 posted Mar-19-2007 10:56 PM
   
Short version - This was a fitness test pre-Boston. I aggravated my ham-string, stretched, and happy with a 1:31.Longer version: Last year I got a 1:30:05, which really bothered me because they had a chip and a timing mat for the finish line, but not the start. I know I was more than five seconds back at the start, but official time is official time. :-P This year I wanted to beat 1:30, but not go all out and risk messing up my schedule for Boston. Unfortunately, near the end of last weekend's 21-miler I tore my lower hamstring slightly. It felt ok for my Tuesday night speedwork, but halfway thru it I had to back out. The rest of the week I rested it and only ran easy miles. Sunday I felt fine so I drove down, got my number and went for a warm up. While running around I noticed my ham was tight, but not painful. I lined up within 5 seconds of the start (just in case) and off we went. The first few miles were relaxed as it was down hill. By about three miles my ham started to bother me enough that I gave up on trying for a PR. I stopped and stretched it a little, but it felt like I might have to drop out. After the hills and more stretching it felt good enough to go half way. Then with a tail wind I got to 7 or 8 miles. So as not to over extend it I shortened my stride slightly which made me work harder. We rounded the far end of the course. This section was pretty exposed being right along the ocean. The wind was gusty and changed direction a few times. I was getting tired in the final few miles. I told myself to slow if needed, but don't stop (unless ham got worse). At the 12 mile mark there is a final long hill, which is a toughie, especially going into a headwind. It felt like we were walking at times After cresting the hill, we turned and a bunch of us just sprinted the last half mile. While trying for a PR would certainly have injured my ham, I'm happy that I could at least test my fitness level. I saw a orthopedist today and doing PT starting Wednesday. Hopefully I can get by this injury before Boston. Here are my splits and avg HR. 1 6:43 163
2 6:48 173
3 7:30 172 -streching
4 7:09 166 -streching
5 7:04 166 -streching
6 6:37 169
7 6:35 167
8 6:30 169
9 7:00 170
10 6:59 168
11 7:05 171
12 7:19 171
13.1 8:05 169 Final time was 1:31:20 334th out of 1800 and 45/176 in age group. I'd recommend the race to anyone in the area. While the weather isn't the best, the organizers make up for it. There are lots of friendly volunteers, great crowds and fish chowder and fish sandwiches for post race food. :-) ------------------
busiman (formerly busyman)
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