Mediocre New Years Race
January 2, 2010 | Posted by Alison 2010 started an awful lot like 2009 started: with a 7.5 mile road race first thing on New Years Day. Except unlike last year, I waited until the very last minute to decide whether or not to run this race.
The decision was made at about 8 AM on 1/1/2010 when my running friend Shawn called to first yell at me for still being asleep and then to continue our debate from the day before on why we should or should not run. He was just getting over a cold. I had just run 5 miles the day before. The weather was ok and the park where the race was held was a nice place to run. Pros and cons, hems and haws, we eventually decided to go for it.
And so 2010 began.
After scrounging up something to wear, I did what any girl would do before a big run and made a green smoothie for breakfast.
But given our last minute decision to do this race and lots of rushing around to get my act in gear and get out the door, said green smoothie was consumed in the car on the way there.
Shawn drove, if that wasn’t obvious.
We got the park and made our way to the start with plenty of time to spare.
And spent a little time studying the course map while waiting in the registration line.
Last year my time for this 7.5 mile race was 1:02, making my average pace 8:22 per mile. I was fairly confident that Alison 2010 could kick some Alison 2009 ass. Given I ran a fast 7 in early November at a 7:50 pace, I was hopeful I might squeak in under an hour this year. Beating last years time was my primary goal, coming in under an hour was secondary.
The roads were wet but not icy. The air temp was about 35 and it was snowing giant fluffy flakes.
The race started promptly at 10:00 and we were very close to the front, which meant we kind of got swept up with the fastest runners and their subsequent fast pace.
I’ve got mad photoshop skillz yo.
When hit the first mile at 7:20, I was hopeful I might be able to stay under 8:00 the entire race. But what I failed to remember was just how damn hilly this course was. My average pace had dropped to 7:40 by the second mile and into the 8:00′s for every mile there after.
Shawn and I had tentatively planned to stick together, but ended up separating because he was feeling the effects of his lingering cold. After being told three times to go on without him, I held on to my pace and eventually pulled ahead. With no partner or iPod, I spent the next 6 miles lost in thought, enjoying the peaceful snow fall and the gentle pounding of sneakers on pavement around me.
By mile 4 I was feeling pretty tired and realized that I probably would have felt better if I would have actually prepared for this race instead of deciding to run it 2 hours before the start. Hey Alison 2010, maybe a couple days off before the race would have been a good idea? Just a suggestion.
My time at mile 6 was 48:00. With a mile and a half to go, I knew there was no way I coming in under an hour without a miracle or a very strong tailwind. I managed to gather some strength and picked up the pace at mile 7 for the last half mile to cross the finish line in 1:00:49, making my average pace 8:06 per mile.
Definitely not the best run or race ever, but still a nice way to start out the new year and I was at least pleased to have beat Alison circa 2009.
Maybe Alison 2011 will put a little more thought into this race if she decides to do it again next year? Here’s hoping.
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Categories: Race Recap | 
Tags: Pre-Run Eats, Race Day | 
22 Comments »
you still make my runs look silly!
in the snow even! do your ears ache? mine do if its below 60. sheez
I ran a silly long 5K today.
you rock Alison of 2010… don’t ever doubt that!
xo
I love how you kick so much ass even when you don’t plan on it.
Happy New Years Alison! So glad we are bloggy friends – I still credit you with being the first “blogger” I connected to
Ahhh still be proud you are kicking butt in 2010 already!
Katie
Haha, I think you did pretty darn well even if you did decide to run 2 hours before with no taper. Good job, and what a great way to ring in the new year!
You ROCKED that race!! You really need to change your title… I’d be calling everyone I know if I had ran that fast!
Sounds like a fun way to kick off the new year!!
Happy New Year Alison!!
xoxo
Alison 2010 rocks!
The fact that you ran in the weather = majorly impressive!!!!!! Mazel tov my friend!
that’s definitely a better way to spend your new year’s morning than me . . . I was cleaning up Brad’s puke, he ate what I thought was questionable leftovers for lunch on the 31st. Turns out I was right . . . which I made him say while he was in his weakened state yesterday morning!
Although that story is not relevant to your race, I thought I’d share anyways, and further more . . . GREAT JOB ON THE TIME!
Well done Alison. Just shows how fit you when you can pull that out of your hat 2 hours before race time. Very inspiring.
Libby
You sure are speedy! Tomorrow’s the day for me! I haven’t run in almost 2 weeks because of bronchitis. I feel better with just a little cough so tomorrow I’m out the door. Thanks for the inspiration, Amy
You guys rock. I was feeling totally bummed about this race. Thanks for your awesome comments.
Mediocre? I’d say the race was far from mediocre…you pretty much kicked ass. You kicked Alison of new years day race past and your running buddy, and everyone who finsihed behind you! 7 miles in an hour is crazy fast!
Congrats on the race, it is definitely more than I have done thus far in 2010! We are always so much harder on ourselves, but you did great!
Congrats on running a race on a limb! I think thats awesome! gee i give you mad props for running outside in the cold and snow!!!! 2010 totally kicked 2009′s butt!!!! nice job love!
I would be thrilled to run a race at an 8:06 pace. Way to go!
ummm can i steal your time please? YOU ROCKED THAT SHIZ. and by shiz, i mean race.
happy new year my love!
Woohoo!!! Congrats, girl! Looks like an awesome race, and it always takes some serious motivation to get out for a run in the snow like that!
Your pace is incredible, by the way! I can’t imagine running a race in that speed.
Way to bring in the new year!
I would say that is much better than mediocre! Plus you beat last year’s time. Imagine next year if you plan out and taper before – you’ll be under an hour for sure!
Good job!!! You beat your time from last year and you didn’t even prepare.
Great pictures! Looks like great racing conditions if the winds weren’t too bad. No doubt the 2011 Alison will kick the 2010 Alison’s ass! You have over 300 days to get ready. =)
Holy fast feet, girlfriend! You are SPEEDY! SO impressed with your time as usual! I only see sub 8′s if I’m running on a steep DOWNHIL. You’re my hero!
I don’t think I’ll ever hit an 8:06 pace. I’d be thrilled to bits with 9:00. You rock!