2010 for 2010

OK, so the plan was to hit 2010 miles to ring in the year 2010. I hit 2001.2 on the 28th, and it was looking good, but it was also the crux of family holiday/travel time.

Long story short, I hit the 31st still needing that last 8.8, but with blisters on my feet from snorkeling (no size 13 flippers in Japan...), and a very narrow window to fit in my run between a flight and an appointment in Tokyo.

When we got in from the flight, I changed to my running gear, completely under dressing (the flight was from a warmer southern part of Japan), and hit the road. My plan -- average sub 8 minute miles to get back in time. Shouldn't be a problem.

I headed to my regular Tokyo spot, Komazawa Park, and joined the many others doing the 1.3 mile loop there. In my second or third loop, I heard footsteps behind me. I almost never see runners at my pace in Komazawa Park, but after a half a loop the footsteps were still there. I checked the Garmin, and my pace was 7:02. I'd never seen anyone in the park running that fast. I could here the runner breathing, and it sounded like they were working pretty hard, so I took comfort in the belief that I would outlast them. I could also tell from the breathing that it was either a young boy, or a woman.

After a while the runner passed me. Her running shirt had a lot of text on it, but only one word in English: "Ultra". So much for my plan to outlast her. As she passed, I casually said "Ohayou" (pronounced like the buckeye state). The hidden message was "sure, you're passing me, but you're working really hard, whereas I'm not out of breath, and I'm cool enough to say 'Good morning' in a foreign tongue". Unfortunately, the message that came out was "I'm so flustered by you breezing past me, that I'm saying 'Good morning' at 4:00 in the afternoon.

I fell in behind her, and was able to keep pace. After another half mile or so, another runner fell in with her. He knew her, and they exchanged a few words before he fell back. I don't speak enough Japanese to catch what was said, but I do speak "runner", so here is my translation:

HIM: Hey! Ready to run?

HER: Great to see you. I'd love to run with you, but I have to kick the ass of that lame ass American who is following me. I'll find you later, after I've crushed what is left of his spirit.

That might not be an exact translation, but I'm sure it captures the essence of what was said. The guy dropped off, and I continued on the heels of the woman. After a while, my watch beeped again -- 6:31 pace. Good lord, what was I doing? Here are two possible answers:

A] Foolishly screwing up a perfectly good plan by running at race pace in a lame attempt to not get shown up by a girl.

B] Having fun being inspired by another runner.

I'm saying answer B. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

After another mile, the friend showed up again, and this time "Ultra" slowed her pace to run with him.

HIM: Um, that guy's still right behind you. Can we run together now?

HER: Oh, all right. Whatever.

I passed them just as my Garmin beeped another 6:30. After their footsteps faded, I let the pace gradually drop to 7:11 and then 7:30. I had to fight the urge to look over my shoulder. How embarrassing would it be to get caught slowing down...

As a result of these shananigans, I got back ahead of schedule, and felt exhilarated by my last run of the year.

Total miles for 2009: 2010.7.

Happy New Year!

Ted Corbitt 15K

The highlight of today's 15K was definitely the appearance of Santa and his Reindeer. Santa (TH), and a herd of Reindeer from the 6AM group put on quite a show. Their race bibs had their names (Donner, Blitzen etc) and the race logo of the New York Rogue Runners. They ran the race in formation -- no small task for a 15K in the park -- and brought much joy. I tried to get some pics, but the iPhone does not do well with moving targets.

Last post, I listed some goals that I set during the year, but two were yet to be met.

Today, I took care of one: a 15K at sub 7 pace. Recent results and a little math made me think it was doable, but thinking and doing are not the same. I started out at 6:43 and 6:47 for the first two miles. The pace wasn't too tough, but 15K is a long way. I had to keep reminding myself not to slack off. I ended up meeting my goal with a PR 1:40:24 (6:55/mile), a satisfying race to close out the year.

Just one goal left -- 2010 miles to ring in the new year. That one is going to go down to the wire....

2009 Goals

About a week ago, it occurred to me that I couldn't remember my goals for 2009. Surely I set some goals back in January....

Sadly, when I checked my December and January posts, I found.... no goals for 2009! I won't be making that mistake again. I'm already drafting my 2010 goals.

Of course, there were short term goals set along the way, and qualifying for Boston was certainly a goal for 2009, even if I didn't write it up.

Here are the goals I found in various posts this year -- looks like I've got a couple left to hit!

Goal: Sub 20 minute 5K -- DID IT (twice)

Goal: improve my times for half and full marathons DID IT (by 4:31 min for the half, and 26 min for the full)

Goal: sub 7 minute/mile 15K GONNA DO IT (this Saturday)

Goal: Qualify for Boston DID IT (NYC Marathon)

Goal: 2010 mile to ring in the year 2010 GONNA DO IT (See Mileage -->)

Setting the Record Straight

In July of 2007, I ran the Naples-New York Park to Park 10K in 45:24 -- a PR for me. The NYRR, however, posted a much faster time for me -- 41:10. As I posted afterwards, it was a time I couldn't possibly run, but I couldn't get the NYRR to correct it. It's one thing to have an inaccurate time listed, but it was weird to have my "PR" be in error. Just the other day, I was looking at this very cool site that lists your races in PR order, and there it was again, my "fastest" 10K, 41:10.

It took two and half years, but I have finally set the record straight. The Joe Kleinerman 10K was this morning and I knew I was ready to beat my previous best of 42:08. But wait, was the false 41:10 in reach? For the first time, I thought it might be. I needed to average a 6:38 pace. Given my 6:26 pace in the 4 miler a couple of weeks ago, that seemed possible, but my previous best 10K was at 6:47.

I wanted it.

Here's how it went.

Mile 1: 6:42 - PR pace, but not SRS (Set the Record Straight)

Mile 2: 6:40 - Getting better...

Mile 3: 6:34 - I'm thinking I can do this.

Mile 4: 6:37 - Good, good... just don't lose it on Cat Hill and it's in the bag.

Mile 5: 6:37 - Hill? What hill?

Mile 6: 6:22 - Like a horse headed for the barn...

Last .2: 1:17 - Pick out some young fit looking guy and challenge him to a finish line race (fun, but not a winning strategy).

Official time: 40:51 -- 6:35/mile

And there you have it. My PR is real, and my honor (for what it's worth) is restored.

Cheers!

Counting Miles

I recently read a post by RJR in which he mentioned his goal for yearly milage. I'd always been into tracking my weekly mileage, but RJR's post made me wonder where I stood for the year.

A quick check on my trusty log at RunningAhead.com today showed me at 1851 miles. This puts the 2000 mark well within reach. I wouldn't have to run any more than I have been lately. All I would have to do is not slack off (at all) for the holidays. That will be a bit of a logistical challenge. I hate to get crazy about chasing a milage number, but 2000 is such a nice round number -- I've got to at least try. Right?

Uh oh... I just though of something.... what about.... 2009 miles for year 2009? Or, 2010 miles to ring in the new year? Each year I'd have to run one more mile....