When
I began running in my 30’s, I never incorporated speedwork into any of my training. I didn’t know anyone else who ran, did all of
my training by myself, and learned what I could from reading Runner’s World and Hal Higdon’s Marathon Training Guide. They all recommended speedwork and track
sessions, but the track intimidated me and I felt like the workout descriptions
were written in Greek. Besides, like
many new runners, I figured I didn’t need to work on speed since I was in it to
enjoy running and finish each distance on my feet…not win. I had simple time goals – mostly wanting to
finish with what I thought was a “respectable time.” I didn’t want to be a 10-hour marathoner.
Fast
forward 10 years and that mindset was OK until I start racing, and reading the
results, and comparing my rank to those in my age group. The more I trained, the faster I got (albeit
slowly) and I was inching closer to the FOP (front-of-pack) runners. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to just “finish respectably.” I wanted to WIN!
I
still hadn’t actually incorporated any track workouts or serious speedwork into
my training outside of the occasional interval session. I just followed the mantra of one regular BT forum poster
who advocates “run lots...mostly slow…sometimes fast." Well, it's paying off!
Race start wasn't until 8:00 a.m., so I didn't have to get up early. I had half a smoothie and a cup of coffee for breakfast. Didn't see any reason to pop a gel prior to the race, but did take along my new Nathan Quickshot to carry HEED with me on the course. I also made a new playlist since I was going to run with music this race.I thought about riding my bike for about an hour prior to the race as a warm-up. I've been doing a lot of bike/run bricks and my legs have been responding well, but I thought it might rain and that was an extra factor I just didn't want to deal with. My plan was to do a little light running drills instead, but I ran into a friend of mine and we started chatting to catch up, then all of a sudden it was time to race!
I fumbled with my iPhone trying to get it set up to play, but I have a very awkward carrier for it and can't access any of the settings once it started playing (note to self: get a new armband!). No wonder I don't usually run with music!
I moved up to the front of the pack to avoid the bobbing and weaving - I wanted a quick start - and we were off! The first stretch of the race is a gradual downhill for about a 1/2 mile, so it was easy to stretch out and get ahead. I just kept my eye on the leaders and tried not to get too far behind. I planned to open up and run this race as fast as I could sustain. At about the 1/2 way point on an up-hill stretch I realized how freakin' hard it is to run a 5K! My exact thought was, "I am NO SPRINTER. No wonder I am an endurance runner!" But I kept at it. I never really lost sight of the leaders and only one woman passed me the entire race. Toward the end I heard footsteps closing in behind me, but that just spurred me on to the finish. I was determined not to be caught.
My first surprise was at the finish line - the top 15-20 (I'm not sure the exact number) got ti leaf leis - at #13 I was thrilled. Something so simple yet so meaningful - I've never been in the front before. I already felt like a winner. Then they started announcing the age group winners and I came in 3rd in the 40-44 AG!! WHOO HOO!! It was my first ever podium finish!!
I was in good company, too. Several of the women who are part of a triathlon training group I just joined also placed in their respective divisions. We are all racing in the upcoming South Maui Triathlon in June and I hope we can create the same picture in the winners circle there as well. It was a great day - beautiful weather, new friends, and great finishes. I can't wait until next year!
I looked at my results for the past four races:
- 2008: 35:28 53/83 overall
- 2010: 31:21 35/76 overall
- 2011: 29:23 35/104 overall
- 2012: 26:07 13/72 overal, 3rd place 40-44 (AG results not available)
