I Run

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I figured I'd cut my marathon training mileage down a bit this past week to taper for the Jones 10 Miler, but a nasty nor'easter forced me to really cut back. I managed to get in just two six milers and a four before the race, but that was fine. My legs felt fresh. The temperature outdoors was perfect, 30s to almost 40, I think. Lots of runners this year (691 total, though it seemed like 1000). I hit the two mile mark in 13:19, which was way too fast for me. Fortunately, I then hit a hill which slowed me down quite a bit. The mud and downhills during the middle of the race were a blast. The final two miles were a slog, since you go up the hills you came down at the start. I still managed to come in a minute faster than last year, so I think the marathon mileage is helping. Still need to work on speed, though, since my goal was a 7:00 flat pace. Pizza, soup, yogurt, and other vittles were served up at the end of this well organized race.

36th Annual Jones Group Realtors 10 Mile Road Race - 2010 Results

I suppose that's to be expected in February. But I went with shorts even though it was in the teens. I just feel I run better with my legs uninhibited. But when you're dealing with a wind chill and a frozen butt, I don't think shorts help. The hill for the first half seemed longer than I remember. Maybe time slows down the colder it gets. All I knew was that there were people in front of me and people behind me, breathing hard and wearing bells that jingled in the crisp morning air. Up near the top a spandex bedecked gazelle whipped past me from the other direction - the winner I would guess, who clocked a 21:00 something...yikes. In the end I did come in slower than I felt I was running. I never looked at my watch during the race since there were no mile markers (at least I wasn't looking for them). So my perceived pace was about 6:50 to 6:55. I actually came in at 28:00 and change, so my pace was more like 7:05. Time to make a pace perception adjustment.

2010 Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run Results

Vermont City Marathon 2010

Our two thermometers - one too hot, the other too cold - averaged yesterday's mid-day temperature at 10F. Urk. I didn't feel like dressing up, so figured I'd run up and down the hall a few bazillion times to get in my workout. Not too bright, especially since I ran it barefoot. So when I woke up this morning, the balls of my feet and my calves were killing me. And my nose was stuffy. That didn't bode well.

Since I was going to shoot for 15 miles today, I figured I should take along my water in the new CamelBak the girls got me for Christmas. This was the first time I'd run with it and after the first mile told myself that if Elly drove by I'd unload it. I felt that it weighed me down. At around two miles I took my first sip. The bite valve was filled with ice, but I managed to chew it down and draw down some water from the pack. I threaded the hose behind the strap across my chest to keep it from freezing any more.

Eventually, my legs felt better, and having water along the way I think helped to keep me energized. When Elly did drive by, I kept the CamelBak. I finished the 15 miles at just under 9 minute pace, which was better than I thought I'd do.

I'm not sure I'll do all my long runs with the CamelBak since I'm afraid that I'd grow dependent on it. On the other hand, having immediate access to water does help to keep my body strong, which means better quality workouts. So maybe.

The Jones Group Realtors 10 Mile Race - also known as the Jones 10 Miler - is coming up on February 28, 2010 at 11:00 AM. It starts at the middle school on Chestnut St. in Amherst, MA.

This is a competitive race on a challenging course in a New England winter. Sounds like great fun! See you there!

The Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club has more information on registering, etc.

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Those from slightly warmer climes might disagree.