Sportybrains

Every year, I try and participate in Run For Hope, a charity 5k/10k that benefits foster teens. I have several fond memories of this race, winning 1st F Overall in the inaugural year and pacing Juliee S. to a 5k PR in the following. This year, however, was a little different as I took an 'under the radar' or more quiet approach to running the 5k race-outwardly, at least. So I guess this year brought another first of sorts as I did not advertise to many that this was to be a little rust-buster after a nine-month layoff from racing (not counting my little dip in the ocean a couple weeks ago). With my runner clients, I advocate adopting an experimental approach, collecting objective data to learn from current and to manipulate future races. This was my first crack at a new pilot study in my own racing. However, since I haven't raced in almost a year RHF obviously was going to carry some healthy subjectivity.

Even though it was just a local 5k I quietly approached towards my peers, in my own head the approach was quite the opposite. Race morning was met with some nerves and excitement as I knew that it was gonna hurt out there coming off minimal fast stuff in training and needing to regain my "feel" for road racing (more later on that; goal was to run a reasonable sub-20:00). Although I wish this wasn't the case, this little event also became bit of a release of some anger I've harbored off and on over the past nine months. Anger at the recent events in the media, anger towards my body, anger towards some of my past training decisions, and although this is mostly self- perceived-I confess to feeling somewhat "written off" as a runner in recent months. In my opinion, and it's up to us how we perceive ourselves and it will always be a work in progress. Ok, emotional part over....let's race!

Anyway, now for a little race report! First of all, Cindy Mericle's event keeps getting better organized each year and the volunteers are always fantastic. Perhaps the craziest part of the race was the weather-it was in the low 40's at the start...in SE Texas, in April! I just had to wear my new plaid Brooks singlet so I compensated for the temps with arm warmers and gloves. The shirt even matched my PureConnects quite well. If nothing else, I looked darn good!!

 Luckily, I timed my warmup well and never struggled with the temps. I also noticed that I was likely going to have some serious rabbit legs (remember the "feel for racing" part?) that I need to get control of out there. After a brief ceremony and prayer for the Boston victims and those affected in the West, TX disaster, we were off and I committed my first rusty runner mistake-starting too far back-lots of traffic and it triggered a bit of fast start. Okay, like a low 5:00 first half mile- passing the former Rice University star who eventually won. I could feel my stride mechanics firing well and a new power from my hip drive, which was pretty cool, but I knew I had made a slight error in execution as I had wanted to get immediately on pace. The adrenaline and being slightly peeved overrode my logic this time as I eventually dialed back but perhaps a bit too late and ran through the first mile in 6:10. "Oops, silly girl!"

The silly girl, rust and negativity flying off of her shoulders as she ran, went through the turnaround at 1.5 miles in roughly 10 minutes, just where she needed to be to run a reasonable time. But man, the lid of the hurt box was starting to open, and I hit the second mile in about a 6:19 where I was passed by the eventual winner and a HS runner (ouch!)  Last mile I knew I was going to have to work it and just hold on to whatever's left. As tired as I was getting, I started to have fun. It felt awful and great at the same time. As winded as I was getting, I felt a strength in me at the same time. Taking the turn back to Market Street and getting flash-boiled hot, I pulled a Kara Goucher at Boston '09 and ripped my gloves off before kicking it to the finish. A little dramatic and impulsive and I was almost there- but whatever! Turning in I saw Bill, Carrie (my favorite Canadian) and the finish line and admittedly ran a bit more upright for some sweet form shots (hey I put a lot of work into my stride) below is my fave from the day, courtesy of Bill Dwyer:
Sprinting in, I made it in clocking a 19:42: 3rd OA Female and won my AG. I'll take it-not too bad for a pair of rust-crusted racing legs! I had to smile when I finished-errors and all, I think had a solid run-and I'm not really angry anymore:)