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elkid
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Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8353
Location: hiding out in Philly
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 Posted: 12/28/03 - 20:41 Post subject: Chilly Hilly Challenge - gettin' back in the saddle
After last week's ultra sucky showing on the worst course evah, I was excited for a road race on clear asphalt. Even if it was a 5K. Even if I was really sick Christmas Day through yesterday. But since I'd made plans with Floridaboiler and I'd paid my race fee, decided to give it a go. As I was really sick this week FOR THE THIRD WEEK IN A ROW  I knew my PR was gonna remain intact and decided a fast race, not even a sub-33, would be in the cards for me, but I wanted to enjoy the distance as much as I could because my running has been no fun lately.
Meet up with FB and the Boiler team and we chat for an hour or so. It's 51 degrees, so they didn't give us the Chilly. They definitely gave us the Hilly, though. Got a spot up towards the front on the super right because no one was standing there. The airhorn blows and we're off, straight then two quick lefts up and over the first hill. We come back around to where we started, then begin the steepish descent. I think Man, this is gonna suck coming back up so close to the end but go on. I hit mile 1 uneventfully in 10:05, and say SH!T!, really surprised because I haven't been this fast in a very long time. This makes a female volunteer laugh really hard & loud.
A bunch of rolling hills in the loopdeloop through the parking lots at Morris County College, and then I hit mile 2 in 9:54. I have no idea where THAT came from, but figure w00t! because I know I'm gonna die soon. I decide to slow down a bit, but can't recatch my breath and start a major coughing fit, which continues for pretty much a half mile. I pass the finish and make an unpleasant grimace-like face for FB while shaking my head as if to say Man, I'm hurting. He encourages me really loudly that I'm almost done and to hoof it. I plod on.
By now I'm hyperventilating, getting dizzy and woozy from the effort of the nearly full mile climb back up to the finish. I'm actively seeking out places to boot on the side of the road, anticipating I might have to. But I slow it down just a little bit more so I won't throw up. I hit the main building and begin the gradual .4M descent to the finish. Hit mile 3 in 10:32, get passed by a 7YO and then an 8YO . Did the last .1 in 43 seconds (HUGE for me! and not too much slower than fastio FB!) and throw myself across the finish line, weaving down the chute.
Finished 235/268, beating 12% of the field in 31:15 @ 10:03mm. I haven't been this fast in a LONG time, and coming off three weeks of sickness including this week's bronchial bout, it was just what I needed to make me think all is not lost for the marathon in 3 months, and that I haven't lost my "speed" altogether.
But the best part? FB. At races I've received encouragement from my crowd in the back o' the pack and from elites way out of my league, but never from the second line, where FB belongs. They usually HATE us slowpokes in the back, and are quite vocal about it. But FB is not only a great runner, but he is a great person, encouraging me in two 5Ks to finish, and then enthusiastically saying I finished strong and am really improving. Coming from a runner of his caliber, it meant so much. A true gentleman he is, and soon he becomes my second coach!
After the race, a few beers, some food, and many laughs with the Family Boiler. Great time! Pictures will be put up when I finish the disposable camera and finally remember to develop them  .
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kattzoo
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Joined: 28 Feb 2003
Posts: 3813
Location: Happily at the back of the pack
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Posted: 12/29/03 - 12:23 Post subject:
Way to stick with it. I think if I had been sick for 3 weeks, I would have met FB, wished him well, and drank chicken soup from the sideline. Maybe all this forced rest is good for you.
Glad you are enjoying FB so much. I had no doubt a Purdue fan would have outstanding character!
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