Pre-Race: I had forgotten Spike signed us up to run this race but it ended up working out well since I took Thursday, my usual pace workout day, off and still needed to get it in to round out Week 1 of Grand Rapids training. I was however a bit concerned that running back to back tough workouts might not be the best idea; See Saturday Sun Runner and I hit a local "rails to trails" for a 10 miler that really kicked my butt. Between tired legs from my first full week "on" the training cycle and the horse hoof pocked trail, I struggled through the last 3 miles and had to stop multiple times much to my frustration. (Sorry Sun Runner! Thanks for hanging with me!)
After the run Spike and I trekked up North for a Spike Family reunion to celebrate the holiday weekend. We had an absolute blast during the day/evening, but when it was time to sleep, there was none to be had. When 6 am rolled around I was sore from the 10 M and tired beyond belief. Thankfully I hadn't planned to race but rather run my pace workout as prescribed only substituting the final length.
Start Corral: The "Start" was a rather informal gathering on Lake Street without much fan fare. Those of us running the 10k grouped together and waited for the signal while the 2 M group waited on the sidelines for a later start.
The Race: As you can see from the pic/race map below, the course was a simple out and back along the bay and although beautiful, it was almost entirely exposed on a particularly hot and sunny day.
Pace Workout Plan: 5 M - 1 M W/U - 3 M @ Race Pace (8:20) - 1 M C/D Mile 1: 8:41 P (W/U) - I ran the first mile with Spike's cousin and tried not to let the crowd pull me too fast. Once I hit the 1 mile marker I said farewell to the cuz and picked up the pace...
Mile 2: 7:47 P - Way faster than race pace but the easy start had me feeling GREAT!
Mile 3: 8:13 P - That's more like it...
Mile 4: 8:10 P - Once I hit Mile 4 I was going to decide whether to push it one more mile at RP or run it in nice and easy, but then I saw Spike pulled off to the side of the course and went to make sure he was ok. He was having calf cramps and I decided to finish the rest of the race with him.
Mile 5: 9:53 P (C/D)
Mile 6 (.2): 10:39 P (Extra Mileage)
Finish Time: 55:29 / 8:55 P
Post Race: Speaking for myself only, I felt great and couldn't believe that I was able to get up to speed so easily after struggling so bad on Saturday's 10 miler. I really wonder what I could have done if I had raced the entire distance but I am happy that I got my pace workout completed and got a rare chance to run part of the race with Spike. I def wish I could run all my pace workouts during races!!!
Post Race Thoughts: The Boyne City Independence Run 10k & 2 M is a pretty small town race and seems to be a holiday family favorite. The course is an out and back on Lake Shore Dr. and has picturesque views of the bay and downtown Boyne City. It was a little too hot for a 7:30 am start but otherwise it was a great race. Listening to the age group results afterward, I def would've picked up an award had I raced, so I'm looking forward to running this again next year!
I hope ya'll had a wonderful holiday weekend and as soon as I get home from *WORK* I'll make the rounds and see how your July 4th races fared!
15 more weeks til Grand Rapids Marathon!!!
24 comments:
Nice job on the race -- especially after a tough 10-miler. Looks like a great place to run!
Sounds like a great weekend! I didn't run any races, but I did manage to squeeze in a 5k distance at a quick pace :)
I am sure our long run Saturday will be the first of many over the next 3 months. :)
Isn't it amazing the difference one day makes? I'm glad you had a great race.
sounds like a good race for you! too bad about spike's calf cramps but I would've done the same to finish out together.
Look to you all wise and stuff: sticking to the training plan whilst running a race. Our little girl has grown up!
Why is it so much easier to nail our paces in a race situation? I would definitely do that every time if I could.
Congrats on the race/workout and awesome that you got to run a bit with your honey.
hope work is good!
Wow that's pretty quick considering you weren't "racing!"
Sounds like a fun and scenic race!
whoop whoop! nice race, girly! and awesome to run with your man. :)
Great job on the race! I think it's good that you followed your training plan, want to keep those injuries at bay!
Congrats!! You'll definitely be back up to "speed" very soon - some days (i.e. Long Runs) are just off, doesn't mean your legs don't have it in them ;)
Nice work on the solid finish!! Those races around family meeting spots are always a bit tough. Sucks about spike though!! Hope his cramps were just a fluke
I am partial to small hometown races. Ahem, mainly because slow lil ol me can place in age group awards! Ha. No, but, seriously, people are there to have fun, enjoy the run and enjoy each other. Love, love, love those races. I missed out on my favorite 4th of July 10k over the weekend because I was cheering my husband on in his first bike race. He came in second in his distance--but, his distance wasn't sanctioned, so, he didn't get an award, but, we know he came in second! Ha.
Good luck at WORK!
Great job on the race! You totally rocked it after running a 10 miler the day before!
Regardless of the circumstances it's always nice to finish a race together. I hope Spike's calves calm down.
Great job recovering from your 10miles!
Nice job on the race girlie! this heat is killing me literally.. my running is seriously lacking!!! we must run soon though!!! miss you!
Yay for racing in your new community!
Great job with the race- looks like great views of the bay! Sorry Spike was having cramps, you are so nice to finish with him :)
Nice job! I hope Spike's calf pain is feeling better now.
wow.
you? RUNNER.
me? WANNA BE :)
Love the posts about the races as I so feel as though Im there.
And I wonder if Ill find my runninglove in the same fashion at some point.
MizFit
yay work. if i have to suffer, you have to suffer ;) i hope the new job is going well and that you fill us in soon. i mean, we need proof that you aren't working at the local gentlemen's club...
glad your race went well! i always hate those bi-polar run days. one sucks and you want to quit and another is great and makes you want to run forever.
Congrats on racing in my neck of the woods!!
That area is so pretty - I'm glad you enjoyed the race! I want to run the 1/2 marathon in Traverse City, that would be so great!
Nice job on the race girlie! this heat is killing me literally.. my running is seriously lacking!!! we must run soon though!!! miss you!
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