Yesterday was the big race, the Army Ten Miler.
First, here’s a quick recap of my running, since that last post about needing iPod support. Four weeks ago I had the distance break-through, successfully making the jump from the 2-3 mile range to a good five and a half mile run. Three weeks ago I had two long runs (7 and 8.5 miles), both of which I felt good about. Then, two weeks ago, Jason and I got together to do one last practice run, nearly 10 miles from Mount Vernon to the King Street Metro. That went poorly; I had a lot of stop and walks up and down those hills. That was my last big run, and left me a bit lacking in confidence for the big race.
What doesn’t help when your confidence is shaky is to abandon all good judgment.
- Instead of continuing to practice with my short runs, I just about stopped running for two weeks.
- Instead of eating a good pasta dinner the night before, we went out for steaks.
- And instead of going to bed early to be well rested, we decided to get a drink in Adams Morgan.
All of which left me thinking the race could very well be a debacle, but despite there being no evidence to support it, I really started buying into Jason’s premise “Anyone can run ten miles.”
Race morning came quickly and we are late getting there. After saying goodbye to our ladies, we had to jog over to the Starting Line. I began “to feel a bit winded then, and started to think “Yeah, this is not going to be pretty”. I was very wrong.
There is something about “race conditions” that make the impossible possible. It may be the fact that instead of focusing at the next mile of road ahead, you have to keep your eyes on the three feet in front of you — because there are 24,000 people running together and if you don’t stay alert you get an elbow to the face (like that one poor girl around mile 2, I feel really bad about that). Or maybe is the energy of all the racers, or having spectators, or the adrenaline of knowing this time it counts. Whatever the case, it makes a difference, at least it did for me yesterday.
Our intended pace was 9.5 minute miles (to finish at 1:40:00). We kept to that for the first four miles, and then both Jason and I just started moving just a little faster, and a little faster. By miles 6 and 7 were down to 9 minute miles and still feeling great; that’s when we really picked it up for the last two miles. Jason did so with style and form, I quickly discovered I was pushing the limits, but forced myself to keep up and make a strong finish.
I ended up right in the middle of the pack, but well ahead of where I thought I’d be. Here are my results:
| Name | Overall Place | Division | Div Place/Total | Sex Place/Total | Chip Time |
| Robleto, Greg | 5985 | M 30-34 | 710/1383 | 4550/8970 | 1:29:36 |
The scariest part of distance running is how addictive it can become. In the comments section of the iPod post, Jason wrote “get in your head and remember why you are running it”. I don’t know what motive he was alluding to, but that proud feeling of finishing a race is something special. Followed by the hug (despite my sweatiness) and proud look from Selena at the Finish Line was another moment that makes me want to go find another Ten Miler or Half-Marathon and start training right away.
Then the pain in my calves and knees starts to set, and I rethink this plan. Maybe I’ll take a little break, at least a few days.
Congratulations!!!
I feel the need to defend myself here.
First off, i think anyone can complete the race. You don’t have to run the whole thing. you can walk, rest, stop to take a poo like what happened to a couple friends, whatever.
I don’t think everyone can run the 10 miles, but i think everyone can do better than they think they can do; even greg.
Second:
This is my second time running the race. The first time, we did dinner the same way we did it this year. Dinner and drinks at District Chop house. It was agreed that if we finish (which we did) that every subsequent year, we up the ante and put more of a challenge on ourselves. I drank a bit more, slept a bit less, and didn’t really train.
This year we did up the ante, and we did complete the race. All i have to say is the next time i run, i’m gonna be messy the night before. So is Greg whether he wants to or not.
Also, for the record, i played a soccer game the next evening!
Green, Jason (M28)
Overall finish: 5904
Age: M 25-29
Division Finish: 588/1024
Sex Place: 4503/8970
Chip Time: 1:29:23
Congratulations!
Have you discovered the fabulously uneccesary partnership petween Nike and iPod? The most intriguing gimmick so far: http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike
I saw the Nike-timer-iPod-thing at Pacers, the running store in Alexandria, a couple weeks ago. I recall asking the guy “what’s that about?” when I saw the iPod gear for sale next to the running shoes. When he explained the partnership, I followed up with the same statement: “What’s that about?!?”
I don’t think Jason needed to defend his plan, cause I certainly didn’t intend to cast him in an ill light. He was a champ, and helped me to my best race ever (both time-wise and in that feel-good feeling of running well).
For the record, I could barely walk down the stairs the next day, participating in a soccer game would have been right out.
Aww, man- down the stairs is the worst!!! Good job making it through THAT day without crying… I’m just giving you the benefit of the doubt here : )
Congratulations, both of you!