RACE: Chicago Marathon
DATE: 10/11/2009
WEATHER: 32, Overcast, 10-15mph Wind
TIME: 2:51:35 (NET) (1:27:00, 1:24:35) ** PR **
PACE: 6:32
PLACEMENT: 398th OA / 33,600

After a great year of maturing in the sport, I was looking forward to another shot at a marathon. I have consistently not only raced quite poorly, but also ran stupid. Champaign was really a disappointment in so many ways, regardless of it being a PR or not.

Melisa and I made it up on saturday (via Amtrak) and walked a solid 5+ miles around town to pickup my packet, etc. I ran a couple miles indoors on a treadmill just to loosen up, and then headed to bed early after a light dinner. I find that eating a smaller meal the night before is more beneficial, the nutrients make no difference.

4am arrives and I consume 75% of a Big 100 Colossal lifter protein bar, and start to consume my Inifinit. Melisa was still sleeping, and I just sat around. We were pent up around .75 miles from the start, and we wanted to ensure we met up with Seth and Jessica on time. I had some throw aways.

I took some of my magic supplements, and polished off a second bottle of Inifinit. I forgot to grab my Carb Boom, so I was stranded without contingency fuel. Life goes on.

I lined up without any warm-up, and sat on the curb freezing. I was terribly cold, but hoped that if i stayed bundled I would be ok.

Lesson Learned #1 – Warm-Up prior to marathon start.

I had race strategy written out almost to the T, with predictions on pace, etc, what I didnt account for was the temperature. The first two miles went by at an absolute snail pace , unfortunately I accounted for it being high 6’s, coming in through the 5k around 20:30, oh well.

5K 1: 21:12 (This after running a relatively expedited 3rd mile)

Now in a groove, it seemed to be smooth easy sailing , smiling as others already were drifting, I stayed alone, breathing through my nose, and planning on an easy first half. Nothing eventful.

(10K 41:28) 5K 2: 20:16

At this point I already had to use the restroom pretty badly, apparently hitting each water stop didn’t help. I was still freezing, and my legs felt tight so I was concerned about stopping, alas, I continued on.

(15K 1:01:43) 5k 3: 20:15

I had to go, pit stop at mile 10 cost, 39 seconds. I was already behind schedule, so I did a quick pickup without letting my HR climb, this got me back on track, and finally loosened up my legs.
Nearing towards the half, I knew very well I was behind schedule , but as opposed to my normal self, I waited. I knew where the race would begin, and consistency was key today.

(20K 1:22:32) 5K 4: 20:39

Half: 1:27:00

I had planned on meeting melisa at the 14 mile marker for a fresh bottle of infinit and some carb booms, she was there as planned, but she knew I was pissed. I had come through much slower than I wanted. Yes I felt fresh, and yes I had my strategy, however, I went through too slow, and it was mostly due to a loss at the bathroom, and a no warm-up.

(25K 01:42:48) 5K 5 20:16

I saw Melisa at Mile 16, and she said something I will not forget “You need to get moving… now”. I had planned on waiting until 18, but those progressive tempo’s, and the slow first half required that I make a judgement call, get going, and start pushing at 17, or, wait. I chose to go.

(30K 2:02:57) 5K 6: 20:09

At the 30K marker, I was ready to rock and roll. I was still tight from the cold weather, but decided that my only chance to finish decent was to put it out there and see what happened. I started to become aggressive, ensuring that I felt comfortable, but was breathing through my mouth, and was in a rythm.

(35K 02:22:57) 5k 7: 20:00

Time to go Ryan.. time to go. A pro female was next to me, and her coach / husband was running side by side. She made her move, and I reacted. I put all of my heart in, and decided, this will be it, hang in there, from 17 miles in, or die a miserable death, so I started to take it by 800. I had plenty of energy, but the cold had really taken a tole on my legs.

(40K 02:42:30) 5k 8: 19:33

I gave my all, and I miscalculated by about .8 miles, my legs started to give way. The headwind on Michigan avenue made that 19:33 feel like an 18:00, and I slowed down to finish out the last mile in 6:40. I was disappointed that I couldn’t hold it, but I gave it my all, and I only had the vision of the finish. I raced as aggressively, and as passionately as any point in my career.

Final (02:51:35)

Overall very pleased, don’t get me wrong, but in a typical Ryan race fashion, I have several key takeaways.

1. Warm-Ups are necessary when you are trying to hit specific paces from the start.
2. In temps below freezing (wind chill) consider wearing calf sleeves for warmth.
3. The pure rush of negative splitting and passing others is worth more than I could imagine.. certainly the way to go.

I yet again missed my projected McMillian pace by light years, rather unfortunate. I did however make a segway into different focus on training. Why is it that some of the faster guys can run 5k’s within 1:00 – 1:30 of their 5k outright time in a mary, and I run 3+ minutes slower? This is related closely to a lack of progressive tempo’s, and mileage. Things will be different for 114th BAA Marathon.

Thanks to everyone that assisted with my training, provided support, and continues to help in my development. It sure makes a difference knowing you have others thinking of you. My gear was great, Arm warmers, gloves, racing singlet, adios’s and shorts – all performed well, It was just cold .

Next Race: Canal Connection, Jingle Bell

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RACE: Quad Cities Half Marathon
DATE: 09/27/2009
TIME: 1:18:23 *** PR ***
PLACEMENT: 12th Overall / 1525, 4th 25-29
RACE REVIEW: 4.5 Stars…

Prefacing that I only race the QC Half because it is my hometown race, and I enjoy it greatly – I would be lying if I didn’t.

a) Look forward to my taper after this race
b) Want to “prove” something to the locals every time I come home

Again being the chubby non-runner type , with terrible eating habits made me a grotesque monster back home – and honestly, I like performing well there. I recently ran an honest 1:18:30 at Batavia… but due to the course mishap I felt like no one believed me for some reason. Not sure how running 1:20:xx for 13.4 or more is less of an effort, but the purists only go by results. I on the other do not.

Plan was simple – start out super slow again, as this has been working lately, and I need to “prove” to myself you can run well this way. I intend on doing the same at Chicago. The first 2 miles are always marked incorrectly on this course, but this year we had a new bonus.. a new course. The RD setup everyone for instant failure (Well those who went out hot) by putting some nasty hills in the first 4 miles. I laid back and decided I would try to make it up. I hit 4 around 24:30, ouch. Well I had my work cut out for me.

I made up 31 seconds in 3 miles – thats what I wanted. Came through 7 miles in 41:59, and smiled at my friend Gene. I had promised to come through in 42 or less… I could not disappoint!

I really felt like I was in a nice groove until I hit the arsenal bridge. It hurts your feet, and running on carpeted grated road stinks, alas, I was feeling strong. I hit 10 Miles at 59:50, a goal of mine in a half.

Mile 11 I decided to pick it up, knowing very well I was under 1:18, and feeling good. Mile 11 clicked by quickly, until i hit the stupid u-turn (Ask Mitch how much I moan about that stupid U-turn). The effort sky rocketed at this point and I decided , well your marathon is 2 weeks from today – whats it worth? I pushed, and decided not to lose a spot, so I surged at the end of 11 miles (which backed off the guy behind me).

Ugly 12th mile. I have thought a great deal , and due to not eating breakfast, and not taking gel’s I honestly feel like I was out of energy. I am quite confident in this. Pushed in for a bad last 5k (mostly due to the 6:20 at 12 miles…

1:18:23, precisely what I had on my watch… and precise distance (well the markers were ALL off.. but the aggregate was correct).

Helped a runner in need after the finish, he was really hurting, and his girlfriend was scared. I have been there, so I helped him around, got him the things needed (solar blankets, dry clothes, food, etc).

My wife rocks, she clicked a 10+ minute PR to go on to a 2:04:26 – I ran another 5 miles total running with Dad and Melisa, and I was pumped to see both of them putting in the effort. Nothing matters more than seeing family at these events. My Father inlaw PR’d at the 5K with a 28:30 5k (cutting 5 minutes off his first 5k from the beginning of the year!). My Mom did an awesome job with race strategy in the 5K, I think she will continue to improve with her new Addictions. My Dad was slower than he wanted, but has a goal of putting in the time this coming year, GREAT! Overall, really special. Either way a PR, and a segway into next year.

Thank you Often Running, and Thank you Adidas. I take pride in the brand and the store, and it means a great deal to have your support.

NEXT RACE: Chicago Marathon Woooohooo .. Let the game / pain begin. Bib 587.

RACE: Shoreline Classic 15K
DISTANCE: 15K
DATE: 09/20/2009
TIME: 55:14 ** PR **
FINISH: 24th Overall, 1st 25-59 (Well so they say)

I was looking forward to this race, it has historically been a race that has absolutely destroyed me mentally. While I knew I was worn down from the marathon training for chicago, a 15K offered a challenge. The only goal, pick it up as I continued on.

Made it down in plenty of time, as a driver for local athletes (Seanan , Tod, Carol, Melisa), I wanted to make sure there was plenty of me time for a warm-up. Made it out for a light 3 mile warm-up, nothing exciting, however I wore tights, which seemed to do a better job.

Lined up in the second row, not wanting to get in anyones way. There were masses of studs – oh well.

First mile marker… not even close, I came up to a speedy Dave, and let him know his shirt was on backwards. I decided not to work until I made it to the 5K mark, at which time I would pick it up, and really start pushing for the final 5K. Hit the First 5K in the high 18’s.

The next 5K we all basically settled in, the 2nd place women in front of me looked strong, and a guy drafting off her continued on. I continued to click off sub 6 miles, and was pleased. The marker stated 37:13 for the 10K, it was off on my watch, but oh well again.

The last 5k was supposed to be tough, I picked it up, as I thought I had a decent chance of a sub 55 based on my average at the time (5:58) . I really broke it out for the last 1.1… but it turned out to be the last 1.25, oh well again.

Watch shows an average of 5:52, which is exactly where I should be (based on my Daniels scores lately), crossed the line in oxygen debt – which is a first for me. I literally sprinted the last .25 miles. Sub 55 effort, and i crossed the line with my watch showing 55:08… but who cares.

Immediately turned around after showing my excitement to mitch – and headed back out (hey its marathon training right?). Ran another 5 total as I cooled down and cheered on others. Had a blast working with some new runners while selling some gear for a bit. This worked out nice, as there was a huge line.

Somehow I placed, which I disagree with. I not only did not deserve an award, I do not see how it was possible (let alone 1st). Interesting engineering with the awards. I appreciate the entries the RD gives the team regardless.

Excellent job by soo many. Congrats to merl on his lifetime achievement award / honor roll / hall of fame award. Ben had like a 9 minute PR on that course (seriously, look up his time…). Carol looked awesome coming in, and Seanan made it back to a race! All good things. Dave – work on the shirt next time. Thanks Mitch and Ryan – no complaints from my gear.

RACE: Half Madness

DISTANCE: 13.1

DATE: 09/07/2009

LOCATION: Batavia, IL

PLACEMENT: 6th OA/1000, 1st 25-29

TIME: 1:18:30 (13.1), 1:20:40 (13.5 Miles) *** PR *** 5:59 / mile Average

Very excited to test out my fitness level prior to my final weeks of training for Chicago. I decided earlier in the year to give myself another shot at the old 2:50 barrier, so I signed up for Chicago as a contingency for Illinois. Training in August was fantastic, I had my highest mileage month of the year, some incredible workouts, and my highest mileage week ever (66). The week prior to Batavia was my 66, so I planned on doing one stout quality workout on tuesday , 6 x 1 mile. The workout went fantastic, and the rest of the week was supposed to be easy.

Made it up to Batavia, and felt sore, but positive about the race. Did a short 1 mile warm-up prior to the race start, drank down half a bottle of my magic Infinit mix, and setup to run well. The beginning of this race was straight up a hill.

Gun goes off, and again, I am surrounded by people that most likely wont break 2 hours, alas, I just sit back and relax up the hill, at this point, in about 50th position. I start to warm-up as the mile goes on, and at the two mile I am feeling ok.

Mile 2, Split 1: 12:10

At this point I had another guy with me, who communicated his goal, based on a recent 10k time. Several dozen sentences later, and I was back to focusing. Felt comfortable, and decided to try and catch a rythm, and move up. Passed quite a few in this next 2 miles, and was pleased to hear someone say 7th, 8th.

Mile 4, Split 2: 11:59

We went down a hill, and I was glad to pickup some speed, catch 5th and 6th, so we were in a pack at this point.  A water stop on the side, I skipped all of them for some reason (not sure why, but just didnt feel thirsty). We grouped together and headed out. About 100 yards passed a split in the road, one of the guys says, were we supposed to go right. Well being an idiot, I didnt look at the course map, nor did I think to check. Well the split was not marked, and three of them started cursing, and running harder. We made it, the whole .32 mile deviation, in apparently somewhere around 1:45, while improving our pace dramatically. They took off, I did not. I found no reason to pickup the pace at this point, as I knew I went up on my threshold barrier. I watched them drift away, as I weaved in and out of lap traffic.

Mile 6, Split 3: 13:46

At this point I was really upset about how big of a toll the distance made, I really just was curious if I should bail, slow down to marathon goal pace, or continue. I decided to continue, and felt terrible doing so.

Mile 8, Split 4: 12:27 …ick

After a terrible split, I didnt know what was going on, I turned right, just past the 9 mile mark, and all of a sudden…boom, my rythm caught. It was an awesome feeling. Melisa saw me at 9.5 miles, and at this point I started to pickup some pace.

Mile 10, Split 5 12:05

At the 10 mile marker (not 10 miles on my watch) I felt excellent, the best of the entire day. My heart rate had went down and I decided to pick it up and get moving. I had plenty of gas left, and off I went. I looked down as I went through 13.1 , and low and behold, 1:18:30. The last 5k went by, and I was just waiting for a reason to slow down. It never came. Came across the line in 1:20:40, holding my 5:59 pace through 13.5 miles.

6th overall. a HUGE PR, and affirmation of some solid training in August. Finally made it past the demons surrounding the sub 1:20 half, and more importantly, realize my threshold has raised. The most encouraging part was the last 5k, low 18’s , and I felt awesome doing so.

Thanks to Ryan for hooking me up with some nice T-shirts, and some praise. Did a 4.5 mile cool down with stud Lars post race. Thanks everyone for the positive encouragement, and keeping me honest with my training. 4.5 weeks until chicago.

Garmin File Attached:

Next Race(s):

Shoreline Classic 15k (09/20)

Quad Cities Half Marathon (09/27)

Chicago Marathon (10/11)

RACE: Hopedale Duathlon

DISTANCE: 2 mile, 12.6, 2 Mile

DATE: 05/15/09

PLACEMENT: 1st Overall

TIME: 59:51

I wanted to a tune-up. I thought well Brian will get out and ride one more time prior to having twins, and possibly Chris Sweet will come out, so Duathlons should give me a chance to shine. I have been riding very well, having rode the second fastest time trial this year, I knew I had a shot.

Showed up on yet another terribly windy, miserable day. It seemed we had our fair share again. The wind was severe out of the north, and I noticed that Rossi / Sweet did not show up, so this became a training ride. Race wheels put away for a sunny day, and I determined I would take it easy to get some  training in later. Little did I know easy on the bike included the massive headwind.

Took off without many in sight. I knew Doug Rosen would ride fairly well, and he always amazes me with what a strong runner he is. I took off conservatively, but felt like a decent effort would give me a nice lead on the bike.

2 mile split: 10:43 (1st overall)

I hopped on the bike, having looked back, and no one was around. I am a fairly aggressive rider in the first couple miles, and I wanted to ensure I did not see a soul. The effort was simply unreal with the wind.. .worst bike split of the year, simply terrible… 20.7 mph (1st overall)

I imagined I had a fairly substantial lead at this point, so I decided to take the first mile aggressive, and then just relax and come in easy. Well right about that time I realized (around 1.5 miles in), that my worthless bike split was going to put me near the one hour mark, so I picked it up…

2 mile split 11:37 (2nd overall… thanks doug)

Overall a fun race, and a pricey training ride. I cant imagine how Doug Rosen and others rode a disc in that weather…

Thanks for the support from Mitch and Ryan and the team. My gear worked well, and it was apparent the marathon training assisted in my strength this year.

RACE: Quarryman 5K

LOCATION: Lemont, IL

DATE: 05/09/09

TIME: 17:45

PLACEMENT: 3rd Overall

I wanted to get back into racing, by picking an extremely challenging course. When I agreed to head up to Lemont, i thought I knew what a hilly course meant… wrong. The warm-up seemed like an eternity, winding through the worst hills I have encountered in my running career (including the Bix). There was just zero relief.

After a nice warm-up, I started to check out the competition. Lots of chicago natives, as this race was posted on the CARA website (Oddly, lots of Ironman hats, shirts, etc… which was wierd for a 5k)

My goal was to run as consistent as possible, regardless of the hills.

We took off, and immediately some darted off at a Sub 5 pace in the chase for the King of the Hill prize (the first mile is literally like climbing stairs). The leader at the top of the first hill won a prize. I stayed conservative, and watched as I slipped back to 6th overall. Within sight of the marker at the top of the hill, I had moved up to 5th overall. We cruised up the next hill / turn before heading down hill, uphill, etc to the first marker, crossed in 5:45, which honestly seemed rather fast. At this point a guy in front of me slippede, and I moved to 4th. I set my eyes on gaining ground, and not changing pace. We went around the next corner, and no doubt, hills, and 25mph winds… what a disgrace.

Second mile, surprising (and my most consistent 2 mile split in my life) 5:46

At this point I had to move, but we had plenty of hill remaining, and plenty of wind on the home stretch, I made my move to 3rd, and hung on. I could hear the pressure behind from another runner, and I had like a near out of body experience.. I dont recall running the last .1 …. Mile 3 , 5:45 -

Total 17:45, 5:45 average. I had a blast, and was extremely proud of the effort given my first race back. It was the smartest I have raced to date, and given the conditions, I think the best I have run in my career.

Thanks to Mitch / Ryan / and all of you guys for your advice, encouragement, etc, It means allot.

DATE: 04/11/09
TIME: 2:57:31 (6:4x) *PR*
TEMP: 36 8-13 West Wind
PLACEMENT: 32nd OA / 6th 25-29
Leading up to this race, and had the best training of my life, no argument. I was running well, mentally was tough as nails, regardless of my schedule of being a full-time graduate student, a full-time employee at State Farm, and the Tri-Shark Club President. It was easy to get run down, but at the beginning of 2009, I set the goal of running at least 1 mile every day. I actually had the same goal in 2008, and came down with walking pneumonia, the week of valentines day. I then threw in the towel and skipped 5 days, didnt care one bit. I am pleased to say that even to this day 04/20/09, I still have ran at least 1 mile every day. Emily was the best training partner I could ask for, in the process of completing 5 fantastic long runs (20,22,23,24,25.2) , Emily was always by my side for at least part of a long run. Seanan joined in several times, Dave Quinn as well, everyone chipped in to help me reach my goal.

A month out from the race, a new pair of shoes , and an overly ambitious workout schedule brought me down with an Achilles tear. I was in a great deal of pain, trying magic oils, massages, combinations of heat, miracle erbs, and nearly every essential amino acid, branch chain amino acid, supplement, etc I could find. No avail, my average mileage hovering in the high 40’s, dropped to 7 miles 2 weeks out from the marathon, as I simply could only muster 1 mile a day to try and heal. An excessively long taper – lost performance, and I gained weight. Granted my muscle mass was the higest its been, but a tank makes a ton of power… its not proportionally fast. (I could go on 737 Airplanes, 1970 LS-6 454 Chevelle, etc)

I wanted the confidence to run with someone I knew was capable breaking 2:50, so I asked Chris Friedman (2:39 PR) for assistance. Chris always willing to help said sure. So i trained, and trained, and trained for this day (only to have a bum achilles).

Race Morning I was nervous more about my achilles, but had confidence in my goals. I had recently PR’d in a 5k without speedwork, so I knew I was in the best shape I have been in. That was a month ago however (and even that race I felt bad).

The goal was to run a slight positive split, approximately by a minute, so we would plan on running in the 1:24’s for the half. Emily tucked in behind us in her quest for domination. Chris and I ran side by side, until about 5 miles in when I had to stop for a porta – he kept going – bad move. Mistake 1 – running a sub 6 mile to catch-up (at an early mile). Granted we were on pace, but that cost me… BIG, as I had to recover for 2 miles just to get my HR down.

I threw out several sanity checks along the course, but in reality the fear set in at mile 18, when we went past the water stop. My achilles barked loud, and started to seize. Chris said to relax, and slow down, so we did. I noticed it go away, which was incredible. We again went back to pace, and it came back. My day was suddenly coming down, not due to bonking, dehydration, etc, but because my achilles was done. Chris asked me what I wanted to do, drop out, push on and see how long it goes until it snaps, etc. I really just wanted to finish.

We trudged along , at a terrible pace for the last 10K (about 46 minutes), as I really could not go faster without it twinging. It was not worth the risk of it seizing, so I held back. Chris gave me constant encouragement, but inside my head, I knew the implications on me, another lofty goal , another lofty failure.

Lessons Learned

1. Never catch-up early in a race
2. Never consider goals reasonable when you are rebounding an injury
3. I do not need 16 weeks to train for a marathon. I can train hard, and tolerate the pain, 10 weeks will be for Chicago
4. I need more long threshold work – 12-16 miles

What a great team out there! Seeing everyone on the course (especially Mile 23 crew) really meant allot, but being the emotionally unstable person I am , all i could think of was embarassment. I knew I wasnt moving slowly, hopefully I didnt look like I was run over by a truck though.

Congrats to everyone racing, Carol unreal… Rossi, way to shoot for a tough section! Seanan, another race under your belt! I got about 100 compliments on my matching outfit and Green Adistar Comp +4’s , at least I was styling. And for those of you that constantly remind me “A PR is a PR” true, and I am thankful for that. A Sub 3 was a great feeling, but I didnt even hit my contingency goal of a Boston Corral 1 (Sub 2:56) Bib. I did finish however.

Running Sunday was the most painful event of my life.

Now its time to get serious about running a quality 5K.
3 Mile
18:48.6

6 Mile
38:03.5  (19:14.9)

9 Mile
57:17.3 (19:13.8)

12 Mile
1:17:07 (19:49.8)

15 Mile
1:36:52 (19:45.2)

18 Mile
1:56:47 (19:55)
20 Mile
2:10:5x

Final
2:57:31

RACE: St.Pats 5K
LOCATION: Bloomington, IL
DATE: 03/15/09
TEMP: 59
WIND: 7MPh E, SE
PLACE: 2nd Overall, 1st 25-29
TIME: 17:03 (5:30/mi)
CATEGORIES: Race Report, rcase

Still in Marathon mode, only a mere 5 weeks out from the Illinois Marathon on April 11th, I wanted to benchmark my fitness

level with a 5K. I have (later to find out too fast) been performing some excellent workouts on the track, and on long runs.

My hope was that even though I had little to no specific training for speed / 5K’s, as well as a lack of hard workouts on my

bike, that I somehow would still run a good time.

I warmed up running the course in just a touch over 27 minutes, and listening to music to take my mind away from the scene. I

saw the group running in front of me, but really wanted to go solo.Headed back to car to switch out of warm-up clothing, and

to get ready to go. It felt great to have a pair of flats on it (forget how small they are..). I had 3 goals for this race

  a. Hit the 2 mile marker at / below 10:30
  b. Run Under 17 Minutes
  c. Finish at the same position I am in at the 2 Mile marker

Warmed up with some strides, and talked to Mike about the game plan. Aim for 5:05 through the fake mile, and hit mile 2 by

10:30. After a long delay we were squared away. I wanted to take off strong, but nerves got the better of me. By the first

turn I think I had a solid 10 bodies on Mike, which was a bad sign. I slowed down around the corner, and soon I heard the

quick foot steps behind me. We hit the corner in 5:05 – dead on. At this point , I realized taking off to fast was bad. Mike

and I ran side by side for a tick until the turnaround point. I clung on for dear life, and Mike was positive and encouraging

to me.

The next .7 miles were difficult , I continued to focus on being within rock throwing distance of mike – I heard him cross the

2 at 10:24, and knew I was there, 10:28. Goal A – Accomplished.

The next mile was an embarassment, and candidly, not worth mentioning. I knew from previous plotting of the course (As well as

careful examination of the time cut-off), that I needed to make the final turn by 13:59 if I wanted to run safely under 17. I

hit the corner in 14:xx , cant recall the time, just knew it wasnt 13:59. I knew it would be close, so I tried to stay focused

and count the telephone poles.

As approached, I recall giving it everything I possibly could, but it just wasnt enough – Watched goal B click by as I hit the

3 mile in about 16:30 – an embarassing 6 minute mile, and trudeged the last .1 in 33 seconds apparently. 6 minutes and 35

seconds for 1.1 miles. I finished in 2nd Overall, was not sure how back Kyle was – Goal C – Accomplished. With my 17:03 – Goal

B – Failed

Cooled down by running the course again, had an enjoyable talk. Was extremely proud to be part of the ORRT results, so many

great performances across the board. Every race is a success as long as you have take aways.

Lessons Learned:

 1. Focus on the importance of not starting to aggressive
 2. Working with a team mate makes a large impact on a race

RACE REPORT: Delevan Frostbite Classic
DISTANCE: Half Mary
DATE: 03/08/09
TEMP: 55
WIND: “Un-Freakin-Believable” aka, 40mph-45mph West, 60MPH W Gusts, aka, Wizard of Oz like
PLACE ? Overall, 2nd 25-29, 1st OA Female (Well that was the point)
I have been training extremely consistent this past 3 months of 2009 , and with that, have been very thankful for friends willing to tag along for legs of my long runs on sunday. Emily is the most notable in that regard, so I discussed helping her out with pacing, and seeing if perhaps she could run 1:24.

I have been training for well, and wanted to get a solid effort in, but nothing outside of my comfort zone, so I thought I would be a wind block, and get a solid tempo run in.

Enter Delavan, apparently the windiest city in Central, IL (well close to it on that day). I arrived early with a nice hitch from the Gieson family. Saw Chris Friedman, and went out for a couple miles easy to warm-up. The wind was pretty severe, but nothing like I would ever imagine when we left town. Came inside, talked with Carol about how we need to find new hobbies.

Fast forward, The goal was simple – just finish the race. It was nearly comical at the start. People took off (due to the tailwind) at paces many have never produced in a 1 mile track workout. I did my best to hold back, and Emily and I just chatted as I watched the speedy guys head away.

We continued on to the 40+ MPH Consistent West Wind, which I had quite the joy of being a windblock

Not wanting to lower my spirits, I simply plugged away what seemed to be an impossible end (due to the ugly splits).

Times stayed consistent, albeit slow. Nothing you can do when the weather cooperates like that. I threw on my trainers the second I got back, and headed out to cheer on some folks coming back in. It was great to see how focused Carol was, as well as some of the other locals that headed down.

RACE: Dog Days 5K
DATE: 07.12.08
PLACEMENT: 3rd Overall. 1st 25-29
TIME: 17:12 *** PR ***

First – Hats off to Mitch for yet another race that I look forward to every year. The guy can barely type an email, but somehow he has the organization to put a race together. Round of applause.

Being a 6pm race in July (which is Cruel by the way), I cannot throw away an entire day of training, so I had a tough Brick workout (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/enrico%20contolini/Introduction_to_bricks.htm) this morning with 4x intervals of 10 minutes, and then a 1 mile threshold run. These tend to work you pretty well, so by the time I showed up for the race… I was about as enthusiastic as Old man Alyasiri.

It put a smile on my face to see soo many team members, everyone in high spirits, we are a kick ass team everyone…. dont forget it. (And our jerseys look 1000 times better than that team from the little shop in peoria.

Brandon was warming up, so we can safely say, we are fighting for the overall 2nd place win… hooray. My goal was very simple, run with Chris until I felt I was out of my comfort range, and then run at that level until AT hits.

Gun goes off…. well no , actually mitch gave a 3 second warning, which included, “GO” … We took off, and an 8 year old girl led Tom Smith, Friedman and Basketball shorts guy. (Brandon was well gone…) First half mile felt extremely slow, basketball shorts guy finally moved, and Chris led the way. Came up on mile 1 comfortably at 5:09.. .a bit fast for someone at my pace, I know. Alas, my gameplan was simple. I continued to stay as close to chris (Rock throwing distance I once mentioned), and we hit the turnaround where Carol’s mom did a hell of a job of standing .

Mile 2 came by in… well there wasnt a mile marker (Mitch ???), but we all know where they are. By this point chris starting pulling away, and I looked back hoping for someone to fly by me. Unfortunately, no one. I ran a crap last mile, but due to a solid first 2, came home in 17:12, a PR , still not where I want to be, but given the workout, I still feel my goal of a 16:59 this year is possible.

I was that guy wearing the wrong jersey by the way.. for future reference, men where green, women wear blue… case closed.

Thank you Mitch for not biting my head off about the outfit, thank you for the support, and thank you Adidas for helping a newbie runner with a chance.

I loved seeing everyone, thanks to everyone for rubbing my head for good luck (some better than others….).  Congrats to those that ran, thanks to those that helped out, what a group.

Had a nice cool down with carol and melisa, and enjoyed every moment of it. I thank god I am alive every day.

Sub 17 club, here I come…