| Author |
Topic: Dismal Swamp Stomp - Dismal Indeed |
jdmom3
Cool Runner |
 posted Apr-15-2007 10:02 AM
  
Dismal about sums it up for me for this race. Short synopsis: Time 1:26:54, a PW; third Masters Female. As Rose mentioned, the course is flat as a pancake and is a simple out and back with nothing for scenery but trees and very few spectators. Although everyone kept saying it was a fast course, nobody ran fast on it. Even the winner had a slow time for a Kenyan male - 1:04 I believe. Everyone I talked to ran slower than expected. I had a pretty miserable race and realized about half way that I probably should not be running a half marathon this soon after starting back running. The second half of the race was pretty much a death march for me and I wound up behind two masters women that I usually beat. However, I refuse to get too down about this race for the following reasons: 1. I got to see a lot of running friends that I haven't seen for awhile and got an invitation to come out and run tempos with a couple of fast ladies. 2. Two months ago, I was running a grand total of 20 miles a week. Three months ago, I wasn't running at all so this is not too bad a result. 3. I got in a good hard training run with a bunch of other folks and had no problems with the former SF area. 4. Even at 3rd, I won $250. 5. Now I know that a Spring marathon is out of the picture so I will concentrate on building a nice big base and getting some speed back. Anyway, things can only improve from here.  Meg
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rochrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:06 AM
Well, Meg, you just gave four good reasons for turning this into a positive experience so you're not allowed to be down about it! I sort of thought anyway that you were using it more for training than for competition, but 3rd in class and some cash to go with it sure ain't bad. I wish I could "train" at that level!  ------------------
- Runnin' in Rochester Rochrunner
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mrsribs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:40 AM
As you noted, there was some good to come from this race, including $250. You're making a great comeback, be patient. It was still a remarkable time.mrs. ribs
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DaveinAA
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:55 AM
Aw Meg, well this tells you where you stand, and frankly I'm a little relieved that a spring marathon is off the table for you. You've come a long way in a short time and you are still at a point where you can improve rapidly with steady training. Still an outstanding time by most people's standards, and $250 is not a bad consolation prize. At least you didn't kill any bunnies. ------------------
DaveinAA
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 11:06 AM
Good job, Meg. It may not have been what you wanted, but it was still good as evidenced by your 3rd masters and $$. You have a great attitude about the whole situation. You're definitely coming back and will soon be back to your normal self. Congratulations.TomS ------------------
My Profile
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WillRunForBeer
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 11:18 AM
Hi, Meg. I'm glad to see your positive outlook on this, as all the points you've made are right on the mark. You're going to come back quickly, but of course it will take the base building you mention.Lou
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littlerockgm
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 11:20 AM
Do we ever live up to our total expectations? Mostly not, I think. Take the money and run; litterally and figuratively. Make your noted changes, rejuvenate and race again for those ideal goals. In the meantime, nice race for a comeback; way to go Meg.Good running Meg,
Jim
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 11:48 AM
You needed to do this race to get a sense of where you are, and you will recall the discussions on CR that you had with others who advised you to run this race for that very reason, so in my opinion, you got a huge takeaway from doing this, not to mention the $$$.It's really fun to see a quality runner like you on the comeback trail, and knowing what you can do in peak condition posting a "dismal" (for you) 1:26. Use what knowledge you gained here wisely, as you are going to be a superstar once again when the right time comes. Good job to get this one under your belt. Spareribs
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dtoce
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 12:26 PM
nice 'training' run...good decision regarding the marathon (but you knew my thoughts on that anyway).You now have an idea about where you are and will continue to improve steadily throughout the year as long as your training is sound. Be ready for a couple of weeks in there that aren't what you expect and ignore them. I predict that you will run a very strong fall marathon. Keep the focus on that and use those long tempo/MP runs to prove that you are making progress. I can't wait to read about a nice summer PR in a medium distance race like a 10K or another 1/2M. Hang in there, Meg. PW's are often followed by PR's.
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 01:53 PM
I didn't know Meg's a bunny killer! (kidding!)Darn. But yay for being on the comeback trail, right?
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SkipAZ
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 01:54 PM
Comebacks from injury are hard but you've gotten a benchmark w/ this race and per pt 5, a better strategy for moving forward and you are well on your way. You are an outstanding runner Meg. I'm sure the fall marathon will go great for you. I am hoping to see you run in that special race in Boston on Sunday Apr 20th '08.Skip
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Elaine3112
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:07 PM
jdmom
Although this race may not have produced the result you wanted, deep down you know the reasons why and as you have said, there are a lot of positives to be taken from this. I'm sure that being taken by the other 2 masters will sharpen you up nicely for your next encounter!
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:10 PM
You probably got a t-shirt that says Dismal Swamp Stomp on it, you don't have any slaughtered bunnys on your conscience, and $250 cash, some fast ladies to run tempos with, all in all a great haul. Congratulations, and happy running!
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rosecoloredglasses
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:19 PM
Hi Meg!Sorry I didn't get to say "Hey" before the race, but I knew where I belonged and I started there... I'm glad that R and B got to see you at the start. Here's to better and better!
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mamaruns
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:37 PM
Sorry I missed you Meg and that you were disappointed with your race. Smart of you to focus on the positive and look forward to better racing.
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breger1
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:46 PM
There are a lot of reasons why some people are champions (like you) and others are not. Talent naturally plays a role. Hard work is a necessity. But what I see in this race report is the positive attitude and willingness to see the positives no matter what. This is the stuff of champions.Maybe those 2 runners in front of you (whom you usually beat) are feeling pretty good about that fact. But they'll be mistaken if they were to count you out come fall. Bill ------------------
Bill's Profile
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smpankowski
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 04:20 PM
jdmom3, as your report shows, races are about more than running. Fellowship rocks as does prize money.
Thanks for the RR------------------
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile
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Jim24315
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:27 PM
Meg,I agree with Rochrunner, and most of that which has already been said. . From a pure competitve runner standpoint, #2 says an awful lot: "2. Two months ago, I was running a grand total of 20 miles a week. Three months ago, I wasn't running at all so this is not too bad a result." Just think of the training you had in the bank before you were running 1:20. It cannot be underestimated. Having been at a similar point in my running more than a couple times, I think I have a good idea how you might be feeling. Even though you know intellectually that it was not logical to expect a time close to what you would have run before the setback, you might have some doubts until you bust a good one--and you WILL! I too am somewhat relieved that you have decided to postpone your next marathon try. The nice weather is not far away (althought it might be hard to convince the Boston people), and you are going to be in so much better shape in a couple months, I can assure you. And finally, although not Meg-like, this was still a very nice race and excellent finish in what appeared to be a large and competitive field Jim
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:57 PM
Seems this race was accurately named...But there are definitely some un-Dismal positives as you pointed out. You learned some valuable things AND you won $250! You are still on the comeback trail... patience Grasshopper.... ------------------
choover
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rasmussenmp
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:01 PM
Meg - actually when you take into account where you were a couple of months ago you have made great strides in conditioning and strength building. You are still very quick and to also get a good paycheck for doing something you love is wonderful. I agree with you in waiting till the fall to get a fast marathon. But, running a few well placed shorter races would be good to determine you fitness level and to also help with the mind games about the SF. This was a great training run.------------------
Good running!!!
Mike's Profile
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kameele
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:19 PM
Only 22 minutes behind a Kenyan in a half and you feel bad about it. I feel some days I'd be lucky to finish 22 minutes behind a Kenyan in a 5K  Besides, you're running races for free for quite a while. Good luck on the next one.
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TMWIP
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:25 PM
Although this may not be what you had hoped for, it sounds like you have come a long way in a short period. It still is an impressive time and things will improve as you get stronger. You'll be passing those other ladies in no time!
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JJJessee
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:31 PM
That time sounds like you're making a pretty fast comeback to me. Good job, congrats on the place. It's just work and patience from here. I predict your star is rising.
JJJ
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FlyingFinn
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:38 PM
Your list of positives sums up to a successful race. You have come such a long way in a few months. You'll soon be faster and passing those two masters women again. Well done!
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roy c
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-16-2007 06:24 AM
Meg
I think you did brilliant. It's good to see how you have progressed so much in the last few months of your recovery. Again some inspirational stuff from you.
Thanks & Well Done
Roy
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