Showing posts with label TC10K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TC10K. Show all posts
4.10.20
TC Loony Challenge: Virtual 2020
Registration: I register online; nice and simple. TCM sends me an email when registration opens up. One of the reasons people register for Loony is they really just want to run the 10 mile, and having a race or two the day before seems okay?
Packet Pickup: Packets were mailed this year. A bit of controversy here:Based on the mailing schedule, 10K and 5K packets cannot arrive before the original race day. Loony and some other packets were mailed a week earlier. So I had my medal and finish line ahead of Dungeon Master. Obviously we shared for the pics.
SWAG: The SWAG is good but also very bad/cheap and it annoys me. (It's the sole reason I'm even doing a race review this year.)
I'll start with two new items this year: the mask is on point. It's one of the better masks I have, especially since I apparently lost my 1 mile mask? Second, the finish line tape, which is mostly so you can take/post pics, but it's sweet.
Old items, and things that annoy me: The shirt for the 10K and 5K: it's ONE shirt. They used to be two shirts of two different colors. The medal for the 10K and 5K: It's ONE medal. This annoys me. It's cheap. And also unimaginative. In every year before this, the 10K shirt had one color and the 5K shirt another. Though in 2018 they did do the cheapass thing of having the same medals for the 5K and 10K. Not enough people must've complained because they're still doing it. There's also a 10mile medal and shirt, and a gift bag which looks nice.
Transportation to and from the race: LOL. I just left this here for fun.
Course: I made "programs' on my Garmin for the 10mile race (I was at Rush Creek Trail), the 10K race (I was on Shingle Creek), and 5K race (we were at aPalmer Lake). I just ran until my watch said I was done.
Pace Team: For the 10mile, Olive rode her bike next to me. 10K was alone listening to The Bee Keepers Apprentice. 5K was with Dungeon Master and it's hard to tell who was pacing who in that one.
Race Recommended For: If you're one who wants to do the 10 mile, doesn't want to do the lottery, and these other races sound fun, this is absolutely for you. Also, I'd say people who are trying to build a base. Normal training for Loony is back to back long runs.
8.10.19
TC 10K - the race that wasn't
Day(s) before:
Expo: I don’t know what my issue was, but I was not at all impressed this year. Perhaps I’m just ruined by Cincinnati? The expo was set up differently. (Portrait versus landscape if you know what I mean.) I couldn’t tell if there were fewer vendors or if it just seemed that way due to the set up.
Transportation to/from expo: I thought I was going to bus, but a wardrobe failure on my part meant I drove, parked at the Science Museum, and paid a whopping $1. I’m saying I came out ahead.
Expo SWAG: I’d registered for the 10K so I got my shirt ahead of time, as well as a buff.
Race Day
Start time: Scheduled for 7:15am
Weather: Well, see, here’s where the drama starts. We’d been predicted for some rain, including some heavy rain and lightning. Rain itself was forecasted to start well before the races and last long after.So at 3:53am, the races were all cancelled.
I think they would not have cancelled for this weather on Marathon Sunday. But the Saturday events have sooo many kids, and they are held on the grass/lawns that would’ve basically been swamps. The safety concerns for these races are significantly different than the marathon and 10 Mile. So I’m bummed, but I totally get it too.
I texted my coach, and then a few friends who’d had races scheduled as well. Then I want back to sleep for a bit. Around 10am, I went to the gym to run my mile, and then I walked a 5K with Dungeon Master She was at least as bummed as I was.
Wardrobe
Transportation to start line:
Route:
Plan/Goals:
Execution:
Nutrition:
Results:
From today, I learned: This is really the biggest ‘first world problem’ right? As soon as things happened, friends started reaching out. Or when I let people know, they were bummed for me. I told Dungeon Master, ‘we can’t get richer than having good friends’. So, this stings, but I’m trying to focus on all the things that are going right for me including my health, a job I love, a safe and warm place to live, and phenomenal friendships.
Also, the main comment I saw on TCM Facebook page was “at least the marathon people can still run their race, I’d feel really bad if it was them” and that’s exactly how I feel. I’ve only run one race this year and it was the full Marathon.
SWAG: I did get the shirt already, and they will give medals away next week apparently.
Remember for next time: I’m going to put this here. A few people were all “you even paid a coach”. I have not regretted that once. Even if I didn’t get to race, I learned a lot from working with a coach. I learned about how weeks and workouts are structured. I learned to push myself. And I learned my mind is as important as anything else in training. I feel like the race was going to be putting all those things together to “see” the final result, but my body enjoyed the benefits of the work, even without the race.
Bonus: Instead of running a race, I did the following:
Ran my mile
Walked a 5K with Dungeon Master.
Practiced handstands (my winter fitness goal). I was nervous but I nailed a handstand on the first try!
Practice bridges (my winter fitness goal also). I do not have perfect form, but I did get into one.
Had lunch with a few awesome people.
Had a beer with Captain Smiley
Made cheering signs for the marathon tomorrow.
Expo: I don’t know what my issue was, but I was not at all impressed this year. Perhaps I’m just ruined by Cincinnati? The expo was set up differently. (Portrait versus landscape if you know what I mean.) I couldn’t tell if there were fewer vendors or if it just seemed that way due to the set up.
Transportation to/from expo: I thought I was going to bus, but a wardrobe failure on my part meant I drove, parked at the Science Museum, and paid a whopping $1. I’m saying I came out ahead.
Expo SWAG: I’d registered for the 10K so I got my shirt ahead of time, as well as a buff.
Race Day
Start time: Scheduled for 7:15am
Weather: Well, see, here’s where the drama starts. We’d been predicted for some rain, including some heavy rain and lightning. Rain itself was forecasted to start well before the races and last long after.So at 3:53am, the races were all cancelled.
I think they would not have cancelled for this weather on Marathon Sunday. But the Saturday events have sooo many kids, and they are held on the grass/lawns that would’ve basically been swamps. The safety concerns for these races are significantly different than the marathon and 10 Mile. So I’m bummed, but I totally get it too.
I texted my coach, and then a few friends who’d had races scheduled as well. Then I want back to sleep for a bit. Around 10am, I went to the gym to run my mile, and then I walked a 5K with Dungeon Master She was at least as bummed as I was.
From today, I learned: This is really the biggest ‘first world problem’ right? As soon as things happened, friends started reaching out. Or when I let people know, they were bummed for me. I told Dungeon Master, ‘we can’t get richer than having good friends’. So, this stings, but I’m trying to focus on all the things that are going right for me including my health, a job I love, a safe and warm place to live, and phenomenal friendships.
Also, the main comment I saw on TCM Facebook page was “at least the marathon people can still run their race, I’d feel really bad if it was them” and that’s exactly how I feel. I’ve only run one race this year and it was the full Marathon.
SWAG: I did get the shirt already, and they will give medals away next week apparently.
Remember for next time: I’m going to put this here. A few people were all “you even paid a coach”. I have not regretted that once. Even if I didn’t get to race, I learned a lot from working with a coach. I learned about how weeks and workouts are structured. I learned to push myself. And I learned my mind is as important as anything else in training. I feel like the race was going to be putting all those things together to “see” the final result, but my body enjoyed the benefits of the work, even without the race.
Bonus: Instead of running a race, I did the following:
Ran my mile
Walked a 5K with Dungeon Master.
Practiced handstands (my winter fitness goal). I was nervous but I nailed a handstand on the first try!
Practice bridges (my winter fitness goal also). I do not have perfect form, but I did get into one.
Had lunch with a few awesome people.
Had a beer with Captain Smiley
Made cheering signs for the marathon tomorrow.
23.6.19
TC 10K - 16 Weeks To Go
Sunday planned: Run 1 miles
Sunday actual: 1.19 miles, and I think my GPS got a little lost on this one
From today, I learned: I was running to escape my mental health today. My smoke detector keeps chirping. I am trying to make peace with it, but first I set off ALL of the smoke detectors in the house.
Monday planned: Hill repeats. I haven't done these in a while.
Monday actual: Hill repeats accomplished. I may need a better (longer) hill.
From today, I learned: Swing the arms, turn the feet over, pick up the knees. And breathe!
Tuesday planned: 3 miles easy; Tuesday Weights
Tuesday actual: 3.25 miles easy, running at a 12:49/mile pace (and you know I had to check that to make sure)
Tuesday weights: Also accomplished. I went all the way to Midtown Y. It was kind of a wild day.
From today, I learned: I'm just going to check that running pace again!
Wednesday planned: 4 miles easy
Wednesday actual: 4.63 miles, down along the river. My heart rate was higher and I was slower than yesterday. But it's hillier too.
From today, I learned: I checked out the 'lower' trails by the river and they are no longer underwater.
Thursday planned: Run 1 miles; Thursday Weights
Thursday actual: 1.26 miles run in the morning. Mom and Dad are here and slept super late for them, so I got this done whilst they slumbered.
Weights: I did not go down to the gym. Mom and I thought we'd try a Zumba class but that wound up being something of a strength workout.
From today, I learned: The class was super fun.
Friday planned: 3 miles easy
Friday actual: 3.24 miles, easy, in the morning.
From today, I learned: Get up and get it done. I saw my blue heron friend again.
Saturday planned: Long run: 6 miles total, 4 miles easy then 6x 1min at 10:00/mile pace, 2mins rest. Cool down.
Saturday actual: 1.22 miles easy in the morning. Yesterday was my birthday.
From today, I learned: Sometimes it's okay to move the long run.
Sunday actual: 1.19 miles, and I think my GPS got a little lost on this one
From today, I learned: I was running to escape my mental health today. My smoke detector keeps chirping. I am trying to make peace with it, but first I set off ALL of the smoke detectors in the house.
Monday planned: Hill repeats. I haven't done these in a while.
Monday actual: Hill repeats accomplished. I may need a better (longer) hill.
From today, I learned: Swing the arms, turn the feet over, pick up the knees. And breathe!
Tuesday planned: 3 miles easy; Tuesday Weights
Tuesday actual: 3.25 miles easy, running at a 12:49/mile pace (and you know I had to check that to make sure)
Tuesday weights: Also accomplished. I went all the way to Midtown Y. It was kind of a wild day.
From today, I learned: I'm just going to check that running pace again!
Wednesday planned: 4 miles easy
Wednesday actual: 4.63 miles, down along the river. My heart rate was higher and I was slower than yesterday. But it's hillier too.
From today, I learned: I checked out the 'lower' trails by the river and they are no longer underwater.
Thursday planned: Run 1 miles; Thursday Weights
Thursday actual: 1.26 miles run in the morning. Mom and Dad are here and slept super late for them, so I got this done whilst they slumbered.
Weights: I did not go down to the gym. Mom and I thought we'd try a Zumba class but that wound up being something of a strength workout.
From today, I learned: The class was super fun.
Friday planned: 3 miles easy
Friday actual: 3.24 miles, easy, in the morning.
From today, I learned: Get up and get it done. I saw my blue heron friend again.
Saturday planned: Long run: 6 miles total, 4 miles easy then 6x 1min at 10:00/mile pace, 2mins rest. Cool down.
Saturday actual: 1.22 miles easy in the morning. Yesterday was my birthday.
From today, I learned: Sometimes it's okay to move the long run.
17.6.19
TC 10K - 17 Weeks To Go
Sunday planned: Run 1 miles
Sunday actual: 1.24 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: There is a reason I don't run in these shorts. This was a good day to get up early and get it done. This was actually the warmest part of the day.
Monday planned: Quality Miles Monday: 1:00 on, 1:00 off X 20
Monday actual: Quality miles accomplished. At the crack of dawn.
From today, I learned: This was a fun workout, and more fun because it was significantly cooler than last week.
Tuesday planned: Tuesday weights; Run 3 miles easy
Tuesday actual: 3 miles, easy, completed in the morning. 13:52/mile at 138BPM for the running part. It rained on me.
Weights: I am getting back into weights. I did more 'warm up' reps, and still at a pretty low weight on the bar for the working sets. But I'm doing the thing.
From today, I learned: Running: I like the part of the trail that's in the woods.
Weights: I planned ahead well, and did the work. Planning ahead and committing to the gym has been an important step each day.
Wednesday planned: Run 4 miles easy
Wednesday actual: 4.32 miles, 13:26/mile and 136BPM. Stretched when I got home which was also nice. Later I tried to sprain my ankle on the stairs but I think I'm okay.
From today, I learned: I got diverted by a train on this run. I could see the front of the train just starting to cross the tracks and I was all "nope". So I went another way that also worked, but turns out it's a lot shorter than I'd expected.
Thursday planned: Thursday Weights, Run 1 miles
Thursday actual: No weights. 1 miles outside in the sun. Trying to prevent or mitigate a panic attack. Also, I forgot to turn off my watch at the end of the run.
From today, I learned: Running cannot stop panic attacks. But it does help.
Friday planned: Run 3 miles easy
Friday actual: 3 miles total. I was reeling from biological issues and mental health issues. My heart rate was nuts. But I found a pretty new lake and watched a Blue Herron have breakfast. And I walked a lot.
From today, I learned: I found a new lake. I listened to my body. Both those things were good.
Saturday planned: Long Quality Run (3 miles easy, 2:00 hard, 1:00 easy x 10, cool down) for around 6 miles
Saturday actual: Long run accomplished.
From today, I learned: I think I could've gone a little easier on this run. Apparently my speeds are "slow and easy" or "go hard" and I have no middle gear.
Sunday actual: 1.24 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: There is a reason I don't run in these shorts. This was a good day to get up early and get it done. This was actually the warmest part of the day.
Monday actual: Quality miles accomplished. At the crack of dawn.
From today, I learned: This was a fun workout, and more fun because it was significantly cooler than last week.
Tuesday actual: 3 miles, easy, completed in the morning. 13:52/mile at 138BPM for the running part. It rained on me.
Weights: I am getting back into weights. I did more 'warm up' reps, and still at a pretty low weight on the bar for the working sets. But I'm doing the thing.
From today, I learned: Running: I like the part of the trail that's in the woods.
Weights: I planned ahead well, and did the work. Planning ahead and committing to the gym has been an important step each day.
Wednesday planned: Run 4 miles easy
Wednesday actual: 4.32 miles, 13:26/mile and 136BPM. Stretched when I got home which was also nice. Later I tried to sprain my ankle on the stairs but I think I'm okay.
From today, I learned: I got diverted by a train on this run. I could see the front of the train just starting to cross the tracks and I was all "nope". So I went another way that also worked, but turns out it's a lot shorter than I'd expected.
Thursday planned: Thursday Weights, Run 1 miles
Thursday actual: No weights. 1 miles outside in the sun. Trying to prevent or mitigate a panic attack. Also, I forgot to turn off my watch at the end of the run.
From today, I learned: Running cannot stop panic attacks. But it does help.
Friday actual: 3 miles total. I was reeling from biological issues and mental health issues. My heart rate was nuts. But I found a pretty new lake and watched a Blue Herron have breakfast. And I walked a lot.
From today, I learned: I found a new lake. I listened to my body. Both those things were good.
Saturday actual: Long run accomplished.
From today, I learned: I think I could've gone a little easier on this run. Apparently my speeds are "slow and easy" or "go hard" and I have no middle gear.
9.6.19
TC 10K - 18 Weeks to Go
Sunday planned: Run 1 mile
Sunday actual: Run 1.22 miles in the hot hot afternoon sun.
From today, I learned: I learned a new neighborhood route. I guess if I got hot enough and could protect my electronics, a splash pad can be involved. Though the true learning on this day was how to reset a thermostat.
Monday planned: 3 miles easy.
Monday actual: 3.7 miles, nice and easy.
From today, I learned: I have not yet been stopped by a train. But I know the day is coming. How do I find the Canadian Pacific rail schedules for this crossing please?
Tuesday planned: Run 1 mile, Tuesday weights
Tuesday actual: 1.24 miles in the morning on my new 'neighborhood route'. I did not use the splash pad. I also did not do weights.
From today, I learned: I did not plan ahead to do weights. And my mental health is significantly poorer than normal, so we're just gonna let some stuff go here.
Wednesday planned: Easy 4 miles.
Wednesday actual: 4.62 miles along the creek and the river. I did not get stopped by a train.
From today, I learned: I like this route when I go south bound first, and then northbound along the river. Also, today instead of running back on the main street, I went down a block and ran 'back' on a side street and that was a significant improvement in environmental quality. (Also, happy International Running Day!)
Thursday planned: 3 miles easy. Thursday weights.
Thursday actual: 3.75 miles, easy, in the morning. Thursday weights did happen in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: From the run: Plan to get stopped by a train. (Apparently this is part of my life now.) From weights: Weights happen when I plan ahead and commit. So plan ahead and pack the gym bag!
Friday planned: 3 miles easy
Friday actual: 3.3 miles by the golf course and the creek.
From today, I learned: Shade is powerful. It was super hot for me (above 70* when I walked out the door), so I picked the shadiest route I could find. It really helped. For anyone who thinks 70* isn't that bad I'll do me, you do you.
Saturday planned: 5 miles. 3 miles easy. 4th mile is 5x30 seconds at 10:00/mile pace. 5th miles is easy.
Saturday actual: 5.25 miles. 30 seconds at 9:46/mile, 10:14/mile, 9:42/mile, 9:38/mile, 10:06/mile. Supposedly. According to my Garmin. It was a fun run. I went farther along Victory Memorial than I'd been in a while (though I have run there before).
From today, I learned: Get up early when it's hot out. I think I could've done another round or two, but it was really getting hot out for me for running. I didn't look at the pace on my Garmin, I just ran hard for a little while to see what it felt like!
Sunday actual: Run 1.22 miles in the hot hot afternoon sun.
From today, I learned: I learned a new neighborhood route. I guess if I got hot enough and could protect my electronics, a splash pad can be involved. Though the true learning on this day was how to reset a thermostat.
Monday actual: 3.7 miles, nice and easy.
From today, I learned: I have not yet been stopped by a train. But I know the day is coming. How do I find the Canadian Pacific rail schedules for this crossing please?
Tuesday planned: Run 1 mile, Tuesday weights
Tuesday actual: 1.24 miles in the morning on my new 'neighborhood route'. I did not use the splash pad. I also did not do weights.
From today, I learned: I did not plan ahead to do weights. And my mental health is significantly poorer than normal, so we're just gonna let some stuff go here.
Wednesday actual: 4.62 miles along the creek and the river. I did not get stopped by a train.
From today, I learned: I like this route when I go south bound first, and then northbound along the river. Also, today instead of running back on the main street, I went down a block and ran 'back' on a side street and that was a significant improvement in environmental quality. (Also, happy International Running Day!)
Thursday actual: 3.75 miles, easy, in the morning. Thursday weights did happen in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: From the run: Plan to get stopped by a train. (Apparently this is part of my life now.) From weights: Weights happen when I plan ahead and commit. So plan ahead and pack the gym bag!
Friday actual: 3.3 miles by the golf course and the creek.
From today, I learned: Shade is powerful. It was super hot for me (above 70* when I walked out the door), so I picked the shadiest route I could find. It really helped. For anyone who thinks 70* isn't that bad I'll do me, you do you.
Saturday actual: 5.25 miles. 30 seconds at 9:46/mile, 10:14/mile, 9:42/mile, 9:38/mile, 10:06/mile. Supposedly. According to my Garmin. It was a fun run. I went farther along Victory Memorial than I'd been in a while (though I have run there before).
From today, I learned: Get up early when it's hot out. I think I could've done another round or two, but it was really getting hot out for me for running. I didn't look at the pace on my Garmin, I just ran hard for a little while to see what it felt like!
10.10.18
TC Loony Challenge Race Review
Registration Online. Register early for the race series. It's popular because it's a guaranteed entry to the 10 Miler.
Packet Pickup: For the series, racers get a 'Saturday' bib that uses 1 number for both races (Take a lesson Flying Pig) and one number for the Sunday Race. The Sunday bib has a little 'Loony Challenge' emblem on the front, and you get back tags for both days. The expo is also the TC Marathon Expo. It has a good mix of vendors, races, and local charities. I picked up a hat while I was there. I looked in the official store but I wasn't wild about anything they had.
SWAG:
Saturday: 10K Medal and shirt; 5K Medal and shirt, one pair of gloves. The 10K medal and 5K medal are the same, which is different from years past, and seems pretty cheap to me. Like, oh, now I have two of this medal. WTF?
Sunday: 10 Mile medal and shirt. Pair of gloves. The shirt is neon. It's definitely one of the uglier shirts I've ever seen. Free beer at the finish for those over 21. This year there were vodka samples too, so that was on point.
Race Series: Vest for the series. Medal for the series. The vest is a pleasant surprise. It's a nice weight, zippered pockets, and even a secret inside zipper. The medal for the series is always one of the prettier medals I get every year.
Transportation to and from the race:
Expo: Bus to/from West 7th, where I'd parked and met a friend for lunch.
Saturday: Bus/Green Line to the races and then Green Line to Dungeon Master's car to get home
Sunday: Bus to the start line; Green Line to a stop where I met Olive and we cheered for the marathon for a while before she took me home.
Start Line:
10K/5K uses a start line next to the finish. This year, no joke, there was a box truck parked on the course , 100ft past the start. It was fenced off and everything. They knew it was going to be staying there. Truck/fencing situation lead to a horrible bottle neck after the start. They should've just fenced off the course to that width from the start for both races. 10K and 5K races are a mass start. The 5K in particular should be a wave start. It is way too crowded with kids seeding themselves incorrectly.
10 Mile start line is in Minneapolis. This year there were 4 corrals, which meant I started around 7:25am. I was to the front of the corral, so I got to see the other corrals going off. That was fun. The 10 Mile start is fun because some of the marathon runners come and cheer at the start line and it's one big park.
Course:
10K: Same as it always has been. Out and back along Summit Ave with a fair amount of climbing.
5K: Reverted to the old (bad?) course after the fantastic changes they made in 2017. The 2017 course was a loop. The old (or current I guess?) course is an out and back with 2 way running along Summit Ave. It is waaay to narrow for the number of people on the course, and for kids who don't get the concept of 'two way traffic'. I watched kids and adults almost run into the elite runners coming 'back' because they were on the wrong side of the street. This is another reason they should do wave starts. It's just better for runner safety. (I do think kids belong in this race and it's a well done race for kids. There are some things the organizers could do to make it safer for all the competitors, especially kids who've never run a race before and don't know the etiquette.)
10 Mile: This course has been the same for a long time (as long as there's not a land slide in the way). The course has a lot of climbing, particularly in the middle. I find it challenging but super fun.
Pace Team:
10K, 5K: No pacers
10 Mile: Well, there's what the website says, and then there's what happened. There are pacers for this race. However, the corral/pacer situation was a total cluster. Last year I ran a 1:54 which put me in Corral D today. (I was 32021, and Corral D started at 32000, so I was close to getting into Corral C). Based on last year's time of 1:54, obviously a good goal would be 1:50 right? The 1:50 (11:00/mile) pacer was in Corral C, so I couldn't run with them. (Ok; sometimes that's how things break down.). Oh, by the way, the 2:00 pacer (12:00/mile) also started in Corral C. I think that person was straight up in the wrong place. I passed her in my last mile and NO ONE was with her. Because really, if you qualify for Corral C, you run faster than a 12:00/mile. A lot of people in Corral D run faster than that. For next year, if the corrals are split at the same paces, they should have a second 1:50 pacer in Corral D. And the 2:00 pacer also needs to start in Corral D where they belong.
Fan Support:
10K, 5K: People do come out for this and stand on Summit. It's not a ton of people but there is some support. The chute into the finish is packed with people, so that's always a blast.
10 Mile: I thought there were more people out than last year. Or maybe I was just paying more attention this year? There's a ton of people downtown, and this year there were a few spots of people along the River Bottoms as well. SE Mpls and into St Paul there were lots of people, and Summit Ave is always crazy. I ran by the free beer at mile 8. I thought it'd just make me sick. Butif it's your cup of tea, it's there. Apparently I also ran by Whiskey shots. That doesn't sound like something I'd pass up.
Finish: All 3 races have the same finish line in St Paul near the Capitol. As a runner, it's the best finish line of any race I've ever done. It is amazing. And then there's what happens just after the finish line.
5K/10K: Finish area is super family friendly and the 'chute' is pretty small. There's medals, water, bananas, and a couple other snacks.
10 Mile: The first part of the finisher chute is pretty standard. Bonus here because they usually have hot broth. Might as well be manna from heaven. Shortly after that things go haywire. The chute is crazy long and winding. It's just walking around, the only other thing there is in there is baggage. Outside the chute are a few other amenities. The changing tent and family reunion area were in a field that was unfortunately pretty soggy this year. In the changing tent a lot of runners stood on their mylar blankets to change and stay out of the mud. After I was warm and dry, there's a beer garden. There's also a PR bell that I couldn't find this year. At some point, I was done walking and looking for it, so that's partly on me.
Race Recommended For:
Race Series: Is great for someone who wants to run a lot over the weekend, but not run the marathon. It's okay for slower/back of the pack runners but not walkers. You need to run a 10K comfortably in 1:25 or less. (Because the 5K starts 1:30 after the 10K.) For me, training for two back to back days of racing was a good challenge for my endurance and my strength.
10K: Fasties, first timers, race walkers, anyone who loves a big race, anyone who wants to try a well supported 10K. There are race walkers and walkers in this race, but not as many as in the 5K.
5K: Fasties, first timers, race walkers, walkers, and kids who are big enough to do a 3 mile race.
10 Miler: Fasties, first timers, race walkers (I have been passed by many race walkers here), anyone who's looking to go up in distance from a 5K or 10K, anyone who wants to increase their speed over a longer race, anyone who likes climbing or hilly races.
Bonus: I put my series results on this report last year, so including it here again.
SWAG:
Saturday: 10K Medal and shirt; 5K Medal and shirt, one pair of gloves. The 10K medal and 5K medal are the same, which is different from years past, and seems pretty cheap to me. Like, oh, now I have two of this medal. WTF?
Sunday: 10 Mile medal and shirt. Pair of gloves. The shirt is neon. It's definitely one of the uglier shirts I've ever seen. Free beer at the finish for those over 21. This year there were vodka samples too, so that was on point.
Race Series: Vest for the series. Medal for the series. The vest is a pleasant surprise. It's a nice weight, zippered pockets, and even a secret inside zipper. The medal for the series is always one of the prettier medals I get every year.
Expo: Bus to/from West 7th, where I'd parked and met a friend for lunch.
Saturday: Bus/Green Line to the races and then Green Line to Dungeon Master's car to get home
Sunday: Bus to the start line; Green Line to a stop where I met Olive and we cheered for the marathon for a while before she took me home.
10K/5K uses a start line next to the finish. This year, no joke, there was a box truck parked on the course , 100ft past the start. It was fenced off and everything. They knew it was going to be staying there. Truck/fencing situation lead to a horrible bottle neck after the start. They should've just fenced off the course to that width from the start for both races. 10K and 5K races are a mass start. The 5K in particular should be a wave start. It is way too crowded with kids seeding themselves incorrectly.
10 Mile start line is in Minneapolis. This year there were 4 corrals, which meant I started around 7:25am. I was to the front of the corral, so I got to see the other corrals going off. That was fun. The 10 Mile start is fun because some of the marathon runners come and cheer at the start line and it's one big park.
10K: Same as it always has been. Out and back along Summit Ave with a fair amount of climbing.
5K: Reverted to the old (bad?) course after the fantastic changes they made in 2017. The 2017 course was a loop. The old (or current I guess?) course is an out and back with 2 way running along Summit Ave. It is waaay to narrow for the number of people on the course, and for kids who don't get the concept of 'two way traffic'. I watched kids and adults almost run into the elite runners coming 'back' because they were on the wrong side of the street. This is another reason they should do wave starts. It's just better for runner safety. (I do think kids belong in this race and it's a well done race for kids. There are some things the organizers could do to make it safer for all the competitors, especially kids who've never run a race before and don't know the etiquette.)
10 Mile: This course has been the same for a long time (as long as there's not a land slide in the way). The course has a lot of climbing, particularly in the middle. I find it challenging but super fun.
Pace Team:
10K, 5K: No pacers
10 Mile: Well, there's what the website says, and then there's what happened. There are pacers for this race. However, the corral/pacer situation was a total cluster. Last year I ran a 1:54 which put me in Corral D today. (I was 32021, and Corral D started at 32000, so I was close to getting into Corral C). Based on last year's time of 1:54, obviously a good goal would be 1:50 right? The 1:50 (11:00/mile) pacer was in Corral C, so I couldn't run with them. (Ok; sometimes that's how things break down.). Oh, by the way, the 2:00 pacer (12:00/mile) also started in Corral C. I think that person was straight up in the wrong place. I passed her in my last mile and NO ONE was with her. Because really, if you qualify for Corral C, you run faster than a 12:00/mile. A lot of people in Corral D run faster than that. For next year, if the corrals are split at the same paces, they should have a second 1:50 pacer in Corral D. And the 2:00 pacer also needs to start in Corral D where they belong.
10K, 5K: People do come out for this and stand on Summit. It's not a ton of people but there is some support. The chute into the finish is packed with people, so that's always a blast.
10 Mile: I thought there were more people out than last year. Or maybe I was just paying more attention this year? There's a ton of people downtown, and this year there were a few spots of people along the River Bottoms as well. SE Mpls and into St Paul there were lots of people, and Summit Ave is always crazy. I ran by the free beer at mile 8. I thought it'd just make me sick. Butif it's your cup of tea, it's there. Apparently I also ran by Whiskey shots. That doesn't sound like something I'd pass up.
5K/10K: Finish area is super family friendly and the 'chute' is pretty small. There's medals, water, bananas, and a couple other snacks.
10 Mile: The first part of the finisher chute is pretty standard. Bonus here because they usually have hot broth. Might as well be manna from heaven. Shortly after that things go haywire. The chute is crazy long and winding. It's just walking around, the only other thing there is in there is baggage. Outside the chute are a few other amenities. The changing tent and family reunion area were in a field that was unfortunately pretty soggy this year. In the changing tent a lot of runners stood on their mylar blankets to change and stay out of the mud. After I was warm and dry, there's a beer garden. There's also a PR bell that I couldn't find this year. At some point, I was done walking and looking for it, so that's partly on me.
Race Series: Is great for someone who wants to run a lot over the weekend, but not run the marathon. It's okay for slower/back of the pack runners but not walkers. You need to run a 10K comfortably in 1:25 or less. (Because the 5K starts 1:30 after the 10K.) For me, training for two back to back days of racing was a good challenge for my endurance and my strength.
10K: Fasties, first timers, race walkers, anyone who loves a big race, anyone who wants to try a well supported 10K. There are race walkers and walkers in this race, but not as many as in the 5K.
5K: Fasties, first timers, race walkers, walkers, and kids who are big enough to do a 3 mile race.
10 Miler: Fasties, first timers, race walkers (I have been passed by many race walkers here), anyone who's looking to go up in distance from a 5K or 10K, anyone who wants to increase their speed over a longer race, anyone who likes climbing or hilly races.
8.10.18
TC 10K and TC 5K Race Report
10K Start time: 7:15am for the 10K, this is the same time as last year.
Weather: Low-mid 40s and windy. I was fine running, but under dressed for the start line.
Wardrobe: Illuminite shirt, arm sleeves, Happy pants, compression socks, Merrel shoes; hat. I looked like a highlighter but I was hard to miss.
Transportation: 5:40am bus to Green Line. Dungeon Master took me home in exchange for a hot, home cooked breakfast. There was a long time between the bus and the train so I practiced my selfie game.
Route: 10K route has been the same every time I've run it.
Plan/Goals: My goal was A) run under 11:20s and B) not do anything stupid.
Execution: Part A: done. Part B: It doesn't feel stupid at the moment, but I also don't believe it.
Nutrition: Pre-race was 3/4 of an avocado, salted. Post race was a banana and some water.
Results: I haven't looked at the results yet. I'll tell you after tomorrow's race.
Update: I'm happy with this.
From today, I learned: Things that went well were staying relaxed on the hill, telling myself I am strong enough for hills, and keeping my cadence high. I got a little aggravated at the start, there was a big bottle neck just after and it was kind of a cluster.
SWAG: 10K has a medal and a gray shirt.
Remember for next time: I spent a lot of time thinking about the camber on Summit Ave. Follow the line dividing the bike lane from traffic.
The Corporate Team Challenge tent is heated, but there is no place to change this year.
Take the bus to Park Ave and walk to the US Bank Stadium stop. (For some reason I legit could not remember this from last year.)
Bonus: LOL. Let me just get back in line to run another race.
5K Start time: 8:45am for the 5K. This start time has changed over the years. The first time I did Loony, it was 90 minutes between races (which is tight but doable), then it went to 2hrs, then 1:45, now we're back down to 90 minutes between races.
Weather: Somehow windier and colder than before the first race. 40s and windy.
Route: The 5K route is back to the original 5K route and I am aggravated and bummed. The 5K route is an out and back, mostly along Summit Ave. It is waaaay too packed to have two way runners there, especially with all the kids in the back of that race. Race organizers should either let us go back to the 2017 route, or have a staggered/corral style start.
Plan/Goals: After the 10K, I adjusted. My first goal was not to get ticked off and knock anyone over in the first mile of the race from it being too crowded. After that, run mostly by feel and have fun. Try to run under 11:20s and most importantly don't do anything stupid.
Execution: It turned out probably to be a good thing that the first mile was the
slowest of any I'd run so far, because I kept some in the tank for
later. I had a great time. I think about 20 people past me in the last 0.1 miles because I was finishing at the pace I'd been running the whole time, not a 'I don't have to run anymore ever after these 100 feet' sprint. It's fine. I still feel like I did what I wanted there.
Nutrition: 5am: Avocado; after 10K: Banana and water; after 5K: hard boiled eggs wrapped in prosciutto. (Because post race nutrition is super important if I have to do this again tomorrow)
Results: I won't look until after the 10Miler tomorrow.
Update: I think things went well.
From today, I learned: Be patient in the first mile of a crowded race. Things will sort themselves out and there will be plenty of room.
SWAG: Well, I got the exact same medal they gave out for the 10K, so now I have two of those. WTF?!? At least the shirt is different. This one is navy.
Remember for next time: That first mile is slow. Be patient.
Caribou Coffee is no longer a sponsor, so there's not a ton of post-race coffee options. Though the Challenge tent did have coffee for its participants.
Bonus: Dungeon Master gave me a ride home. I cooked her breakfast. Or, in my case, Second Breakfast. Congrats to Dungeon Master on completing the 5K race series!
Nutrition: Pre-race was 3/4 of an avocado, salted. Post race was a banana and some water.
Update: I'm happy with this.
From today, I learned: Things that went well were staying relaxed on the hill, telling myself I am strong enough for hills, and keeping my cadence high. I got a little aggravated at the start, there was a big bottle neck just after and it was kind of a cluster.
SWAG: 10K has a medal and a gray shirt.
Remember for next time: I spent a lot of time thinking about the camber on Summit Ave. Follow the line dividing the bike lane from traffic.
The Corporate Team Challenge tent is heated, but there is no place to change this year.
Take the bus to Park Ave and walk to the US Bank Stadium stop. (For some reason I legit could not remember this from last year.)
Bonus: LOL. Let me just get back in line to run another race.
5K Start time: 8:45am for the 5K. This start time has changed over the years. The first time I did Loony, it was 90 minutes between races (which is tight but doable), then it went to 2hrs, then 1:45, now we're back down to 90 minutes between races.
Weather: Somehow windier and colder than before the first race. 40s and windy.
Nutrition: 5am: Avocado; after 10K: Banana and water; after 5K: hard boiled eggs wrapped in prosciutto. (Because post race nutrition is super important if I have to do this again tomorrow)
Update: I think things went well.
From today, I learned: Be patient in the first mile of a crowded race. Things will sort themselves out and there will be plenty of room.
SWAG: Well, I got the exact same medal they gave out for the 10K, so now I have two of those. WTF?!? At least the shirt is different. This one is navy.
Remember for next time: That first mile is slow. Be patient.
Caribou Coffee is no longer a sponsor, so there's not a ton of post-race coffee options. Though the Challenge tent did have coffee for its participants.
7.10.18
Loony Challenge 1 Week To Go
Weekly Miles Planned: Not that many. Just be patient and enjoy the taper.
Actual: 25 run, 2 walked
Long Run Miles Planned: 6-8
Actual:: 6.65 Miles on Sunday morning.
Sunday Planned: 6-10 Miles at MAF, Sunday Kettlebell Workout, Sunday Abs
Actual:
Run: 6.65 Miles at Ft Snelling with a goal of having fun.
Kettlebells: Done, and a minute faster than last week
Abs: Also done.
Bonus 2.5 miles walk with Dungeon Master on the track at the gym.
From today, I learned: Normally I run, walk the last 5-10 minutes of the route back to the gym, and then do my weights/abs workout. Today I ran, cooled down, got in my car and drove to the gym, and then did weights/abs. My weights workout is rep based, and this week I got it done about 1 minute faster than last week, at the same reps and weights.
Monday Planned:6-10 Miles at MAF 1-3 Miles, Plyos
Actual: 1.2 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: Turn off my watch at the end of the run. I had a slight failure here and realized I'd left it on for about five minutes while I was putting the dishes away.
I'm going back and re-reading my past weeks of training. In the beginning I talked a lot about nutrition as well as work outs, and then I had an unplanned failure in July and took that bullet point out. I'm liking going back and looking at that, and may want to add it back in for Flying Pig training.
Tuesday Planned: 4-6 Miles at MAF, Lift Weights
Actual: 4.66 Miles on the Rum River Trail. I've missed it here.
From today, I learned: This was a fun run. I didn't look at my watch. I practiced having positive thoughts like I'll need Saturday and Sunday. It felt great to be outside and enjoying nature. Fall colors are trying their hardest to come out.
Wednesday Planned: 1 Mile Run
Actual: 1.2 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: I am legit wondering if 7pm is too early to go to bed. Taper means rest, right? I woke up with a massive headache. Ibuprofen is doing it's job so far though.
Thursday Planned:4-6 Miles at MAF, Lift Weights 1 Mile Run.
Actual: 1.2 Miles in the morning
From today, I learned: Not on my run, but later I learned the Buffalo Montrose trail has been paved. I've run there a time or two or three. It's always been a crushed limestone trail, and then used for snowmobiles in winter. I'm curious with the blacktop now if that'll make a difference for winter use. There's no way they're going to plow that thing all winter long. Right?
Friday Planned: 1 Mile Run
Actual: 1.2 Miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: Last night I swapped my winter and summer clothes. I have too many running clothes. I also have 50 pairs of sweat pants and I don't like many of them at all.
Saturday Planned: 4-6 Miles at MAF, Plyos 10K race, 5K race
Actual: 10K race and 5K race completed
From today, I learned: Trust my body; my body is stronger than my mind today.
Actual: 25 run, 2 walked
Long Run Miles Planned: 6-8
Actual:: 6.65 Miles on Sunday morning.
Actual:
Run: 6.65 Miles at Ft Snelling with a goal of having fun.
Kettlebells: Done, and a minute faster than last week
Abs: Also done.
Bonus 2.5 miles walk with Dungeon Master on the track at the gym.
From today, I learned: Normally I run, walk the last 5-10 minutes of the route back to the gym, and then do my weights/abs workout. Today I ran, cooled down, got in my car and drove to the gym, and then did weights/abs. My weights workout is rep based, and this week I got it done about 1 minute faster than last week, at the same reps and weights.
Monday Planned:
Actual: 1.2 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: Turn off my watch at the end of the run. I had a slight failure here and realized I'd left it on for about five minutes while I was putting the dishes away.
I'm going back and re-reading my past weeks of training. In the beginning I talked a lot about nutrition as well as work outs, and then I had an unplanned failure in July and took that bullet point out. I'm liking going back and looking at that, and may want to add it back in for Flying Pig training.
Actual: 4.66 Miles on the Rum River Trail. I've missed it here.
From today, I learned: This was a fun run. I didn't look at my watch. I practiced having positive thoughts like I'll need Saturday and Sunday. It felt great to be outside and enjoying nature. Fall colors are trying their hardest to come out.
Wednesday Planned: 1 Mile Run
Actual: 1.2 miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: I am legit wondering if 7pm is too early to go to bed. Taper means rest, right? I woke up with a massive headache. Ibuprofen is doing it's job so far though.
Thursday Planned:
Actual: 1.2 Miles in the morning
From today, I learned: Not on my run, but later I learned the Buffalo Montrose trail has been paved. I've run there a time or two or three. It's always been a crushed limestone trail, and then used for snowmobiles in winter. I'm curious with the blacktop now if that'll make a difference for winter use. There's no way they're going to plow that thing all winter long. Right?
Friday Planned: 1 Mile Run
Actual: 1.2 Miles in the morning.
From today, I learned: Last night I swapped my winter and summer clothes. I have too many running clothes. I also have 50 pairs of sweat pants and I don't like many of them at all.
Actual: 10K race and 5K race completed
From today, I learned: Trust my body; my body is stronger than my mind today.
2.10.17
TC10K - Race Report
Start time: 7:15am at the State Capitol.
Weather: 45-50* for the start, some wind
Wardrobe: tank top, happy pants, compression socks, hat, Merrel shoes. Plus sweats that I kept the bag check and arm warmers which relate to things that happened after the race.
Transportation: I took the 5:40am bus to the train, train to the start. I really couldn't remember this from last time.
Route: Out and back on Summit Ave. Start/finish is at the state capitol. Should we talk about the hills?
Plan/Goals: My A goal for the race series is to be around 11:40/mile and my 'big scary goal' is anything faster than that.
My 'mind goal' for today was to run partly by pacing off the watch and partly by feel. Too fast is too fast. Something has to be in the tank for tomorrow.
Execution: I ran this very much by feel and was pleased with how it turned out. I did slow a bit in mile 4 or 5, on purpose. Again, I have another race today and one tomorrow and there needs to be something in the tank.
Nutrition: I had an avocado, sliced and salted around 5am. A few sips of water during the race but no food. Post race I had a banana, half a Larabar and few more sips of water before the 5K.
Remember for next time: Transportation as noted above.
The leaders tend to come 'back' when I'm at about mile 2.
I tended to pass the back of the pack when I was at mile 4.
Corporate Team Challenge tent is heated which is a bigger deal than it sounds like.
Bring a coffee mug for post race coffee from Caribou! (I totally did that this year and it was everything.)
Bonus: Found my results!
Weather: 45-50* for the start, some wind
Wardrobe: tank top, happy pants, compression socks, hat, Merrel shoes. Plus sweats that I kept the bag check and arm warmers which relate to things that happened after the race.
Transportation: I took the 5:40am bus to the train, train to the start. I really couldn't remember this from last time.
Plan/Goals: My A goal for the race series is to be around 11:40/mile and my 'big scary goal' is anything faster than that.
My 'mind goal' for today was to run partly by pacing off the watch and partly by feel. Too fast is too fast. Something has to be in the tank for tomorrow.
Execution: I ran this very much by feel and was pleased with how it turned out. I did slow a bit in mile 4 or 5, on purpose. Again, I have another race today and one tomorrow and there needs to be something in the tank.
Nutrition: I had an avocado, sliced and salted around 5am. A few sips of water during the race but no food. Post race I had a banana, half a Larabar and few more sips of water before the 5K.
Remember for next time: Transportation as noted above.
The leaders tend to come 'back' when I'm at about mile 2.
I tended to pass the back of the pack when I was at mile 4.
Corporate Team Challenge tent is heated which is a bigger deal than it sounds like.
Bring a coffee mug for post race coffee from Caribou! (I totally did that this year and it was everything.)
Bonus: Found my results!
4.10.15
TCM - Loony Challenge Year 2
Goals for year 2: I had no idea what to expect this year. It's been a solid year of heart rate training. But as soon as I got to racing season I was all "how do I set goals for this?!?" Should my goals be based on pace? Heart rate? A mix of both? I knew I badly wanted to go sub-2hrs in the 10 mile, but I had no idea if that was realistic or not. I had no idea what I wanted for the 10K and the 5K.
Packet Pickup: Olive volunteered in packet pick up and reported there were some issues. TCM mails out some pretty sweet Runner Guides well ahead of the race. Among other things, it shows my bib number for the 10 Mile race. Since I am a genius, I left it at home. When I got to Packet Pickup I had to go to the "find my number" table, showed my ID and told the helpful volunteer I'd registered for Loony Challenge. She printed off two slips for me, one with my Saturday events number and one with my Sunday events number. I went to the two different tables and collected my things. Olive was at Saturday events packet pick up and reports that most Loony runners only knew their 10 Mile bib number from having their guide mailed to them. I reviewed and nothing I was sent ahead of time had my bib number for Saturday events. I guess forgetting to write down my bib numbers saved me time in the end.
Goal: Find Olive. Thank all the volunteers I saw.
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Get a new race belt.
Outcome: Also done. I wore it for all three races and I was tremendously happy with it.
This year, I found myself wishing I'd written down what I wore last year. I was having a hard time with the logistics.
Outfit - Day 1:
Skora PhaseX (blue - yes, I have more than one pair of these shoes); Injinji Socks; Saucony Running Tights (full length, not lined), Short sleeve technical shirt and long sleeve technical shirt. New race belt. Sunglasses for part of the race. Temps around 40* for the start of the 10K, slightly warmer for the 5K but I was still freezing my tail off.
TC 10K: I went easy up the first hill and about 500 people passed me in the first quarter mile. I passed many of them back later so it was all good. I had a very hard time at the beginning of this race. It was partly nerves and partly standing in the corral and not being able to warm up properly, and partly literally being cold. My shoes are very thin and my socks were thin, and my feet felt like ice cubes for a solid mile.
Goal: Be back in time for the 5K
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Run under a 12:00/mile pace
Outcome: 11:19/mile, that really shocked me
TC 5K: I'd warmed up after the 10K, but I got really cold again, waiting for the 5K to start. Olive did not run this year with me and that made me sad. I started off heading back up this stupid hill again, happy that I got turn around much sooner in this race than the first one. This race was packed with kids. No matter how high up I seed myself, they're always there. I think TCM needs to have the kind of corrals that were in the Flying Pig's 5K last year because that worked really well. The end of this race was really tough. I kept running and feeling like, I cannot kick. What is the deal?!? And then I checked my run data and saw how fast my final mile was, and felt much better about myself.
Goal: Finish
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Another sub 12:00/mile pace would be nice
Outcome: 11:19/mile. Weird right?
Day 2 Outfit:
Skora Phase X shoes; Smart Wool Running socks with high cuffs; Fleece lined tights; Smart wool long sleeve shirt; "Liz shirt" over top. On Summit Ave I ran with a guy who'd been racing for years, and when people were all "go Liz" he's like "I'm going to do that to my shirt next year". Temps around 40* for the start.
TCM 10 Mile: I was really looking forward to another crack at this course, hopefully routed correctly this time. I found myself back in Corral 4 again. I wonder what it takes to move to Corral 3. The day before, the strategy that worked was for me to feel my body going hard and strong. Hard, but not hurting. Since I was surprised and pleased by the outcomes of both the 10K and the 5K I decided it was quite a sound strategy and went with it.
Early on I was quite frustrated. There is a huge bottle neck in this course where the runners go through a narrow tunnel. It happens just before Mile 1 so the runners are still fairly bunched up. This year, the bottle neck was so bad I had to walk and got almost completely stopped. WTF?!? This was not an issue last year.
My goal for the hills in the middle miles of the course was to challenge myself but also to stay within myself. These were comparatively slower miles, but I was pleased when I saw how things worked out.
On Summit Ave I met this dude who was a race walker straight up walking an 11:30 mile, or so he told me. I made it my mission in life to stay with him, since he'd walk me right into my own goal of going sub-2hrs. We talked and it made that part of the course go really quickly. He also kept me challenged and focused on the up hills in that section. He dropped me in the last mile on the flats but I almost totally caught him back on the down hill.
Goal: Sub 2 hrs
Outcome: 1:55:52, 11:36/mile pace.
The Finisher Area: beyond insane. (There was a significant stretch of spectating area between the Cathedral and the finish line that was reserved this year for a protest. Typically it is filled with spectators and runners who've already finished.) Olive had race credentials so she came in there to meet me after I grabbed my medal and food. Bag check was super fast but finisher t shirts had lines that stretched back to bag check. Olive stood in line for my shirt while I changed. I was going to try to connect with another friend who was race walking, but things were so cramped in there we just made a run for it.
Marathon: On the way home, Olive and I decided we wanted to cheer for the marathon runners. We found our way to about mile 14 on the course. We'd only been there a few minutes when the 5:00:00 pace group came by. We made sure we stayed for the 5:30:00 pace group. These are my people. And then we stayed after. I was really surprised how many people were behind the 5:30:00 pacer at mile 14. About three people looked good and strong and like they knew what they were doing. Everyone else looked like they were suffering. Hard. Olive and I went for Donuts and watched a bit. Finally Olive was like "I don't want to watch anymore."
Loony Challenge: I'm glad I did it a second year. I don't know if I'll do it again next year because of the timing of another race I want to try. If I don't do it again next year, I'm going to volunteer with Olive so I get Race Official Credentials and Clothing. No joke.
Goal: Go faster than last year
Outcome: Mission completely accomplished
Suggestions for next year:
What I liked:
Packet Pickup: Olive volunteered in packet pick up and reported there were some issues. TCM mails out some pretty sweet Runner Guides well ahead of the race. Among other things, it shows my bib number for the 10 Mile race. Since I am a genius, I left it at home. When I got to Packet Pickup I had to go to the "find my number" table, showed my ID and told the helpful volunteer I'd registered for Loony Challenge. She printed off two slips for me, one with my Saturday events number and one with my Sunday events number. I went to the two different tables and collected my things. Olive was at Saturday events packet pick up and reports that most Loony runners only knew their 10 Mile bib number from having their guide mailed to them. I reviewed and nothing I was sent ahead of time had my bib number for Saturday events. I guess forgetting to write down my bib numbers saved me time in the end.
Goal: Find Olive. Thank all the volunteers I saw.
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Get a new race belt.
Outcome: Also done. I wore it for all three races and I was tremendously happy with it.
This year, I found myself wishing I'd written down what I wore last year. I was having a hard time with the logistics.
Outfit - Day 1:
Skora PhaseX (blue - yes, I have more than one pair of these shoes); Injinji Socks; Saucony Running Tights (full length, not lined), Short sleeve technical shirt and long sleeve technical shirt. New race belt. Sunglasses for part of the race. Temps around 40* for the start of the 10K, slightly warmer for the 5K but I was still freezing my tail off.
TC 10K: I went easy up the first hill and about 500 people passed me in the first quarter mile. I passed many of them back later so it was all good. I had a very hard time at the beginning of this race. It was partly nerves and partly standing in the corral and not being able to warm up properly, and partly literally being cold. My shoes are very thin and my socks were thin, and my feet felt like ice cubes for a solid mile.
Goal: Be back in time for the 5K
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Run under a 12:00/mile pace
Outcome: 11:19/mile, that really shocked me
TC 5K: I'd warmed up after the 10K, but I got really cold again, waiting for the 5K to start. Olive did not run this year with me and that made me sad. I started off heading back up this stupid hill again, happy that I got turn around much sooner in this race than the first one. This race was packed with kids. No matter how high up I seed myself, they're always there. I think TCM needs to have the kind of corrals that were in the Flying Pig's 5K last year because that worked really well. The end of this race was really tough. I kept running and feeling like, I cannot kick. What is the deal?!? And then I checked my run data and saw how fast my final mile was, and felt much better about myself.
Goal: Finish
Outcome: Done
Bonus Goal: Another sub 12:00/mile pace would be nice
Outcome: 11:19/mile. Weird right?
Day 2 Outfit:
Skora Phase X shoes; Smart Wool Running socks with high cuffs; Fleece lined tights; Smart wool long sleeve shirt; "Liz shirt" over top. On Summit Ave I ran with a guy who'd been racing for years, and when people were all "go Liz" he's like "I'm going to do that to my shirt next year". Temps around 40* for the start.
TCM 10 Mile: I was really looking forward to another crack at this course, hopefully routed correctly this time. I found myself back in Corral 4 again. I wonder what it takes to move to Corral 3. The day before, the strategy that worked was for me to feel my body going hard and strong. Hard, but not hurting. Since I was surprised and pleased by the outcomes of both the 10K and the 5K I decided it was quite a sound strategy and went with it.
Early on I was quite frustrated. There is a huge bottle neck in this course where the runners go through a narrow tunnel. It happens just before Mile 1 so the runners are still fairly bunched up. This year, the bottle neck was so bad I had to walk and got almost completely stopped. WTF?!? This was not an issue last year.
My goal for the hills in the middle miles of the course was to challenge myself but also to stay within myself. These were comparatively slower miles, but I was pleased when I saw how things worked out.
On Summit Ave I met this dude who was a race walker straight up walking an 11:30 mile, or so he told me. I made it my mission in life to stay with him, since he'd walk me right into my own goal of going sub-2hrs. We talked and it made that part of the course go really quickly. He also kept me challenged and focused on the up hills in that section. He dropped me in the last mile on the flats but I almost totally caught him back on the down hill.
Goal: Sub 2 hrs
Outcome: 1:55:52, 11:36/mile pace.
The Finisher Area: beyond insane. (There was a significant stretch of spectating area between the Cathedral and the finish line that was reserved this year for a protest. Typically it is filled with spectators and runners who've already finished.) Olive had race credentials so she came in there to meet me after I grabbed my medal and food. Bag check was super fast but finisher t shirts had lines that stretched back to bag check. Olive stood in line for my shirt while I changed. I was going to try to connect with another friend who was race walking, but things were so cramped in there we just made a run for it.
Marathon: On the way home, Olive and I decided we wanted to cheer for the marathon runners. We found our way to about mile 14 on the course. We'd only been there a few minutes when the 5:00:00 pace group came by. We made sure we stayed for the 5:30:00 pace group. These are my people. And then we stayed after. I was really surprised how many people were behind the 5:30:00 pacer at mile 14. About three people looked good and strong and like they knew what they were doing. Everyone else looked like they were suffering. Hard. Olive and I went for Donuts and watched a bit. Finally Olive was like "I don't want to watch anymore."
Loony Challenge: I'm glad I did it a second year. I don't know if I'll do it again next year because of the timing of another race I want to try. If I don't do it again next year, I'm going to volunteer with Olive so I get Race Official Credentials and Clothing. No joke.
Goal: Go faster than last year
Outcome: Mission completely accomplished
Suggestions for next year:
- Corrals for the 5K and the 10K - look at how Flying Pig does them because it actually works
- Two bag check bags, one for Saturday and one for Sunday - mine always rips the first day
- Last year, Loony Challenge and Summit Challenge people had back tags. Not this year. Any chance of bringing them back?
What I liked:
- The Volunteers: No race is complete without volunteers. Thank you!
- The Expo: I thought it was really good this year.
- Get the 10K and 5K medals after both races are done. Thank you! Flying Pig didn't do it that way this year and it severely annoyed me.
- One bib for 10K and 5K. Again, thank you for simplifying the logistics of my race life.
- Corporate Team Challenge: My employer participates in the 10K, 5K and Marathon corporate team challenge. That means on Saturday we got a special tent with a special changing area and our own potties. The tent was heated.
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