Boston Marathon (12-weeks out)

Cobble Hill 10k: my race this weekend was much better than I feared; in fact, the first thing that comes to mind is the tale The Boy Who Cried Wolf. And now, now I’m just greedy.

With the prior weekend’s w/o swirling about in my mind, I toed the line worried I was on the verge of a complete disaster. I started conservatively, or so I thought, but with most of the first 2k downhill, I wasn’t surprised to see the splits indicating a time beyond what I thought capable. I watched my usual companions quickly pull away and if it wasn’t for force of habit I would’ve let the next group do the same.

After about three kilometers, I clawed my way onto the heels of Kevin and Walter and ran steady for the next few clicks. I continued to check my energy level and constantly reminded myself to save something for the end (wanting to finish strong as Jon always advocates in his workouts). Regrettably, it was with about two miles remaining that I was able to enjoy the complete and piercing pleasure of a stitch. With Walter shouting encouragement, I couldn’t help but think I looked like a fledgling learning to fly what with me running down the road one arm held aloft, only to lower it for a few seconds and then repeat the inane act. Race results here, splits as follows:

3:25, 3:27, 3:39, 3:43, 3:42
3:41, 3:37, 3:34, 3:37, 3:32

In the end I’m happy with the performance, elated actually as after reflecting on previous performances I stand in good stead (for this time of year). Still, I can’t help think back to 2007 while when preparing for London I ran 35:46 at the same time of year. I also recall running 3:14:11 in London, not an experience I’m in a rush to repeat. Pace yourself young grasshopper, pace yourself.

But enough about me, the real star this weekend was young Isla. Not only did not one, but both of her front teeth come through but the brave little soul also took her first tentative step(s). We’re at four and counting.

Congratulations goes out to Todd for winning, Hicham for a stellar performance and Walter for his encouragement.

Training:
Saturday: easy 20:05
Sunday: 1:24:33 with Cobble Hill 10k in 36:01 AHR 167 approx. 90% MHR

Weekly mileage: 4h11’05”, +/- 59k or 37 miles

C++

Our drive to Mill Bay this morning was more thrilling and eventful then the race itself. Leaving town I noticed the gas gauge was nearing E (dependant on the angle of the road), but not wanting to fritter away any time before the race, I ignored Ally’s suggestion and proceeded up the Malahat.

With few clouds in the sky, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise and pulled over just after the summit (1,156 ft), to snap a few pictures. After a quick photo shoot, I hopped back in the car only to have my heart rate soar from resting to threshold in the turn of a key, as the bloody car wouldn’t start (with my eyes bulging out, apparently the look on my face was quite amusing).

Luckily, as I’d parked facing downhill and with Ally’s car a standard, I put it in gear, popped the clutch and drove straight to the nearest gas station.

The race started just after 7:00 under clear but cold (2C) conditions. I’m happy with the effort I put in, and more importantly that I managed to negative split (18:06, 17:40), but disappointed with my time, 35:46. I thought I had played my cards well and would’ve liked to have seen a faster (35:15) time given the level of exertion.

There was a group of 10 guys who split the first km about 5” ahead of me, but as I went through in 3:18 and was unsure of my fitness, I played it conservatively. With hindsight, I would have taken it out the group but as I managed to pull a handful of them back in the last 4-km I’m not too disappointed.

1-k 3:18
2-k 3:31
3-k 3:20
4-k 3:46
5-k 4:11
6 to 8-k 10:44
9-k 3:31
10-k 3:25

The turnaround is at the top of a significant hill and I told myself to wait until the 6-k point before going above threshold. Although not smooth, I felt controlled over the last 4-k and… had the race been another km longer think I would’ve managed to pass a few more from the early pack. Perhaps I played it too conservatively? I finished 21st overall and 5th in my age group (35-39).