Rock N Roll New Orleans 13.1 2015

1.25.15

First destination race...

We have been planning this one for quite some time.  The Smith's, Butler's and Gossard's planned a 4 day getaway around this event.  For Lindsi and Chris (two self described "non-runners") this would be their 1st half.

In the weeks and months leading up to this event, Lindsi, Lisa and Chris had been training regularly.  While Lindsi's training had not been as good as she would like, Lisa and Chris appeared to have great training schedules.

We arrived in NO yesterday (Saturday), and stayed in a rental house that Lisa found online.  It was a low key night, with no drinking and an early bed time in preparation for this morning.

I was up at 4:20 with no alarm, and knocked back a few cups of coffee before anyone else awoke.

I called a cab at 6:20, and requested at 6:40 pickup time.  When the cab had not arrived at 7, Indi was kind enough to take us to the start line.

After a quick restroom stop for everyone, we found our way to our respective starting corals.   I was experiencing a sour stomach, and was hopeful that it would not impact my day.

I appreciate the RnR events, as they are high energy, with bands along the way etc.

I got off to a quick start, and paced under 10 minutes a mile for the 1st 5k.  The weather was perfect, and I was feeling good.  I slowed a bit after that, but still had a 2:15 in my sights, and the potential of a PR.

This was a flat, fast course, with great weather, scenery, and music.  My headphones went kaput about 4 miles in, and, honestly, I'm glad they did.  I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of the race.

I followed my usual routine with endurolytes, gels, and gatorade each 5k, and had no issues.  I picked up the pace a bit after the 10 mile mark, with hopes of my PR.  As hoped, I finished at 2:15:32.  More than a minute faster than Cowtown last year (when I had been training diligently), and a new PR.

Butler finished at 2:18:57 - he crushed his first race!  Lisa finished in the 2:24's, although her chip did not register at the start line, so, her official results are incorrect.  She is going to dispute them.  Her 2:24 time is a new PR for her as well.  Lindsi was a trooper!!  She finished 3:13:01.   Her 1st half ever!

No physical issues for me today...no calf cramps and my hamstring felt good.

This was a great event.  I suspect we will make this an annual trip.

Now...time to enjoy The Big Easy!

FWRC Einstein 10k 2015

1.18.15

Take 2. 

After almost a month off from racing, I laced them up again today.  Last year, I set a (then) PR in this event, and took 3rd in my AG. 

I'd like to say that my training has improved recently, but, alas, it has not.  I nursed a sore hamstring for several weeks after the Dallas Jingle Bell 5k, and, short days, cold weather, work, etc, has proven to be problematic.  

As mentioned previously, the FWRC events are just "ok",  but, they are cheap, and convenient.  

Today's run began with temps in the low 30's. However, I knew I would warm up soon.  I got off to a fast start and felt good through the 1st 3 miles.  I then slowed a bit.  I have only run 2 10k's in the 56" range thus far, and figured I could get there again today.  I actually believed for a bit that I might bring today's run in in the 55" range.  

However, miles 4 and 5 were too slow.  I did feel some tightness in my hamstring again today. I really thought that injury was gone. It concerns me a little bit headed into RnR NO next weekend.  

I finished strong and booked a 56:41. 40 seconds faster than last year, but, good for only a 5th place AG finish.  

It did feel good to race again.  I'll take it easy this week in preparation for next weekend.