Sunday, January 8, 2012

Great Way to Start 2012!

Today I ran the first race in the Winter Cross Country Series presented by the Memphis Runners Track Club. The first race was a 3K trail run. Last year was the first time I did this series, so I had a time goal I wanted to beat. Last Year's time was my goal! Last year I finished it in 17:08, so I had a better idea of how to run this race.

At the start, we all ran into a problem because someone started up at the front of the group with their kid. The kid tripped or something and went down and the parent tried to grab/protect and almost got trampled. So, if you are reading this and want your kid to run with you, that's cool and all, but please, start in the back!

Anyways, I knew I could start off faster than I normally would because we ran through a big field for the first 1/4 mile or more before we hit the actual trail. Once in the woods, it was very difficult to pass people, I felt like I was in NASCAR picking my spots to pass. It got pretty bad in a couple of spots and we bottle necked and pretty much came to a stop. I knew this would happen, so it gave me some time to catch my breath after starting as fast as I did. It eventually opened up and we were able to get into a good pace.

I did not run with my Garmin or iPod. I wanted to really beat my time from last year and I did not want to be looking at my pace the whole time, so I was glad I left them at home and just went with the old stopwatch.

Anyways, here is the good news. I set a new PR on this race by 1:08. I finished in 16 minutes flat! (I really wished I had hit under 16) I was 17th out of 44 in my AG and 195th out of 750 Overall! So I can say I brought it!  Nice way to start off the new year!

P.S. I really think the marathon has helped my running because after running a marathon, a 3k seems kind of silly and no reason that I should not push it!

5 comments:

  1. Nice PR! Way to kick off the new year.

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  2. Way to start the year with a PR!

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  3. Nice work.
    I know what you mean about the trail runs. I've found the only way to pass is if you are OBVIOUSLY the faster runner. You just have to be Directly behind and say something eluding to the fact you are being held up.
    Sometimes they will be courteous. If that's the case, keep track of them and thank them at the finish.

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  4. What a great way to kick off the new year ... with a shiny new PR!!!

    Also, I hate when people with strollers start up front at any race. They should always start in the back. annoying.

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