So, after many weeks of running and trying to get to a point in my endurance where I could run 3.1 miles in a respectable pace, I have reached two conclusions:
1.) I have reached said point in my running
2.) I need to move on to the next level of running longer, faster and smarter
Annie and I went to the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday night after work, where I got three running shirts (two short sleeved for $10 each and one ¾ length sleeved for $15) and a pair of running shorts. However, by the time we walked back from the stadium, it was almost 9 and I hadn’t eaten yet. So I ate some leftover pasta, a bowl of cereal and a big cinnamon bun with the last of my milk (trying to get rid of it before we left the next day). Needless to say my stomach was not too happy with that and I had to take some serious Pepto Bismol before going to bed. It didn’t keep me up throughout the night, but it wasn’t what I should have eaten the night before a race, even if it was just a 5K.
Saturday morning I woke up and got dressed. It was cold out, but I didn’t want to wear my long sleeve shirt. I was bent on wearing my awesome Run to Cooperstown 5K shirt that I had waited two months to get. So I threw my long sleeve in my bag just in case. After going to Starbucks to get Annie some coffee to wake up (it was just after 7 AM), we walked down to the festival, which was between M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards. We got a great front row spot for the beginning of the marathon, which was set to begin at 8:00. It was awesome to see all the people who were running, from the elites down to the 5 hour plus pacers. I can’t wait to get to that point where I can run a marathon!
After the marathon started, I left Annie and did a quick warm up of some jogging and stretching so I was somewhat loose and hot for the beginning. There were almost 1800 people running the 5K, which was by far the biggest race I’ve run in to date. I crossed the starting line slowly and I think Annie got a really good picture of me (I haven’t looked at them yet…probably do that tonight) before heading off. I forgot to start my watch at the starting line, so I started it about a minute late. The first mile was uphill most of the way, so I kept it nice and slow because I remember burning myself out running up a hill at the Run to Cooperstown back in July. The first part of the race went through a sketchy part of Baltimore and more than one homeless person was cheering the runners on, which I thought showed a surprisingly good side of Baltimore. Not good as in “in Baltimore our homeless population serves as a built in cheering section” but that noone was being rude or interfering. I don’t know, maybe that’s insensitive but poverty is a big part of Baltimore city, unfortunately, so I liked that the course didn’t just stay in the “prettier” neighborhoods. One guy was out cheering and yelling, “Keep going! Run! It makes you happy!” which I thought was funny and awesome at the same time. When you think about it, that statement is completely true if you’re crazy enough to run for the hell of it.
Anyway, the course turned 180 degrees and headed back downtown towards Camden Yards, and was mostly downhill. We ran down Eutaw Street and then through Camden Yards (very cool), along the spine of what used to be Eutaw Street to the finish line in front of M&T Bank stadium. I was running fine the entire way and only got tired as I reached Camden Yards. I made sure to remember to keep my head up as I crossed the finish line for the photos. My watch said I finished in 25:52, however with the extra minute, I was hoping that I broke 27 minutes…my chip time was EXACTLY 27:00.
I’m not sure how I feel about that time. On the one hand, I cut another 17 seconds off my old PR from the Bay Café, which was a faster course anyway. If I had run Saturday’s race on the Bay Café course, I would have had a better time, I think. However, it was not as good as I would have liked, nor as good as I think I am capable of. I was really hoping to get into the 26-minute range. This is where my desire to run smarter comes into the picture.
Physically, I think I can someday get down below a 7 minute mile with the proper training and time and dedication. However, to get there will require becoming a more intelligent and ambitious runner. Throughout the race on Saturday, I was overly concerned about feeling tired and exhausted before the end. Then when the end came, I wasn’t able to push as hard as I wanted, and lost precious seconds. As soon as I stopped running, I felt fine and actually was ready to keep running, which is a bad way to race. I should have been totally spent at mile 3.1. To successfully run future races of longer distances will require better mental preparation and a better understanding of my pacing. The former can be done by simply analyzing the course ahead of time using Map My Run and other tools to get a handle on elevation, surroundings, etc. The latter can be helped with the use of a Garmin or other device to better monitor my pacing.
So, Baltimore was really a lot of fun and while I didn’t run as well as I could have, I think there are some valuable lessons to be learned. I’m going to run at least one race in November, probably two, and will really seek to run smarter in both events.
On another note, I think I am going to begin not only running in the morning, but also outside as well. I know I’ve said this about 56 times and have done it like never, but running outside is so much better than doing it on a treadmill. Moreover, doing it in the morning gives you the street to yourself and makes it a quieter run. As the weather gets colder, I’ll have to probably run outside a few days a week and then do the treadmill the rest of the time. But it’s something that I think has to be done to start the long training process for the National Half Marathon in March. Plus it’ll free up my evenings as well.
In conclusion, Baltimore was awesome and, if it doesn’t interfere with the wedding next year, I will be running the full 26.2 miles by then. In the meantime, my first Baltimore Running Festival experience has given me lots to work on in my running an racing techniques.
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