Chug-along-chica!

Beat the Heat Knight 5K

15% off for Fast Running Blog members at St. George Running Center!

Location:

Mesa,AZ,

Member Since:

Apr 04, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Marathon Finish

Running Accomplishments:

Prs:

1 mile: 6:31

5K: 23:37

Half Marathon: 2:04

My first post-high school 5K, in which I thought I was going to die

The first time I won my age division. Yippee!

My first half marathon, in which I attack Sasha

The time I beat my high school PR for the 5K (as a 31 year-old mommy of 3!)

My first 5K barefooted

Short-Term Running Goals:

I'm just getting back into running after a long break to have my last child. I would like to race some 10Ks, a half, and a marathon in the next 2 years.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Be the oldest woman to complete a marathon. Yea! But hopefully I will also complete some BEFORE I geezer up, like, before I'm 40 for sure. I think it would be fun to dress up really strange for marathons, like impersonating celebrities and stuff. Except I don't really like celebrities, as a rule, so maybe I'll have to stick to the age old question of ninja, or pirate. I say ninja. *Hyah!*

Personal:

I am happily married to James W (Cool Runnings). We have 3 boys and 1 opinionated little girl. I love reading and I'm also a news junkie. I am a stinker.

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate

to Ukraine's Armed Forces

Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00

Fri, Aug 24, 2007

Race: Beat the Heat Knight 5K (3.1 Miles) 00:27:02, Place overall: 13, Place in age division: 1

Slow miles	Fast miles	Total Distance
0.50	3.10	3.60

I was NERVOUS at the start of the race. I even tried to back out *blush*. I told my beloved hubby to have a good race--I'd be waiting at the finish line. He wasn't enthusuastic about this plan since the only reason he registered was so that he could run along side and pace me. So the first (of many) services he rendered was to drag me to the starting line. How romantic.

It was hot--about 103, with a stiff cross wind the whole race. The course was very flat and had a lot of gravel.

The start was notable because of the start gun, which was more reminiscent of a terrorist attack than a foot race. About half of the runners screamed, and the rest of us gasped. There was no "get ready, get set.." or singing of the National Anthem--just a big "KA-BOOM!" followed by a mass shuffle.

I REALLY liked running with James. He kept me at a controlled pace from the start. I felt really good the whole first mile. Plus, he gave me water every 1/3 of a mile or so. Very nice. 1st mile in 8:40.

The second mile was the hardest part for me. The footing was very tricky because of the gravel/bigger rocks. I rolled my ankle 3-4 times. Plus just knowing that I still had a long ways to go was discouraging. Second mile in 9:18.

From the mid-point of the race on, I was trying to keep track of "roadkill". I passed a lot of people. Probably about 20, but James and I both lost count. Probably 2 or 3 passed me. The last 300 yards of the race was on the track, which was awesome. You'll all be happy to know that I chicked a guy right at the very end. As I passed him he said "good kick!" Then, of course, I had to try to chick James. We came in side by side, but the guy at the finish line put me first. Last 1.1 in 9:04. The Garmin showed the course to be short, though. I am choosing to disregard the Garmin in this case. He he.

Oh, I forgot to tell you...I lose a couple of commando points at the end for loss of dignity. After the race I was sitting there on the ground (supposedly stretching my hamstrings), and I guess I left my mouth hanging open and was all slouched over and gazing off into space. Anyway, the paramedics came running. I asked them if I looked that bad, and they said I looked awful. How do you respond to that? I felt better sooner after this race than the last one, though, so that's good. Oh yeah, and then there was the photographer who said she just HAD to take a picture of me because I looked so exhausted. She laughed as she was taking the picture. Anything I can do to make some random stranger's day.... I just hope they don't put that picture in the paper or anything.

WHOA! I finally got the race results for this race and GUESS who won their age division?!? ME! There were only 13 girls in my div. and I beat 'em ALL! I actually get some kind of award! I ran all through high school and never won anything other than 1 6th place ribbon for the mile (there were only 8 contestants. I'm so excited! PLUS, I chicked half the guys in James' age division. He came in 15th out of 27. The key to success is finding races that are not that well attended, in my opinion. :) Check out the age division results:

http://www.husd.org/NewsArticle.aspx?aid=624&cid=5

Night Sleep Time: 0.00	Nap Time: 0.00	Total Sleep Time: 0.00

Comments

From James the hubby on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 16:30:19

You did an awesome job, especially consiering the conditions. All three things (heat, wind, gravel) factored in to slow you down. Like I said last night, you just wait until the weather cools down, and you will be seeing some noticeable improvements. I am so proud of you! Love you!

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 16:40:27

What exactly did Garmin show? Also, try mapping it out on the Course Tool to see how long it actually was. Gravel is slow, about 10 seconds per mile for you. The heat and the crosswind/headwind could make a lot of difference - for example, this week I raced at essentially the same pace at a higher altitude on an out and back course, and with a 500 foot climb in the first half as I did a week ago on essentially flat course. The difference was that today it was 45 degrees at the start and maybe 60 at the finish, no serious wind, while a week ago it was 70 degrees pretty much the entire time and strong winds in the second half of the race.

With the splits you've got, though, it appears you've made some serious progress. Wait until the weather cools off, and try to find a certified course. See http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/search/

From laura on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 17:09:50

Yeah, Libby!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe how well you did considering all the obstacles you had: heat, wind, and bad road. James is right - come winter time in the Valley and I'm sure you'll be pleased with how you've improved. Ooooor, you could come HERE and race! ;) It's always cooler at my house and the accomodations are free!!

From sarah on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 17:33:29

Oh Libby honey....why are you dissappointed...it was hot and flat...I think that was a good time considering all. You were probably doing 8:30 effort the whole time or faster.

Did those things really happen at the end or are you just making that up? I'm sorry....the way you put it is so funny it almost sounds like a joke. At least you didn't lose your sense of humor...So when are you and I going to start a stand up comedy show together.....we could call it...Things That Happened To Us on the Road...I think you should be very proud...it was a good job.

From Lybi on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 18:07:51

Sasha, I knew you would ask that. The Garmin said 2.99. I guess that is what has me a little down, because if that is correct, then the extra .1 would put me at the same exact time as my last race.

Laura, you are so sweet. I'll have to come crash at your place sometime. Choose a 5K sometime in the next 6 months and I'll make arrangements to come run it with you like James did for me.

Sarah, those things actually happened, but, of course, I have been known to make ordinary events sound a little more interesting than they were at the time.

From Brent on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 19:44:40

Lybi, Lybi, Lybi, great race, PR effort in the Valley of Fire, smart race, positive road kill. You are now a real runner: you don't care if someone thinks you look exhausted and need a 911 call. All that counts, you gave your best. Races are not fashion shows, no guts, no glory. 20 positive road kill points, minus 10 for some whining before the race, 20 points for terrible conditions and still giving a death defying effort, and 20 for a PR. 50 commando points.

thanks for your comments. Stay cool

From Michael on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 23:24:07

Congrats Lybi, glad you were finally able to get out to a race, great job with the high temps. Keep it up,hope you get to do another soon. Good commando point assessment from Brent

From Tom on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 23:24:38

Great job on the race Lybi! Especially in those kind of conditions! You're setting yourself up for some great PR races in the future.

From Christi on Sat, Aug 25, 2007 at 23:32:25

Lybi- First, I'm so jealous you got to run a race side by side with hubby. Enjoy that memory! You're being too hard on yourself- it was over 100 degrees and gravel for goodness sakes and 27 min is a good time and isn't that about 30 sec. faster than your last? That's great progress! You'll probably delight yourself with a cooler race this fall. Keep at it!

From ashman on Sun, Aug 26, 2007 at 10:40:54

Yeah Lybi, but did you have fun? I think you were great. Anybody who goes out in a jogging stroller at two in the morning has my vote.

From Michelle on Sun, Aug 26, 2007 at 16:32:19

I'm with Christi... how fun to run with the hubby! And then I think one or both of the 5k's I ran this summer were around 27 mins? But never got times on either and I can promise they weren't in 100 degree weather! As far as the ending with the paramedics... that just goes to show that you gave it your all, something I'm not sure I have completely put myself out there and done yet. And not nearly as bad as the mistake of "when is the baby due?" when it's already celebrating it's first birthday type thing, now there is something to be upset about! (Not that it's ever happened to me) But way to chick that guy at the end. My last race, there was one way anoying guy that I would have loved to do that too! That in if it's self is worth ALL the glory!

From Christi on Sun, Aug 26, 2007 at 20:38:25

Love the new pic!

From Lybi on Mon, Aug 27, 2007 at 01:07:28

Brent: your comment made me smile for an hour, so thanks! And you're right, I was definitely whining, although technically the ROOLS do not prohibit whining until AFTER the start of the run...

Michael, Tom, Christi, and Michelle: What a cheering section, thanks for the comments!

Ashman: No it was not fun. But I think it was necessary. Clear message: I need to work harder, run longer. Just wait. I WILL beat my high school time even if it takes 10 years of trying!

From Lulu on Mon, Aug 27, 2007 at 21:44:51

Alright Lybi, No more talk of how terrible your run was!!! Great job. Your time reflects the heat and the gravel. You won your age division fair and square and by a lot! Celebrate this one. Good luck with the next one.

Add Your Comment.

Keep it family-safe. No vulgar or profane language. To discourage anonymous comments of cowardly nature, your IP address will be logged and posted next to your comment.
Do not respond to another person's comment out of context. If he made the original comment on another page/blog entry, go to that entry and respond there.
If all you want to do is contact the blogger and your comment is not connected with this entry and has no relevance to others, send a private message instead.

Debt Reduction Calculator

Featured Announcements

Most Recent Entries:

New Kids on the Blog
(need a welcome):

Lone Faithfuls
(need a comment):