Today I ran the Dirty Sock 10K trail run in Babylon.
One of the running books I once read said for every race, have 3 goals. One - to finish and 2 others. I have used this for many things other than running. For every sales call - make the intro, make X sale or make Y sale etc. It means I always at least accomplish one goal.
My 3 goals were to finish and to finish in less than 50 minutes and to finish in less than 45. The only one I achieved was to finish. My final time was 52:23. I have never finished a 10K race in over 50 minutes so this was a major disappointment.
Race day was hot and muggy. Mercifully the race started at 8 before it really was sweltering and the race was on shaded trails through the woods.
Trail runs usually have slow times than road races but I could not really use this excuse since it was more of a "path" run. The path was wide, fairly level and clear.
I started way back in the pack. The start was slow with masses of people. After feeling I was hemmed in and going way to slow for the first half mile, I was passed by a tall big guy in a blue T-shirt (I call him blue shirt) who was weaving through the runners. I tucked in behind him and ran for about a mile dodging through the crowd. Always passing people. Still did not make for a good one mile time of almost 10 minutes.
Blue shirt did not stop for water at the first stop so neither did I. One the second stop, I stopped but was able to catch up within a couple of minutes. I then felt I could run stronger so I passed him. A third water stop and who blew past me but Blue Shirt. I caught up again and passed and did not see him for the rest of the race.
By about 4 miles (6.4 K), the crowd at thinned a bit so I was able to pass more and more people. But the heat was also taking its toll so I also was passed by several runners.
It was a good well run race. Good friendly runners and volunteers.
Ultimately I finished 175th out of 555 runners so top third. And 12th in my age category out of 34. Although I run against myself, a part of me also likes to place well. A lot of the reason I run is for fitness so top third should be fine. There is something in me that makes me never satisfied.
Despite a disappointing time, I am still thankful that I am fortunate enough to be able to run it. I lead a charmed life.
Good job finishing. And great last point - we all need to have a focus on what we're still able to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder.
Give yourself 3 attainable goals: To finish, whether to do intervals or to increase speed at the end of every 10mins and to treat yourself for working so hard. At the end of the race, you will hit your mark and you will continue to improve your time. Too often we focus on returns we cannot guarantee instead of the fact that we are using strategies to get a better grip on what we want. At the end of a run with the right goals, you will only be encouraged to give it another go! Soon, you can push time in there too.
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration (as always). I've just committed to running my first 10K race next May... (Ottawa). Appreciate your tips!
ReplyDeleteI was particularly struck by the role of "Blue Shirt".
ReplyDeleteHis presence in the race evoked all kinds of imagery in my mind - for example, as a trailblazer, he helped you break free from the crowd that held you back, but later, when there were less obstacles, you were able to progress on your own.
Perhaps a lesson in leadership for us all!
Best regards,
Dez Futak.
i miss running in those fun runs.
ReplyDeleteinjuries have sidelined me for a few years now, so i just coach and cheer on my kids. son Deon had
an outstanding season, made team BC
and went to the Canadian championships in Sherbrooke, PQ.
he ran the 1500M and 3000M and
finished with a Gold and Silver medal. Canadian Champ! videos are on Youtube - search Deon Clifford.
but, i do still appreciate your accomplishments and i like the 3 goals method, i use similar methods.
jim clifford