Things I Heard At The Races

I know I'm not a good runner, but still it irks ( Miriam-Webster dictionary word) that I'm not doing better. Must be that competitive spirit thing. For example, after this past weekends race, I overheard 2 runners saying:

- " I paced myself so I could finish that last mile in 6:02", OR
- " You were at the airport run and came in 1st. Right?" AND THEN THIS HAPPENS
- 2 years in a row, at mile 3.5 the same woman runner, blazes by me, going uphill as if I was standing still. After year 1, I realized she was my niece's friend. But 2 years in a row? At the same mark?....She is good, or maybe I'm just OK.

Emerging Runner touched on this subject and it is a humbling experience. BUT, after you get over it and keep going it is Fun Stuff!

2010 Four Mile Run Around the Lake

I was looking forward to a good run today. I use this 4 mile race as a fitness gauge leading up to Northport's Cow Harbor Run. I had a good sleep, drank a limited amount of beer at Friday's party and had a decent 10K run @ Sunken Meadow. Unfortunately, I lost my velcro timing chip prior to the race. I BLAME IT ON THE SOCKS!

I'm an old guy who still wears Gold Toe, crew socks. I am having a hard time getting accustomed to these "shortie, runners socks". I returned to my car with my bib & chip to kill time. I then attached the velcro strap around my left, bare ankle. Read the paper and waited until it was time to line up for the race. I set my watch, did a quick stretch and looked down noticing my timing chip was missing......... As the race started with the sound of the gun I reasoned that the chip was (A) LOST and it will cost me an extra $20. in fees or (B) IF I Am Lucky...it is still in my car and came off when my ankles rubbed together. Regardless, I was set to run and will worry about it later.

The overhead finish line was in sight. I noticed the clock counting down as I was in step with another runner. I crossed the timing mat at the finish line and made a mental note of the other runners bib #. I finished at 37:00 even. Not my best but all things considered, something to build on. Additionally, I Was Luck! The chip was in my car.

Fun Stuff.

NYS Summer Run Series-10K Sunken Meadow Park

This is only the second time I ran this event. First time was in 2003 (I think) and didn't know the course or know what I was doing at that point. Ignorance is bliss in this event.

It is a tough run with Cardiac Hill @ the 2 mile mark. A second minor hill is at the 3 mile mark in this cross country and park pavement race. All runners start at the gun with a chip attached to record your ending clock time.

THE GOOD:
(1) Always a large turnout and very well organized. (2) Course is 50% sun along the boardwalk and LI Sound and 50% shade thru the cross county trails and picnic areas. (3) Plenty of bathrooms for that last minute need. (4) Day of race registration was terrific with loads of volunteers in tow. Officials and water stops were everywhere. (5) A very challenging course and a good workout with great atmosphere. (6) Plenty of viewing spots for family members to watch and cheer the runners on.

THE BAD:
(1) No chip starting time. You'll need to clock yourself. (2) The runners all converge into an entry way leading to the boardwalk. This congestion brings people to a stand still. Once onto the boardwalk the race tends to spread out. (3) Cardiac Hill is a killer. Bigger & longer than Cow Harbor's James street. It ruined my timed run. Consequently I'll need to re-visit this trail again for a better training run.

I'm re-thinking and notice there were very few bad issues. This could be a premier running event on LI (Or maybe it already is and I don't know it).

Ran this w/Lauren, Chris & Sue in the rain and up and down the rolling hills. Fun stuff.