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runswithscissors
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Location: In a badger state of mind
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 Posted: 06/19/06 - 10:34 Post subject: Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon or Treadmills Suck!
I hate to make excuses, but my training ruined me.
DULUTH, MN - Beautiful morning for a race:
Bus picked us up at the dorms at 5:05am and took us to the start. They increased the entries from 4500 to 6000, and it showed. We dropped our bags off and headed towards the start. They had markers for expected mile pace times - and we got stuck BEHIND the sign for the walkers. Not a good way to start things off. Plus, we had nowhere to stretch, so that was inconsistent and rushed.
Race began before we knew it. Approximately 3 minutes later, we crossed the starting line. It took me into the second mile to pass the last of the walkers (assclowns should have paid attention to the signs!)
Temps were prolly upper 60's or so, but it was UBER humid. It was so foggy that the lake was only viewed through my ears.
Anyway, I settled in, and started off with an 8:27 first mile. Typical start, so I slowed my pace a bit.
Next few splits:
2-8:50
3-8:46
4-9:06
5-9:12
6-9:03
My wife and a couple of friends had signs waving at the 6-mile mark. Nice to have some support, that's for sure!
About the halfway mark, my comfort zone began to fade. As the miles went on, my legs were taking over my brain. Everything from the waste up felt fantastic. Everything below? CRAPtastic. It wasn't just my knees or my ankles that were screaming - it was everything.
7-9:23
8-9:44
I finally had to stop and walk a bit in the 9th mile. It was frustrating - I haven't walked during a run or race since I did the half in Madison a few years back. As much as my head said "on!on!", my legs said otherwise.
9-10:26
10-10:29
By mile 11, I felt like I was standing still. I kept walking, though. My friends I had started with, who were hoping for 10-minute miles, passed me with about 3 miles to go. I tried to keep up, but I wasn't about to hold them back - they were doing great. A welcomed face showed up on the sidewalk again as I saw my wife turn to her friend and say “did we miss Randy?” I hollered at her, so she at least knew I was still fighting.
11-11:38
The next 1.5 miles seemed like a blur. I even missed the 12 mile marker for a split. It finally seemed the end was in sight, but around every corner I thought was the finish, another stretch and corner came.
Finally, the last turn comes, and there's my wife again. I had enough in me to wave and smile, and seeing her again was enough to help me finish the last stretch.
12 and 13.1-22:36
Final chip time: 2:07:47
Considering my goal was sub 2, not bad for all the walking I did. I realized that doing all of my training in such a controlled environment (treadmill) is only good for doing a race in that same environment. You don’t see many treadmill races around, so I best get outside! My legs just weren’t ready for the abuse the pavement dished out, I guess. Next time I’ll be much better prepared for it.
We had a great time overall, and Duluth puts on a great race. I’m used to running at Madison, where everything is disorganized and messed up. From the oodles of fans to the gaggle of volunteers, to the bus drivers and the officials, this was a world-class event. I would love to make this an annual trek, and besides – I want revenge!
Thanks for those who wished me luck prior to the race, and thanks for reading!
-Rando
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gretriever
Hipster Doofus
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 10:40 Post subject:
That's strange that stuff started coming apart at seven miles. On-road training is important but it doesn't seem that it's an absolute. But that's just my 
Still, given the trouble, you're right - it wasn't a bad effort. And anything will now look better than Madison (so far as organization goes) by comparison. Congrats!
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robp
Pyromaniac
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Location: Waiting in line at the beer store...
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 10:59 Post subject:
The transistion from mill to road surfaces shouldn't be too bad. You've got a base built no matter what. I'd look for another half in the not too distant future to redeem myself. Way to stick it out though.
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runswithscissors
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 11:02 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | The transistion from mill to road surfaces shouldn't be too bad. You've got a base built no matter what. I'd look for another half in the not too distant future to redeem myself. Way to stick it out though. |
You know, it was the only thing I could think of, really. I've never had that kind of a breakdown in my legs before. 
I could have been like Milli Vanilli and blamed it on the rain.
but.it.wasn't.raining.
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 21238
Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 11:21 Post subject:
Great effort, nice job.  You'll do better next time I'm sure. 
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 11:25 Post subject:
I've heard a few stories of being the "worst" g'mas temp/humidity ever. It should have been raining by how humid it was. Good goin' Rando in getting yer butt cross the finish despite it all. 
/i like the sound of that annual trek idea 
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runswithscissors
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 11:46 Post subject:
| jrjo wrote: | I've heard a few stories of being the "worst" g'mas temp/humidity ever. It should have been raining by how humid it was. Good goin' Rando in getting yer butt cross the finish despite it all.
/i like the sound of that annual trek idea |
It was humid, but after the third cup o' water I dumped on my head, it didn't much matter any more!
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Running Brewer
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 12:39 Post subject:
tough race randy! I know you were hoping to do much better. Add high humidity to all the pavement and I can see why your legs didn't like you anymore. I agree with what Rob said, spend some time transitioning and you should be reading for a half later this year.
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akern
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 12:47 Post subject:
Sorry you're disappointed Randy. You'll get'em next time!
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Molly600
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 13:18 Post subject:
Sorry you were disappointed, but good job nonetheless!
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Joined: 14 May 2002
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Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 13:25 Post subject:
Have you been lice checked yet? Lice can really slow you down.
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Posted: 06/19/06 - 14:15 Post subject:
humidity is a killer. 
treadmill to road can be rough too, i know.
sorry you're disappointed but as you say, not a bad time considering how bad you felt in the last few miles, really.
here's to better times on better halfs for ya. 
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got2run
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Posted: 06/26/06 - 08:02 Post subject: g'mas
hey randy - i've only talked to a few people that had good race results. One girl ran a PR in marathon (but it was her 4th and she's 20). The weather was brutal and when you see the paper talking about so many inmed tents and hospital, it was a victory crossing the line in one piece.
My race wasn't bad, however, i was hoping for faster time and better weather. I ran consistent pace trhough 21 and after Lemon Drop hill, going down i couldn't do anything. As we passed Fitgers about 24 Mile, saw i guy laying in the road being tended to by EMT's, that was bad. I made me notice jsut how bad its gotten and that there will be other races. I was close to 3;10, but it would be a valiant effort the last 2 mile and i wasn't that eager now. Realxed a bit, settledd into a pace that would get me home safely.
Duluth does put on a great weekend of events. The pasta dinner, expo and 5k on Friday was a fun time. We stayed in UMD dorms, and the bus service alone saved us alot of headaches parking and such.
When is your next "BIG" event? I've got to switch training now and get ready for Spirit of Racine Triathlon on july 23
Steve
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shelee
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Posted: 06/29/06 - 17:03 Post subject:
Not too bad, Randy. I had no idea you were training for a half!
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