Monday, October 11, 2010

*10-10* Virtual Race Report


I was a last minute sign-up for Barefoot Neil Z's birthday yesterday on the big 10-10-10.  Not one to miss out on all the blog world hoopla, I couldn't pass up such an exciting opportunity to prove how much speedwork I have lost since the winter and how sucky slow I now run.  

Here's the rules:
  • Between now and including Oct 10th, 2010 (10.10.10.), run any of the following distance
    • 10 km
    • 10 miles
    • 1.0 km
    • 1.0 miles
    • 100 km
    • 100 miles
  • This run can be part of a race, or a training run, or a combination of a few runs, as long as the distance equals the distance you sign up for.
  • You cannot change your distance unless you want to. And changes can only be made up to 12 times, and only up to Oct 10th. 
Seems simple enough, just run something that somewhat resembled a 1 or a 0.  What the heck, there was a 2-mile race in my neighborhood put on by one of the cross country coaches as a band fundraiser.  Looks like that will fit perfectly into the 1 or 0 rule book.  I'll just run two 1-milers.  So there.

I love to be a rule bender.

So this race is pretty small.  I mean, really small.  Last year it snowed on race day and they maybe had a grand total of 60 entrants.  This year it was the classic definition of a crisp, sunny autumn day: 55 degrees, vibrant blue skies, leaves turning their bright yellow colors.  You'd think it'd have pulled in the masses.  Surprisingly, not so much - about the same number of entrants this year.   I hadn't committed to running this race before I actually got there; let's face it, I am in pathetic speed shape right now and I can't even tell you the last time I raced nor ran any sort of pace under 8:30's.  Plus, I had no idea who was going to be there, and to be completely honest, I didn't want to look like a total out of shape blob to people I know.  Yeah, I'm pathetic like that. 

So I get there and size up the competition.  Looks like a lot of cross country kids and band moms.  Ok, I bite, I'll do it.  Pay my $18 and stand on the start line, along with my old running partner, Dennis, who runs wickedly fast. 

Dennis to me: How fast do you think you'll run?

Me to Dennis:  Sadly, I'd be happy if I can squeak two 8's out right now. 

Seconds later, and we're off.  Two laps around the neighborhood, relatively minor hills, I can DO THIS!!  I refuse to wear my watch, me and the watch are not good friends during a race - especially one I'm ill-prepared

Hit mile 1: 7:17.  Really?  I'm pretty stoked, but I know I don't have a lot left in the tank, which sadly reconfirms my out-of-shapeness.

Wrap back around the neighborhood again and I am definitely feeling it.  Total blah feeling.  Gagging on a lung.  No air.  Dead legs.  Slow pace.  Cross country team passes me - did I mention they were only doing a tempo run and tacked on an extra 1/4 mile at the half way point?  My dear child, Ryan, passes me.  My breathing is really labored and this is really frustrating me and all I want to do is be done.

Finish, relieved to be alive, official time: 15:18 (that'd give me a 8:01 for the 2nd mile, 7:45 overall pace - which was slower than my 10K pace a year ago.  Grrr).

Yeah, I've lost a bunch of speed.  I accept it.  I'm happy my race was under my hopeful 8's, but good lord that hurt worst than I thought it would.  Lots of soul searching in those two measly miles.

The cool thing was....all those non-running band mom's all finished behind me and I placed first in my AG and won a sweet little Mizumo black jacket - whoohooo!  Not bad for a slacker, eh?

Now, I think that effort's deserving of the iPad prize from Neil!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEIL! 
Ryan wearing the red hat he won in the raffle, me sporting my new black Mizuno jacket and Brendan displaying the size XXL Pre shirt he won in the raffle.  Total wins all-around!

40 comments:

Karen R said...

Wow - you ran some pretty kick a** fast! And that was a slow pace? I'm impressed :)

But I understand that you are comparing you to you. And hey - you still won! Congrats :)

PS - love the jacket!

C2Iowa said...

Awesome. Nice jacket to boot! I do remember someone (umm cannot recall Jill's name at the moment)told me "a win is a win".

Nice work.

C2Iowa said...

I was going to do this Neil run - but my knee had other thoughts. So sad.

Christi said...

Great job!

Anne said...

Great race report! :) You are soooooo fast, if that was slow for you...wow!!!!

Kate Geisen said...

Nice!! I can't wait to work up to your "slow". Lol. And great prize!

Running and living said...

Neal is giving an Ipad? That's v generous and I agree, you should get it! Really, great job. To pull a 7:18 with no speed work is just amazing. And of course the second mile was slower, but lets talk more about that first mile. Yes, that first mile should be the focus:)

Anonymous said...

Age group Winner! Not bad for a rule bender...

Neil Zee said...

there.is.no.ipad... But lots of other stuff! Maybe next year!

Anonymous said...

wahoo! congrats :)

Unknown said...

Hey Jill, I'm a rule bender, too!
Good job on the race, you'll be back to where you want to be soon enough. Hey, you're out there and that's the important thing!
xoxo

LMC said...

Very cool, AG win and you scored a jacket too. I love how you worked this run into Neil's race and I think you should definitely win the iPad!

Suzy said...

I saw you mentioned Davenport at one point recently. ADP and I met in grad school at ISU. We were in Ames for ~6 years. Nice little college town. I had to go to Davenport for work a few times a year when we were in IA. I never had time to look around the town though because work kept me busy.

Congrats on the AG! You are coming back from a long time of little/no running. Your speed will return, just give it time.

Katie A. said...

You're such a sandbagger! LOL! Congrats on the AG win and the cool jacket! You always impress me!
Glad you got the run in, even if you're feeling less than impressed. It will come back, I KNOW you!
Miss ya!
I'm going crazy in taper mode. We need to chat. xoxoxox

ajh said...

A MIzuno jacket is pretty slick for a small race! Woo Hoo!

AM! said...

that's so cute to see you all running together. and a mizuno jacket?! dang! coollio!!

The Green Girl said...

Girl, you crack me up!

Chris K said...

Um, sorry, Neil already told me that he sent the iPad to me. The funny thing is that was awhile ago and it's still not here.

Julie said...

Hi Jill,
Wow, great race report and I love the picture of you and the boys:) You are super speedy to me! Don't worry any lost speed will come back....I promise! I can't believe that you all won something...score!

BTW, I got something in the mail today! Thank you...it brought tears to my eyes:) Love and hugs:)

Lindsay said...

You act like it's inconceivable for the XC team to be in great shape and run more... I know for a fact the team I help with can whoop my butt any day! LOL. I dont even expect to be able to "hang" with them on a run haha. Basically I'm saying it's not a big deal...

2ndly-you said before the race that you "would be happy to squeak out two 8s". Last time I checked 7:45s are faster? (I know I know, it's still disappointing and you weren't being honest when you said two 8's-I am the same way)

3rdly - after all that whining you got a mizuno jacket? Grrr. Just shut up :)

Way to beat the band mom's!

Marlene said...

Don't be so hard on yourself, lady! You got out there and busted out a couple of quick miles. Way to go!!!

Molly said...

love the jacket!!! And I can only dream of a 7:17 mile!!!!!

Jamie said...

After everything those are some fast miles! Nice 1st place award!

Whitney said...

Way to show up those other moms!

Jenn said...

Oh Jill-how you always make me laugh! Score on the Mizuno jacket!! Don't even talk to me about slow right now....My brain tells me I'm still fast but my body seems to be missing the "s" in that word..Great job!

Tara said...

You are totally fast miss speedy gonzales! Just need to pace yourself a little miss rule bender!! Hahah!

Jill you are way fast and you just came off an injury, so don't beat yourself up.

Ok, I'm outta names to call you, so I'll be leaving now. How'd that 16 miler go????

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

You crack me up with thinking your slow! An 8 minute mile is fast!!! You are so hard on yourself. Stop it!

It looks like a great day for everyone!

Emz said...

Take that band moms!! Jill is in the hood. Yay you!!
You are a fav of mine. [don't be scared]. ;)

Scott McMurtrey said...

Very cool jacket indeed. And time schmime - looks like it was fun. :)

Nathan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nathan said...

The speed will return.
LOOK at those boys! They make a great statement about you :)
Those are some GREAT looking prizes too. I <3 raffles :)

Johann said...

Well done! You'll get your speed back over time. Great to win your age group and get a neat prize for it. I love small races.

Shana said...

Hey ~ look at us placing in our age groups in our small little 2 milers! We rock!
Of course I only got a medal, no cool jacket!

Anonymous said...

Way to kick the band moms booties! For an injured runner I think those were impressive splits. By the look of the jacket and proud mom you didn't need to be any faster! Bubble Boy

All Things Jaime said...

I say don't be so hard on yourself! That's amazing for not having done any speedwork!! You even won your age group!!

KovasP said...

Awesome race, just do this 25 times and you will have completed the AR50! With me at your side of course.

Badgergirl said...

Awesome job! Congrats on the AG win. And it looks like a sweet jacket!

Black Knight said...

7:17/mile is fast, congrats. Beautiful jacket indeed. Great post.

Jennifer said...

Boy am I behind on posts- to me that is super fast! Great job and with no training!

Teamarcia said...

Look at you guys sweeping the swag...WTG! Way to show those band moms who's boss!