#idontlikemud

Well that was definitely an interesting race today.  I got there early for packet pickup and warm up.  I probably got there a little too early but I remember what happened a few weeks ago at the Frostbite 15K where the line to use the restroom was insanely long and took forever.  I didn’t want to risk that situation again.  Plus I always like to get the race venue early because it helps keep me calm and focused.  I started my warm up with a few laps around the track and then some dynamic stretches. It felt good to get in a decent warm up. I have always been really bad about doing that.  My coach has been working with me to develop a regular routine before runs and races to ensure my muscles are loose and ready to go.  About 30 minutes before race kick off, it started to rain and it was more than just a sprinkle.  I knew then it was going to be an interesting run but I wasn’t too worried too much about it. I just sipped on my GQ6 and listened to music while I waited for the race to start.  My weight is actually started to drop and I am feeling leaner and lighter.  I don’t know what my actual weight is and that is probably a good thing.  I am trying to put more focus on how I feel rather than actual hard data.  Numbers are numbers, but I want to put more emphasis on how I feel.  I have really been focusing on what I eat.  I know my weight doesn’t make my race season “successful” but being leaner and lighter makes me feel more confident and reduces my changes of injury.  Plus wearing spandex is not flattering and is difficult for anyone to wear regardless of body type.  I still have a long way to go to get down the weight I really want to be at by October, but I will continue to be patient and keep my eyes forward.  

My coach said to just go out and give it a good effort but nothing hard.  My desire was to go out fairly easy during the first mile and then progressively build pace throughout.  I seeded myself in the back to limit the pressure on me to go out with too much pace.  That seemed to work fairly well.  I still got caught up in the crowd because the first part of the race was on a sidewalk along a major road.  So there really wasn’t much room to get around slower runners which was frustrating. Couple the congestion with my legs feeling fresh and the cool temperatures, I think that drove me to push my pace a little more than I had planned.  Rather than build pace throughout, my pacing actually declined.  It was really slippery out there and some of the route was on crushed rock trails which was really muddy with all the rain.  Then there were a few patches where it is just all mud, no crushed rocks.  Just leaves and mud.  That is where my pace really suffered as I was fighting for footing.  But I finished strong and I wasn’t worn out when I crossed the finish line.  That is how I know I executed my coach’s plan.  The issue was my internal desire wasn’t consistent with my coach’s plan and I always need to go with his plan.  I finished the race in 31:25 (average pace of 9:57 per mile and mile 3 is what really screwed up my overall average pace with muddy and slippery trails).

I was disappointed I didn’t execute my pacing “desire” (I call it a desire because it is what I wanted and wasn’t really a plan), but given the conditions, I am slowing becoming ok with that.  I think this is why sometimes we shouldn’t enter a race with a pacing plan.  Mainly because there are so many factors that can influence the execution of that plan.  I did however, execute my effort plan.  I felt good throughout the run and didn’t feel I was putting more into the run than I should have.  So I am calling this race a success.   The proceeds from today’s race go to the Intrepid Fallen Hero’s Fund (@FallenPatriots) and is a wonderful cause where the provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.  I want to thank all of the amazing volunteers for being out there in the less than favorable conditions.  I want to thank my coach Kevin Burcham (@KSquared_Racing) for keeping me on track and focused on the “bigger picture”.  I want to thank my kids Mason and Braeden for coming out this morning (and most races for that matter) and dealing with the rain on a Saturday morning. They are my reason for anything and everything I do.  Thank you to Kim Buehler Burcham at Great Harvest Bread Company in Midlothian, VA (@RVABread) for being one of the sponsors to the race and for blessing me with a race registration.  Her bakery’s grand opening is Feb 23rd and promises to be one of the best places in town for fresh bread and sandwiches.  Thank you to GQ-6 (www.gq-6.com) for making such a great hydration product. Yes you do sweat in the rain and cold and because of this product, I will be ready to race again tomorrow.