The race is in the books and with a time of 1:36:40. I'm extremely happy and satisfied with this time and my performance today. This transformation into an athlete has meant learning lots of things about myself for both preparation and on race day. I made what I thought was a complete list of things to do and check and be aware of. I watched for my markers during the race and did my systems checks the way I planned. Two things I didn't plan for and cost me, but should not disappoint me.
Chicago, and other races I've run, have had clocks at each of the mileage markers. I'm conditioned to look for those. This race, there were banners for the majority of the miles. I think there were only four clocks on the whole course. So when I was looking for markers to gauge how I was doing, they weren't there early on. Also, the Polar footpod I use needs to be put ON the shoes I will race in, calibrated on a track early in the week and then the rest of the training for the week be done in an alternate pair of shoes. The first two miles or so I thought I was on pace only to discover that I wasn't, and badly.
So where I planned for 7:25 for the first three miles, it really was more like 8:00. And that's an average of 8:00 because I think I ran the first two in 8:30 and then the third in 6:42 when I scrambled to get caught up.
But the rest of the race I averaged and did better than my goal. Even after having to dig out of that hole early, I was still putting down 6:58 - 7:05/mile in the last quarter of the race. Can't be anything but thrilled at that.
So the final tale of the tape told me that I done pretty damn good:
Chip time: 1:36:40
Overall finishing place: 308/7807 (top 4%)
Gender finishing place: 257/3452 (top 8%)
Age group finishing place: 33/616 (top 6%)
Once again, I cannot thank all of my family, coaches and friends enough for their encouragement, support, guidance and teaching as I begin this journey. And it really is only a beginning. I look forward to where the road takes me and sharing it all with you. My humble gratitude and love to each and every one of you.
2 comments:
Congratulations, Scott! Life is about the journey, and this is just another "marker" of learning in that journey. It will help you be better in the future. But you did AWESOME!! And you should be DAMN PROUD!!
Wow, most impressive time! I just found your blog from facebook and have been catching up. Congratulations on the triathlons, and especially that amazing half marathon time. It doesn't sound like you are singing anymore. Do you still keep in touch with anyone from the old days?
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