Walk a mile.
It's the third annual Run Run Rudolph 5K & 10K, and a beautifully cold morning for a run! Of course, its the beginning of December, so a bit of a chill is no real suprise.
I wasn't feeling well leading up to the race, having fought off a bit of sickness and coughing that was running through my family. The weekend before I unexpectedly slept for most of Saturday and Sunday - guess my body was needing a bit of recovery time.
I felt okay the morning of the race, but really hadn't trained much at all outside of a 4-mile run a couple of Sundays prior. It was no problem walking around the house, I could run up the stairs, and did a few push-ups. Even untrained, I figured six miles was very doable and wouldn't pose much of a problem as long as I took it easy.
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| 1 loop = 5K 2 loops = 10K |
The course is a 5K course, and to reach 10K you just run the same route a second time. This is my third running, and I've learned to expect the rolling hills. There's a terrific downhill stretch where you can really pick up the pace.
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| Bib. |
The first time I ran this, the race shirt was a white long-sleeve t-shirt with the rudolph on the front. The second time I ran this, the race shirt was a white long-sleeve t-shirt with the rudolph on the front - identical to the first year. This was the third time, and the race shirt was a white long-sleeve t-shirt with the rudolph on the front. There's something to be said for consistency. :)
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| Last picture of this post. |
I was feeling pretty good at the start, and was running with Chris and Eugene, a friend of his from work. Like in years past, costumes were voted on and gift cards were distributed to the winners. Then we were off!
I was feeling pretty good, and wound up pacing alongside Eugene for a good portion of the start of the run. After the first mile or so we came to the downhill and I picked up the pace. My nagging cough came back, and I slowed a bit coming off the hill as the course evened out. The first 5K was pretty uneventful, and I was comfortable with my pace.
The second time around the loop was very different. I couldn't catch my breath, my lungs didn't feel good, and I was wheezing a bit. I figured I would slow down a bit and collect myself. Eugene cruised on by me, passing me back from the downhill. A few other runners were passing me as well.
By the time I reached the downhill, I was still jogging but couldn't control my cough. Then I pulled off the course and walked in the grass as runners passed me by. It was miserable for me, and I doubt the other runners were thrilled to have me out there. What was I thinking?
I walked about a mile. Maybe a little more. Some water at the aid station cleared things a bit and I was able to pick up the pace to finish the race. Strava says my fastest mile was at a 6:55/mile pace. My slowest mile, the one I walked, was at an 11:53/mile pace. What a difference.
Note to self: for the good of me and the good of other runners, if I don't feel well I should stay home. At least I had the sense not to go around coughing on people or shaking hands - just walked around a bit, talked with Chris and Eugene, and headed home. Speaking of Chris and Eugene, both had nice runs - Eugene was 2nd in his age group, and Chris conquered the hills with a nice time as well!
It was so good to head home.
=== RACE DAY ===
Race: Run Run Rudolph 10K
Location: Charlotte, NC
Shoe: Saucony Guide 7
Date: 12/5/2015
Distance: 10K
Time: 59:28
Pace: 9:34/mile
Overall: 56/118 (47.5%)
Gender: 32/48 (66.7%)
Group: 6/8 (75%)
=== STRAVA SAYS ===
Distance: 3.4 miles
Moving Time: 58:31
Avg Pace: 9:02/mile
=== LINKS ===
Website: Brain Tumor Fund of the Carolinas
Registration: Races Online
Results: Races Online
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