Welcome to my inaugural post; here's hoping I don't sound like an idiot.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"It is not warm out"
The chilly 36 degree temperature, light drizzle and fog was, surprisingly, a welcomed treat for the record 3,763 runners who were told to prepare for below freezing temperatures, snow and ice during the 2009 Jingle All the Way 10K in Washington, DC on December 13, 2009. The mist and light drizzle developed into a steady rain by the finish yet did little to damper the spirits of the runners, many donning race-supplied jingle bells (not this runner, though), Santa and elf hats, tutus (really?) and even Christmas tree costumes. Santa and his reindeer even made it out to the event not only to cheer on but to participate.
The first mile and a half was rife with jolly runners, some trying to break away from the crowd while others were perfectly content with walking the entire 6.2 miles. Consequently, the first mile was the slowest of Allison’s splits and it took until about mile 2 for her to get into a decent groove and situate herself into a running pocket, so to speak (space lacking costumed runners and walkers on the trail). Allison realized that speed-work would have to be a focus in her next training program as she and those around her cheered on the eventual winners, Bert Rodriquez and Maggie Infeld, as they cruised through their 4.0 mile marker to our 2.5 marker (refer to map). The flat course smoothed out further as runners began to space out favorably after 3 miles. The second half of the run was much more favorable than the first half with more room to break out despite the narrow turns at the 5K and 4 mile markers. Allison’s usual goal in themed races is to run down and pass any competitor dressed in costume. Her right hip flexor, though, had other thoughts for this particular race.
Despite a stomach cramp at mile 2.5 and the reemergence of nasty hip flexor pain (for a 10K? Come on!) after 3 miles, Allison finished with a time of 54:22 (8:45 pace) which was good enough to place 138/690 in her age group and 474/2,255 overall. Despite just barely missing a spot on the awards podium, Allison was happy with her performance having knocked off 4 minutes off of her previous 10K time (which was her first 10K race). After a brief conversation with the very approachable, friendly and 39:18 finisher Mayor Adrian Fenty (“Oh I’m not going to even TELL you what my time was!) and a mayoral high five, Allison filled her stomach with an “everything” bagel and a bottle of water and was escorted home by her sweet husband who endured the 6 AM wake-up call, cold, ice (yes, we found some), rain and mud, lots and lots of mud, to only watch his wife for a few short seconds as she crossed the finish line.
The first mile and a half was rife with jolly runners, some trying to break away from the crowd while others were perfectly content with walking the entire 6.2 miles. Consequently, the first mile was the slowest of Allison’s splits and it took until about mile 2 for her to get into a decent groove and situate herself into a running pocket, so to speak (space lacking costumed runners and walkers on the trail). Allison realized that speed-work would have to be a focus in her next training program as she and those around her cheered on the eventual winners, Bert Rodriquez and Maggie Infeld, as they cruised through their 4.0 mile marker to our 2.5 marker (refer to map). The flat course smoothed out further as runners began to space out favorably after 3 miles. The second half of the run was much more favorable than the first half with more room to break out despite the narrow turns at the 5K and 4 mile markers. Allison’s usual goal in themed races is to run down and pass any competitor dressed in costume. Her right hip flexor, though, had other thoughts for this particular race.
Despite a stomach cramp at mile 2.5 and the reemergence of nasty hip flexor pain (for a 10K? Come on!) after 3 miles, Allison finished with a time of 54:22 (8:45 pace) which was good enough to place 138/690 in her age group and 474/2,255 overall. Despite just barely missing a spot on the awards podium, Allison was happy with her performance having knocked off 4 minutes off of her previous 10K time (which was her first 10K race). After a brief conversation with the very approachable, friendly and 39:18 finisher Mayor Adrian Fenty (“Oh I’m not going to even TELL you what my time was!) and a mayoral high five, Allison filled her stomach with an “everything” bagel and a bottle of water and was escorted home by her sweet husband who endured the 6 AM wake-up call, cold, ice (yes, we found some), rain and mud, lots and lots of mud, to only watch his wife for a few short seconds as she crossed the finish line.
3 comments:
NICE!!!
Great first post!
However, we usually try to throw in at least one negative dig at another NORSA member.
OK well how about to make up for it I throw in TWO digs are other NORSAites in my next post?
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