Disco 15k 2016

4.3.16

It looks like I may race very weekend in April.   After a poor training regiment and a streaky racing schedule, I'm hoping to jumpstart my training and racing for the year.

This event is coordinated by Dallas Athletes Racing.  I've raced with DAR many times in the past.  They do a great job.  This is the 4th year for the event, but, the 1st year that a 15k would be offered.

I was out the door by 6:30 this morning, to allow for the drive to Dallas and packet pick up before the 8 a.m. start time for the 15k.  The event was staged on the Continental Pedestrian Bridge near the Trinity Groves Area, and, the actual run would take place on the trail system below the bridge.  This is the same trail that was utilized for the Hottest Half last summer.

I'm out of sorts as it relates to pacing etc, as my running has been inconsistent.  That being sad, I got out to a good start, and felt good for the 1st couple of miles.  I stopped around mile 2 to shed a layer of clothing, and resumed my pace.   I felt good through the turnaround, and, other than a few quick walk breaks through water stops, was making good time.

It seemed that the course measurements were a little short, as I found myself hitting mile markers before my Garmin reached the mile.  I slowed for mile 6, and, even more so for mile 7 due to a big bridge.  I picked the pace back up and aimed for a sub 1:33, which represents under 10 minutes a mile.  (shorter course helped...).

I kicked for the last 1/4 mile or so, and booked a 1:32:49, or, 9:59 per mile.  However, the course was only 8.95 miles, so, I truly paced at abut 10:22.  Pretty slow...

It felt good to get this one done.  I have the Big D Half next week, the Caveman Tri in 2 weeks, likely the OKC Half in 3 weeks, and the Mayest Run in 4 weeks.  I'm ready to work my way back into shape.

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...

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.  

an addition to the fleet...

March 2012

October 2012

February 2016

Fast N Furious Du 2016

2.14.16

this would be the 5th time that I raced this course.  As a result, I know what to expect:

• small field
• some seriously fast athletes
• I'll end up near the bottom of my AG  :/

But...I show up every time.  

While my training picked up a bit in January, February has been tough due to my schedule.  While I've raced a little, I've had no training over the past few weeks. Additionally, I'd only been on the bike once in 2016.  As a result, I kept my expectations in check going into today. 

Each time I do this race, I know I will be towards the bottom of my AG.  I'm simply not fast enough in either of the disciplines to compete...so...it is my goal to get a little faster each time.  

The temps were coolish, but, comfortable this morning.  Comfortable enough for a tri kit with arm and leg warmers.  Nothing more.

There were a few FW Tri Club buddies there today and a few other familiar faces.  I was able to visit with a few folks pre-race.  

When the gun sounded and the mass start began, I got out to too quick of a start.  I finally settled into a nice rhythm and felt good for the 1st mile.  I slowed a bit for the 2nd mile, but, still felt good.  8:25, 9:07 per Strava, but, the results showed me a little faster.  

An uneventful T1, and off to the bike.  I was afraid that I might struggle on the bike due to saddle time.  The 1st 1/4 of the 5 mile loop was into a headwind.  A tough way to get started.  I felt a little better after I got out of the wind, and, picked up some speed.  My 1st 2 loops were almost identical, although, I slowed slightly for loop 3.  Just like always, I was a slow cyclist compared to those on better equipment, etc.  However, for having not ridden recently, I didn't feel too bad.  17.2 mph per Strava.  Results showed a bit slower.  

Another uneventful T2, and, off to the run.  I was pretty stiff getting off the bike, and had a little trouble finding a good running rhythm.  

I got a little faster on lap 2.  

I would like to finish one of these in about 1:30, but, have yet to do so.  I realized that today would be no different...however, 1:35 was still in play.  

Final time:  1:35:57.  14 of 17 in my AG, and 94 of 139 overall.  sigh.  

However, I'm getting slightly faster:

11.2013:  1:40:28

02.2014:  1:37:03

11.2014:  1:44:50

02.2015:  1:39:23

11.2015 (USAT Long Course Du)

02.2016:  1:35:57

I am getting slightly faster in both disciplines.  With a little training, that will improve more.

Fort Worth Mardi Gras Run

2.6.16

I wasn't planning on racing this weekend, but, after a week of no exercise, I was ready to race again.

I had two options: the Hot Chocolate 15k in Dallas, or, this event in FW.

This event, in its inaugural year, had two options, a 2 or 4 mile run, with the option to do both. Coordinated by Mellew, I kept my expectations in check. That, coupled with the themed nature of the run, made me a bit skeptical about the event, but, it was close and easy, so, I went.

I rolled out of bed early and got to Panther Island Pavilion quickly.  The temps were in the low 30's.  It would be a cold day.

I planned on pushing hard on the 2 miler, with hopes of a sub 16 minute time, and, then, based on how I felt, determining a pace for the 4 miler.

The 2 miler went off at 8. I pushed hard for the 1st mile and booked a 7:48. I slowed for mile 2, and booked a 8:18. I simply don't have my legs back yet.  Total time for the 2 miler: 16:05. I just missed my target.

15 minutes later, the 4 miler started.  I'd rubbed a bad blister on my left heel during the 2 miler, so changed my socks pre race.  I saw a few buddies before the 4 miler...we visited briefly.

When the race started, I tried to keep a moderate pace, and booked a 9:13 1st mile.  I slowed slightly for mile 2, and booked a 9:34. I was beginning to feel fatigued.  I walked through a water stop just before mile 3, and booked a 9:58 that mile.  I picked the pace back up for mile 4 and booked a 9:35.  Total Time: 37:51.  A pretty slow 4 miler for me.

The post party had a DJ and free beer. I hung out with several running buddies for a bit.

There were major issues with the timing, but, once all was resolved, I took 3rd in my AG in each race.  I'll take it.

Not a bad day, but, I'm ready to be back in racing shape.