MIA since September 2010.
Well, I have done plenty of races since Sept. '10.
My last two races were Just a Short Run (8.1 miles) in March and Genesis Riverside 10K in April. My longest distance to date is the 8.1 miles. I haven't done a write-up for any of them, yet. I need to tackle this procrastination with some good ol' pioneer will power!
With the passing of time, I feel less and less inclined to write about these races. Who cares?! They are over, and you missed your chance to comment on them. Wouldn't it be considered outdated, antiquated, and old news not worth blogging about? I'm attracted to history and the recording of history through the everyday experience. Maybe I could put, "MEMOIRS OF RACES PAST", in the titles as a "mark". This "mark" in the title would allow readers to know that those blogs are about races I participated in, in the past. I am warming up to this idea because of the historical spin I have put on it. I think I would like to start working on these "antiquated" race blogs this coming week after I report back to you on....
The Pittsburgh Half Marathon is tomorrow!!!! How about that! It will be my first half marathon and my longest distance. Mentally I am ready (seriously - I could run 100 miles mentally), but physically I am not as strong as I should be. My flame started sputtering three weeks ago, and I just started walking 6+ miles instead of running a few days a week. Despite my fear of not being strong enough to run the entire race, I refuse to walk any section of this race. I remember my first 5K in 2009 and how I had to walk parts and dry heaved at the end even with prep work. It was due to inexperience and health. I don't want to be there again, but I don't want the w-word to cross my mind or lips as a cop out. I don't want to let myself down, but physically what if I crumble?
Come on right knee. Come on right foot arch. Don't bring me down!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Missed the Great Race: Sadness
I didn't make it to the Great Race today. I had some stomach issues. I suspect it may have been some food I ate last night at a local restaurant. At any rate, this is the second year I have missed it, and I am pretty disappointed. I don't know where this bad luck is coming from. I want to give it a go next year. If I strike out for a third time then I will know that the Great Race, for some reason, is not in my destiny. Weirdness.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Great Race is SOLD OUT @ 14,000
How cool! Well, it may be utter chaos, but I am happy that the Pittsburgh Great Race is sold out for 2010!!!!
Great Race SOLD OUT
This coming Sunday, I will be running the 10K for the Great Race. I haven't done a 10K since June, but I hear it is mostly on a decline so I think I can tackle that. I hope to beat my previous 10K time by about a minute, but that may be a pipe dream.
I also need to let you all know about the running clinic I attended and my new running shoes. I have fallen behind!!!!!
Including the above subjects to blog about, I still have to do write ups on the Steeler's 5K, Ikea 5K, AND FAAP 5K. I will do them this week until I am caught up.
If you are running in the Great Race, have a stellar time!!!!
Great Race SOLD OUT
This coming Sunday, I will be running the 10K for the Great Race. I haven't done a 10K since June, but I hear it is mostly on a decline so I think I can tackle that. I hope to beat my previous 10K time by about a minute, but that may be a pipe dream.
I also need to let you all know about the running clinic I attended and my new running shoes. I have fallen behind!!!!!
Including the above subjects to blog about, I still have to do write ups on the Steeler's 5K, Ikea 5K, AND FAAP 5K. I will do them this week until I am caught up.
If you are running in the Great Race, have a stellar time!!!!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Run Around the Square 2010
Finally (a week late and a dollar short), I have the low-down on Run Around the Square. Overall, another successful race! I really enjoyed myself!
Positives:
1) Neighborhood support
2) Musicians
3) Water/Booze Stops (beer and champagne!)
4) Chip timing at start and finish
5) After race goodies (i.e. hot dogs, Ritas, and beer, etc.)
Disappointments:
1) Not enough packets
2) Not enough T-shirts (claims on website you are guaranteed t-shirt size if you register by August 13th...) From the website: *Early bird registration ($19.00 per person) online or via mail until August 13, 2010 at midnight. You save $6 per registration and you are guaranteed the t-shirt size requested. I registered early and did not get the right size T-shirt or a packet.
3) Award ceremony
Improvements:
1) If packet pick-up is earlier in the week, order 10% more T-shirts in each size for those who pick up packets on the day of the race. Large T-shirts run out quickly so order more of them in the future.
2) The award ceremony needs to go much quicker. When I left around 11:15AM, they still hadn't announced the top runners in the various age categories for both men and women. People did not hang around to hear those winners announced. Out of the 1500 or so runners and their families, maybe 200 people were left waiting for the awards to be handed out in the age categories. It was getting hot, vendors were out of food/free items, and people were not waiting around while a beautiful day awaited them.
Helpful Tips:
1) Park closer to the packet pick up location (Wilkins School Community Center) on Charlestown Avenue near S. Braddock. If you park closer to the start line (@ Henretta and Milton) you have to walk down the hill to get your packet and back up. If you park closer to the Community Center, you only have to make one trip up to the start line.
2) Pick up your packet the day before.
3) Use the bathroom in the community center if you don't want to use the honeypots. BUT beware: there are only two stalls with no locks, but the line isn't as long as the honeypot lines.
4) Since the chip time begins at the start line, don't force your way to the front unless you are really an elite runner or able to do a mile under 7 minutes and want to try for a prize in your age category. My finish time was three minutes slower than my actual chip time. I let lots of folks go ahead of me so that I wouldn't have to make people go around me. The only problem is that you may get stuck behind walkers or walker-runners when the trail narrows.
5) Don't bring young children (including elementary age children) who cannot run/jog a 5K because they won't make it on the hills. Trust me on this one. If you really want to bring your kids, do a couple of practice runs on the trails in hot weather. Then you can make an educated decision on whether or not they can handle the route. I have seen kids break down and moms look harried/upset/impatient/dumb founded. It isn't worth it.
6) Leave the strollers at home for the 5K or just do the family-friendly 1.5 mile race.
7) If you truly are a heavy-set woman (i.e. 180 lbs of pure woman or more), skip the humiliating weigh-in for Athenas/Heavyweights. The heavyweights @ 140lbs were running 7-8 minute miles. I didn't even bother to weigh-in this year b/c the heavyweight category really isn't for traditionally built women.
 |
| No more Larges????? I am a big woman, but this is a bit much! |
Positives:
1) Neighborhood support
2) Musicians
3) Water/Booze Stops (beer and champagne!)
4) Chip timing at start and finish
5) After race goodies (i.e. hot dogs, Ritas, and beer, etc.)
Disappointments:
1) Not enough packets
2) Not enough T-shirts (claims on website you are guaranteed t-shirt size if you register by August 13th...) From the website: *Early bird registration ($19.00 per person) online or via mail until August 13, 2010 at midnight. You save $6 per registration and you are guaranteed the t-shirt size requested. I registered early and did not get the right size T-shirt or a packet.
3) Award ceremony
Improvements:
1) If packet pick-up is earlier in the week, order 10% more T-shirts in each size for those who pick up packets on the day of the race. Large T-shirts run out quickly so order more of them in the future.
2) The award ceremony needs to go much quicker. When I left around 11:15AM, they still hadn't announced the top runners in the various age categories for both men and women. People did not hang around to hear those winners announced. Out of the 1500 or so runners and their families, maybe 200 people were left waiting for the awards to be handed out in the age categories. It was getting hot, vendors were out of food/free items, and people were not waiting around while a beautiful day awaited them.
Helpful Tips:
1) Park closer to the packet pick up location (Wilkins School Community Center) on Charlestown Avenue near S. Braddock. If you park closer to the start line (@ Henretta and Milton) you have to walk down the hill to get your packet and back up. If you park closer to the Community Center, you only have to make one trip up to the start line.
2) Pick up your packet the day before.
3) Use the bathroom in the community center if you don't want to use the honeypots. BUT beware: there are only two stalls with no locks, but the line isn't as long as the honeypot lines.
4) Since the chip time begins at the start line, don't force your way to the front unless you are really an elite runner or able to do a mile under 7 minutes and want to try for a prize in your age category. My finish time was three minutes slower than my actual chip time. I let lots of folks go ahead of me so that I wouldn't have to make people go around me. The only problem is that you may get stuck behind walkers or walker-runners when the trail narrows.
5) Don't bring young children (including elementary age children) who cannot run/jog a 5K because they won't make it on the hills. Trust me on this one. If you really want to bring your kids, do a couple of practice runs on the trails in hot weather. Then you can make an educated decision on whether or not they can handle the route. I have seen kids break down and moms look harried/upset/impatient/dumb founded. It isn't worth it.
6) Leave the strollers at home for the 5K or just do the family-friendly 1.5 mile race.
7) If you truly are a heavy-set woman (i.e. 180 lbs of pure woman or more), skip the humiliating weigh-in for Athenas/Heavyweights. The heavyweights @ 140lbs were running 7-8 minute miles. I didn't even bother to weigh-in this year b/c the heavyweight category really isn't for traditionally built women.
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