Racing of a Different Kind

Today was the Crescent City Classic and is one of the larger 10k races in the country. Now I don't run a lot but I got the opportunity to run in this race as I had no cycling races this weekend and that the entry was free (thanks again Kate). I do like running but it is hard! During the off season I usually try running to change things up and keep in good condition while taking a break from the bike. This year my coach had me running once a week through base. Once racing started this stopped. So what does this mean? It means that in the past 3-4 weeks I ran twice - last Wednesday and yesterday (Friday). Actually this morning I was still a little sore from the tempo run I did Wednesday. Nevertheless, I got up this morning and made my way out to the race.

After a 20 min drive to the finish, 15 min walk to the shuttle, 10 min shuttle to the start, 30 min walk down the starting street (including a stop for coffee), and a 30 min walk back to the start it was finally time to start. Other than all the walking I did the only warm up I got was a few minutes of stretching at the beginning of the race and the great coffee that I got from a little cafe on Decatur. I didn't do a qualifying run to get close to the start like I was supposed to and instead just managed to squeeze my way up tot he front until I saw some people I knew. I talked to them a bit and was told that the group I was standing with would be doing about a 6 minute first mile. Way too fast for me in a 10k. I thought "Well it will be just like riding the hills start and the front and drift back." That was exactly how the race went.

The plan was to really start running after I warmed up at around the three mile mark and hold it into the finish. Well, in the first three miles I manages to keep sub 7 min miles - good right? I was happy with this and then mile four came. I was supposed to pick it up and instead got distracted with hi-fiving people, stopping to get a hand up of beer and generally just goofing around. I think I did the 4th mile at something in the high 7's. It was here that I decided that 2 miles isn't really that long and I should just pick it up. But I didn't. At least not as much as I could have. I did pick it up a little and was passing people but kept thinking - should I be hurting as much as the people around me? I actually felt fine, could hold conversations, breathe, and look around. Others were panting, and looked as if they were just forcing the run. During mile 5 there were some guys on the side of the rode dressed as devils that were handing out hot dogs!!! I really wanted one but decided that I would quickly become sick on a hot dog while running ( I later learned a friend of mine ate the hot dog and still finished a minute ahead of me - maybe I should have taken the hot dog after all). Aside ... Notable mention is earned by the guy dressed as one of the teenage mutant ninja turtles that I passed in mile 5. I remember him passing me in the first mile but when I passed him he looked as if he were dying. Carrying that shell on his back couldn't have helped! ... Aside end. At the beginning of mile 6 a guy was counting out what number you were (the top 500 got free signed posters worth like 80 bucks). I was in the group with 380 and at that point picked up the pace. I even made a mention to some guys that it was time to turn it up - I don't think they cared, I ran away from them. I tried following this cute girl with these tight black shorts on and a black sports bra (a little hottie!!!) but she easily out paced me and I had to let her go. Coming into the finishing stretch while everyone was picking up the pace I was accelerating gently but giving the crowds along the road hi-fives in the process. It was pretty cool. I ended up finishing with a time of 43:30 on the dot. Pretty good considering that a runner I am not. I would have made the top 500 but without a timing chip I didn't qualify - they won't even record my name a finishing. Oh well it was great training and lots of fun.

After the CCC there is always a big after party with a live concert, lots of food and drinks (mostly beer). Again Kate hooked me up with a VIP pass and it was awesome. At the very beginning the professional athletes (mostly Kenyans) were hanging around, getting drinks (not beer - maybe that's why the run so fast?), food, etc. It was kinda cool to see them so close although I didn't get the chance to talk to any of them. They were so small and pretty much made me look like a giant (very cool). I did chow down and the VIP is definitely the way to go! No lines, shade, and spacious what more could you ask. So my tally for post race nourishment:

3 Subway sandwiches (3 inches each)
2 Subway wraps (1/2 of a wrap each)
1 Jambalaya
1 Hooters hot wings (3-4 wings)
5 Abita Amber Beers
2 Waters
1 Banana (actually 1/2 of a banana)

This lasted me about 2 hours then I had some M&M's and a half of an everything bagel with cream cheese.

Next year I think I might train more for this try to get sub 40 and obviously get a timing chip so at least I can be scored!