Sunday, March 20, 2016

Rock N Roll Dallas 2016

3.20.16

this would be year 3 for this event, and my 20th 13.1 to date.  Not bad for a guy who thought that he would never run again.

The RnR events are great.  They are well produced, well attended, have great crowd support, good on course entertainment, and, based on my experiences, good courses.

I registred for this event a year ago, when the price was a mere $50.  I'll likely take advantage of the "deal" again for next year, and register over the next few days for '17.

My training has been poor thus far in '16.  While I've completed 7 events, including 3 HM's, I have yet to really ramp up my training.  Going into today, I had not exercised in 11 days.  I have been fighting a bit of an illness, and, like every year, the 1st 2 days of March Madness took its toll on my nutrition and training.  So...expectations were incredibly low.

I had an good experience yesterday at the Expo, as I was in and out in 10 minutes or less.  I connected with Hider pre-race this morning, and saw a few tri buddies as well.

The temps to start today were in the low 40's.  I struggled with what to wear, and finally settled on a compression shirt, tech shirt, and 1/4 zip pullover.  Gloves, shorts, calf sleeves to round out the attire.     This decision would prove to be problematic.  More on that later.

As for the race...

I had only one goal today...finish.  I got off to a slow start, and had to stop for a pee break at 1.5 miles.  I suspect I lost about 3 minutes.  I continued my slow (but running) pace until 4.5 miles, when I realized I needed to shed some layers.   The problem was that I really needed to shed my base layer. In retrospect, arm sleeves with my tech shirt and 1/4 zip would have been better.   I stopped on the side of the course and started the slow process of stripping my top layers.  Once my base layer was off and tied around my waist, the shirt and pullover went back on.

I continued a slow pace until about mile 9.5, the another pee break was needed.  I walked a few hills late in the race, but, ran most of the way.

Final time:  2:29:38.  My slowest 13.1 ever.  I suspect I lost 6+ minutes from the 3 stops.

While a slow time, it wasn't a bad day.  The course, although hilly, was great.  RnR did a nice job of showcasing the city.  Between Deep Ellum, Kessler Park, Oak Cliff, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge etc., this was an awesome course.

I stuck around for a few beers post race and listened to Blues Traveler (headlining band).

Rock N Roll Dallas is far superior to the Dallas Marathon.  A shame, really, but, the truth.  I'll be back for '17 for sure.

Glad to have this one done.  #20 in the books...













Thursday, March 3, 2016

Rock N Roll New Orleans 2016

2.28.16

Year 2 for this one.

After completing this race last year, we preregistered for this year's race while still in NO.  The plan was for Lindsi, Lisa, Butler and me to run again.  Several months ago, Indi registered as well. 5 of the 6 of us would race.  Unfortunately, we had a childcare issue, so Lindsi had to bail, and, Indi was needed at home.  As a result, only the Gossards, Butler and I would go.  Too bad.  Having everyone here last year was awesome.

The race had been pushed back a month due to Mardi Gras, so it fell on the same day as Cowtown.  It sucked to miss Cowtown.

Butler and I drove down on Saturday, and will be here until Wednesday.  We're staying in the same house as last year.  It's a great house in a good location. I suspect this will be our go-to each year.

As for the race:   I was unsure what to think about the race.  I have not been running much, but, have already completed 2 half marathons this year.  I PR'd on this course last year, so, knew that I could have a good time. I planned to run the 1st 10k at a 9:45 pace, with hopes of speeding up for the last half of the race.

It was cool, but, not cold at the start line.  It appeared that it would be a great day for a run.

When the horn blew, I tried to settle into my 9:45 pace, but, it was simply too crowded.  I figured if I could stay close to the 4:15 marathon pacer, I would be on track. As early as mile 1 I was slower than hoped, booking a 10:06.  By mile 2, I realized my plan was not going to work. It was too crowded, the temps were heating up, and I was undertrained.  I kept my hopes that I could speed up at the half way point, but, it never happened.  About mile 3 I shed my arm sleeves, and around mile 5 I stopped for a pee break.  While a great course and great city, many of the roads were in poor condition or under construction, leading to some poor running surfaces.

I continued my slow, steady pace until the end, and booked a 2:19:16.  Yuck. My slowest half in quite some time.  I'll need to begin training again if I hope to post 2:05's and below.  I still hope to break the 2 hour mark this year.   With my speed work during the summer, I suspect it will happen at a fall race.

Still a fun race. I hope that we will all return next year.