Sunday, March 8, 2009

Race Day

Well, the race is over and I am home. WOW, I am so pumped about today....

I got there about 15 mins before warm ups offically started, signed in, got my packet and my chip. Then went back out to the car to drop that all off. Went to where warm ups were being held. Well, I was running on the Pittsburgh Steelers indoor practice field. Man, If I could run on that all the time, it's so cushioned and nice. My legs were saying hey, this is more like it. After I warmed up streached, ran around a little on the fake turf. I relaxed and just streached my legs out some more. My shins were still a little sore from the other day. I have been worried about this. But this morning they didn't seem all that sore. Mind you the new shoes are doing wonders. But I need to let them heal up now. I talked to a few people. No one came with me today. I was alone.

At the start of the race I decided to stay in the back of the pack. I knew there was no way I was running the whole thing, But I was sure as heck gonna run as much as I could. Once we started I faded back but not to the very last spot. I paced myself as best as I could and rand until about 3/4 of a mile in. Then my shin started to ache a little so I backed off to a brisk walk. I ran walked a few more times before the turn to come back, then I ran through the turn. There was at least one guy behind me at about 100 yards. When he would get closer I would run and bring it back to 100 yards. My shins weren't screaming pain, but I didn't want them to be so I held back. Then I saw 2 people in front of me. An older man and woman walk running as well. My goal was to at least catch them before the end. I caught up to them at about the 2 mile maker and we all stuck together until the end and in fact crossed the finish line together.

So I guess you all wanna know my time. Before I tell you, I would like to point out that in November I did a fun run and couldn't get 5k done in under an hour. So I set my goal at 45 mins. If I beat it great. If I didn't well that is my goal.

I crossed the finish line at 43:20. Yep I beat it... Wasn't great, wasn't the winning time at 17:10. But for a guy who is just starting, well, I'll take it.

In 3 weeks I have another 5k, I am gonna beat that time then. And each race I am going to get better... :) Oh btw I was hooked before this race. The grip got a little tighter now.

10 comments:

Sarah said...

Way to go!!! You should be very proud of yourself!! It is great that you already have another race on your schedule. Make sure you can take of those legs. :)

Diana said...

Congratulations Stan! You did it!
You will feel like a pro at the next one in 3 weeks! :)

I still get shin splints the first couple of miles and just walk/run until they subside. Usually into the second mile they're gone. I think increasing mileage by too much too soon and or even just one day of 'overdoing' it causes them. Take care. Make sure you let your body rest.

Good job today!!

Tam said...

Whoo Hooo! Congratulations, I'm glad you beat your goal time.

Make sure you ice your legs so they are all better for your next race.

robison52 said...

You're progressing at a very fast rate, everything is coming together, and you'll only get better. Now rest, recover, and give those shins tender loving care.

Winnston said...

Stan, that awesome. I can imagine how pumped you are. I bet you felt like a million bucks out there!

Stay smart, and rest those ankles, so you can come back even stronger in 3 weeks.

What a great day - especially having to run in the rain.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Stan! I'm so sorry I didn't get to meet you at the race. I was by myself too!

What's the next race you're running?

Stan said...

Thanks all!!

Couple days rest and my shins are loving me :)

Sumo... I am going to do the Just a Short Run on the 28th. That was my original plan, the ATRR just kinda fell in my lap. :) Are you planning on doing that one?

Betsy said...

Stan, this is awesome! And you will delight in seeing this number reduce with each race!

When you come to Somerset in June, what is your goal? I should start training for that.

I will get you the forms when I get them. :)

Tanya said...

Woohoo Stan! Great job!!

greentigress said...

YAY! Stan - great that you beat your goal time, i'm sure you will carry on beating your time when it comes to the next race as well, good to see you are being sensible as well!!!