I was a "day of" signup, $50 fee (it was for a good cause). As many of the runners crowd to the front, I like going to the back, especially with a chip timer. In chip time it doesn't matter where you start, your chip time registers as soon as you cross the start line. I also start in the back to play a game called "Wolf and Rabbit." The goal of the Wolf is to chase down as many Rabbits as possible. When I start at the back, it gives me a psychological boost to pick off as many rabbits as possible.
THE RACE
As the call for "Runners to your mark... Go!" sounded, runners started pushing to get over the startline and trek their 10-miles. I never rush to the line on a chip timed event. In fact, I walk up, take a breath, say a short prayer of Thanks, and start my GPS watch as I cross the startline. Once I cross the startline, I take off and take off fast.
By the time I get to mile-3, I was in a rhythm and pretty much caught up to the group that I think I can keep pace with. I'll hang with them for a mile and see if I can put on some speed to pass and find the next runner ahead. To do it, you need a boost of energy and the confidence to do it. NO ONE LIKES TO GET PASSED. When they do, they will fight to keep up with you. If they stay with you, it wears on you that this person is matching you. It's mentally draining. But if you pass strong and fast, the other runner will likely back down and you can concentrate on the next target in the distance.
Unfortunately, I lost track of anyone in front of me. I was certainly not first, I was in a deadzone between the people I just passed (they were a minute back) and the people ahead (probably 2 minutes ahead). This is where the run gets more interesting. Like a closing pitcher with a one run lead or team needing a 1st down to close out the game, I needed to hold my position within the race. I need to use some speedplay to monitor and maximize my body's capability.
I keep in mind to never look back. Its one of those bad luck things for me and it screws up my stride to look back. I continually tell myself to "Concentrate on my race" and "keep pushing." Experience has taught me when there is someone behind me and an estimate of how far. The breathing of other runners from behind, a peek rounding a corner or spectators clapping give me an idea of how far they are behind me.
I finished the race well ahead of the next closest runner. I waited to shake his hand as is always my respect and appreciation of my fellow runners. The competitor gentleman's name was Tom C. He said, "I was trying to catch you but it was if every time I pushed, you pushed your pace." I replied, "Yes, I know, I felt that presence."
We later met at the awards area where I was given 1st in my Age Group (45-49), Tom C. was awarded 3rd for the same Age Group.
When I left to go home, I thought about what it took to do that in that part of the race and I chuckled knowing that I had worked on it during the week.
SPEEDPLAY TRAINING
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| Training Grounds: Veteran's Hwy Pole to pole running |
I play two speed play games with all these poles. The first game is what I call my "Standard Fartleks**". In the Standard Fartlek, I run hard on pole 1, then when I reach pole 2, I bring myself down a slower run pace. When I get to my third pole, I repeat the process.
The other game I play is called "Progressive Boosters." This involves 5 poles. Starting with pole 1, I take off in a windsprint, when I get to pole 2, I boost my effort a bit more and do the same with pole 3. At pole 4, I push myself to a "Redline" full effort. Imagine being in a full sprint against a competitor to the finish line. At pole 5, I cool it down until I get to a next set of 5 poles to repeat the process.
For most people, this might sound like an interval, but its not. No time or set distance is maintained. It's a matter of feel. It is a question of how fast can I push my body so I might raise its endurance. The purpose and goal of the training exercise is to use speed without burning out. It is to feel the body's limit and take it on to any course with confidence.
LAST THOUGHTS. Long ago as a young Junior Officer on Frigates, I was an Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (ASWO). Submarines were devastating because you didn't know where they were going to attack. However, my instructors at ASWO school would always say, "Move fast and have a plan of attack... Remember 'SPEED KILLS'." And so to does Speedplay. Prepare for the runner's attack by having a plan and conditioning your body and mind to go fast when you need.
See you on the Road!
