track my friend Bruce, who was running the Boston Marathon today, and he did great!!! Can't wait to read his report. Again, Thanks Bruce and Allen for all the training tips you provided to me. You both have taught me SO much. I am now a RUNNER!!!
I hope to have some pics as soon as they are posted on the website. That is, if the photographers got a picture of me:)
5 comments:
You're more than a runner; you're a racer!
You did a fantastic job in crowded conditions...I have no doubts with less crowds you'll do even better, which is scary as you've already accomplished so much!! You are a monster!!!
Thanks Bruce!!
I owe it to you (and Allen). You both are great teachers/mentors!!
I actually wrote NYRR an email about my slow pace/corral, and was advised that it will be changed to reflect my quicker, race pace. I am psyched!! I can't wait for my next race on Mother's Day.
Hi. Just wanted to drop by and congratulate you on your race. I ran the race too and also had a fabulous time. I love your enthusiasm for running and racing. Hope you run an excellent time at the Mother's Day race.
Hi Laminator!
Thanks for dropping by and the congratulations. I was SO excited when I crossed the finish line!! Wow, just read your blog. You did amazing!! Keep it up. What race are you running next? I have the Mother's Day 4M, the Healthy Kidney 10K, and the Father's Day 5M on the calendar so far.
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