Saturday 043011

AM - got out for the Kohl 5k. Saw Lucho, Brandon, Aaron, JT all at the start. JV was there too taking pictures. The competition was going to be deep (Adam Rich went sub 16 - impressive on such a windy day as I think there was a steady push from the west at 20mph during the race), and I figured I'd benefit regardless of the outcome: a decent race, a decent workout or an opportunity to run with JZ. I told JZ that if things were not going well, I'd probably circle back for him and he seemed positive about that. In retrospect, I guess that set the board.

So while I did not feel great at the start, I got out and ran relaxed and steady for the first mile (5:38). But, the weeds set in and I just lost any motivation in second mile. I could hear myself saying, "okay, time to go" but then saying "nah." At a mile and a half, stepped off and circled back to JZ - and my head went from dark on not running well in this 5k to light and joyful. Circling back and seeing JZ smile as I came back for him made the choice simply obvious.   Photos courtesy of the Kennards – thanks Aaron, Nan.  This might be the last shot you get of me with both feet in the air the same time as JZ.

 

It is, however, challenging to see your kid go into the hurt locker. JZ definitely did the last half mile, and was pushing. I found myself mentally saying "yeah man, dig" but then also "stop that man!"

KZ volunteered for this event.  She is in the famous red coat in the background (here is why it is famous).

 

I’d say his form is a heck of a lot better than his old man’s.

Typically after a race effort like this I am a bit irked, but I don't feel any of that right now. I had a good time out there with the community of runners-bloggers, neighbors and my family. Hung out a bit with JT, $100, and Brandon a bit afterwards, shooting the breeze. Got some well deserved crap for stepping off and not letting those guys get their due in a square up beating me (which they probably would have got had I continued to go for it). My take is they did.  Photo courtesy of Brandon F.

Also learned that I have been running the course a little wrong. There is one little swing around a block that I have been missing that brings it right to 5k.

12 miles on the day.  End of April …280 miles, 43 hours, 30k something vertical, 5 days off in there too.  Bring on May.  1202 miles on the year.

This is a great story about a runner and his dog.

When I ran tonight I was wondering if there were any "odd" records at Pikes like parent-sibling combo, married couple combo ... and then those could be combo'd as well ...Ascent, PPM, Double. I am guessing the Burrell father son team is the fastest on the parent sibling front for the Ascent and the Marathon.  Buzz (Dad) ran a 2:40, 4:16 and Galen ran a 2:18, 3:45 - for general numbers of 4:38 (nearly better than the average ascent and just over 8 hours for the RT.  Of course, this happened over a 26 year period so … In any case, it is a tough mark to beat I think.  Unless it has been already beat?  I doubt it …

Also I have heard that Comrades gives out a variety of medals based on time.  I don’t know (but I am sure I could research their cutoffs) what they are, but I think that would be cool at Pikes.  Sub 2:30, 3, 3:30 type of Ascents … sub 4, 5, 6 marathons.  Or whatever …

Brandon has anger management issues with my comments.