Saturday, October 2, 2010

Virtual Race Reports


Race Report 1:
October 10th is Barefoot Neil Z's (@ Because all the cool kids are doing it) birthday and he's hosting a fabulous race.  The link in brackets will get you there and explain your options for joining and the fabulous prizes.

 The race temperature was 12°C (54°F).  I ran this race yesterday and here's the messy track:


I covered the first 10k (6.25 miles) in 1:16:24 for a pace of 7:38/k (12:13/mi).  I started the race at 7:54 am, and ran it in Applewood Acres my neighborhood.  At certain times in the run, I met up with my neighbor and her dog running in the other direction.  There was one point when I was finishing the race and she past me.  Disappointingly she (and the golden retriever) were very much faster than me.  I can't even run faster than a family pet!

However the Garmin is working it's magic!  Adrienne also gave me a stern WARNING that drinking and improvements in running don't mix.  So I will not drink (alcohol) while in training!




Race Report 2: 
At the beginning of a rainy drizzly day, I started my Garmin and I was off to complete Marcia's Virtual Race (@ Running Off at the Mouth).  The race temperature was 9°C (48°F) with a mild breeze from the East.

I covered the first 10k (6.25 Miles) in 1:18:04 for a pace of 7:48/k (12:30/mi).  I was a little weaker following yesterday's 10k virtual race, but there was never a thought of giving up and not helping Marcia out and letting her know that I support her.  I actually ran a totally new route, and I need to thank Marcia for her suggestion to her blog readers.  I came a cross a lot of "yutes" on bicycles that didn't say hello, but a whole lot more pairs of power walkers and runners that were very friendly, and a lot of unaware dog walkers that stood on one side of the sidewalk while there doggies pulled the leash tight across the sidewalk as they sniffed around on the other side.  Marcia's race is still on until 10/10/10 so please go to the race link and sign up, donate, and she has a random draw so even the poorest time has the same chance of winning.
I can't believe I've trained 4 months with a stop watch and keeping track of my course on Google Maps.  This Garmin thing frees the mind up and I feel like I'm quite refreshed on these longer runs where time is a little less important than the running!



I've actually run a half-marathon in total distance these last two days. I might be saying goodbye to these longer distances for now as J.P. my coach is creating a plan for speed improvements (and I hope associated fitness).

Hoping for and sending mojo to all the people racing today, and especially those racing against tired donkeys for 50 miles!

18 comments:

Adrienne said...

Ha ha.....hey some of the fastest people I know drink like sailors so whatever works for you and to each their own! Sounds like your loving your garmin which I think is the true sign that you are an obsessed runner! I got a gift card to get one for my birthday back in August and still haven't picked it up yet. I guess I need to get on that! I'll take the longer runs over speed workouts most days. Your in for a treat with those suckers.

Unknown said...

Great job on your virtual races!

Anonymous said...

you're doing great andrew! keep it up! and drink up! ;-)

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

I survived months using a watch and mapmyrun. Happy to get a Garmin.

Great job, Andrew! Good luck with your training once again =)

Jill said...

Ok, I'll go remove the alcohol from your plan.

Lindsey said...

Wow, 2 10k's in 2 days!! You're awesome!

Chris K said...

Looks like your Coach gave you the a-ok to drink some Molsons after all. Party On Wayne.

abbi said...

Great job on your virtual races. I would never feel bad about the fast golden retriever - doggies are fast on those four legs!

Raegun said...

Are you loving these cooler temps as much as I am? Congrats on some fantastic mileage & results and good luck with your first training sessions!

Jennifer said...

Great races! I love my Garmin, especially, as you have experienced, the ease of marking your runs and keeping track of mileage. Keep up the good work and have fun with your coach. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

You did virtually awesome!! :D

The Green Girl said...

Whoo hoo! Go, Andrew!

Chris K said...

One more comment. I am going to do my 1k virtual race today. Although, I am going to call it my .62 mile race cuz I live in, you know, America. Andrew, how do I get those awesome Garmin maps into my blog? Yes, I have a Garmin. Can you email me?

Christina said...

I love my Garmin! I can't run without it. :)
Love your maps. I would ask how you get those maps, but then, again, I am rather technologically challenged.

Ewa said...

Warning about Garmin: it is highly addictive. Soon you might find out that you are unable to run without it. Don't ever forget it or you will feel like your run was wasted. :)
I know because for a few weeks I had to endure without my 'precioussss'.

The Boring Runner said...

Wow, lots of virtual races.

1. Curious - what ARE your next phase race goals? You said faster?
2. How did you generate the popular posts section in your sidebar? please tell me that isn't manual.

Anonymous said...

Hey, a couple glasses of wine the night before a race never hurt my time. Congrats on getting all the virtuals done.

Anne said...

Yay for your Garmin :)
Congrats on your two 10Ks you are doing amazing! Wannabe no more...you are a running man!