Times Colonist 10k

What I remember most is the God awful stench as I stood waiting, impatiently for the sound of the horn. One could presuppose that runners are a superstitious lot, perhaps choosing (with complete and utter disregard to their fellow competitors) not to wash their ‘lucky’ race kits. Or, with nervous excitement bubbling over, conceivably someone (however accidently) pissed them self. Regardless, the nauseous stench at the start line was dreadful.

As for the race, I truly appreciated every moment; I hadn’t quite realized just how much I missed racing. The idea of standing on the sidelines and consequently protecting a fragile ego doesn’t begin to compare to the pleasure gained through adding my solitary footsteps to the pounding of the masses.

On the heels of a torn hamstring and with only two workouts in the last seven months (both last week), my race plan was simple... run comfortably fast for six kilometres, and uncomfortably fast afterwards. What I didn’t expect was registering a 3:57 opening kilometre *argh*. That was the sound of my ego absorbing the opening blow.

I’m happy with how the race unfolded given that I’d told Ally I expected to finish between 38’ and 40’. That said, the next time I run in a 10k event I hope to be carrying a significantly higher level of fitness. Splits as follows:

3:57, 3:49, 3:47, 3:53, 3:51 (19:17)
3:59, 3:45, 3:39, 3:41, 3:39 (18:43)

As luck would have it, there is no rest for the wicked. This weekend, Saturday, marks the first race in the inaugural Victoria Track Series. I’ve registered for eight events between now and the end of August, first up, 5,000m.

Training: Times Colonist 10k, 38:04, 101 OA, 13 AG

But then his heart would nearly explode when the pistol cracked

“And he stood tall there in the dark, while a cool breeze ruffled the ragged lock of hair on his forehead, knowing that for one instant there would be a kind of calm in the midst of all that pounding, roaring furor, a moment of serene calm before an unholy storm”.

A crooked smile slowly crept over my face; I then found myself laughing aloud after realizing that I missed that moment of calm, and truth. Perhaps more surprisingly, I missed the chaos.

Since I last wrote, a new rhythm has (almost unknowingly) worked its way into the tread work of my life and consequently my running. These days, the details seem to take care of themselves as I, left alone focus on the horizon. A consequence of this new outlook has been an uncomplicated enjoyment in my running.

This summer will be busy, marked most notably with the arrival of our son ‘expected’ at beginning of July. Between now and then I hope to scatter in a few track races. My expectations are low.

I suppose though, everything kicks off this weekend as I hope to participate in small local race. Early Sunday morning, I will undoubtedly find myself on the edge of Beacon Hill Park, ridiculously early, accompanied by 13,000+ of my closest friends. Let the fun begin.

Until then...

Training: 1:05:14 w/ 20' tempo, Sunday is going to hurt *ouch*