| Author |
Topic: Pear Blossom 10 Mile Race Report |
Labduck
Cool Runner |
 posted Apr-15-2007 01:02 PM
  
Although I live in Portland now, I grew up in the Rogue Valley area of Southern Oregon. I usually visit this part of the state several times a year, so I decided that this time I would make the 275 mile trek down to Medford and run in the 31st Annual Pear Blossom 10 Mile Run on Saturday. And I was especially looking forward to the opportunity to meet up again with John2635 and the Boomer goddess Tammy. My drive down Friday was a long one since I took the coastal route, but with the sun shining most of the way, and the top down on the convertible, I didn’t mind. It wasn’t until I was 10 miles outside of Medford that the rain began. “Good”, I thought, just like the weatherman said: “Rain developing Friday evening, with a chance of lingering showers Saturday morning.” I’m optimistic about the weather for the race. After I arrived in Medford, I drove the race route to gauge the hills (only one, and not too steep), and then picked up my race packet. I knew John had volunteered to work the packet pick-up, so I was able to meet up with him there. Then it was back to my hotel for a restful night’s sleep. Probably the best sleep I’ve ever had the night before a race. When I woke up Saturday morning, I looked out the window and saw that it was raining hard, with no sign of it easing up soon. Oh well, it’s not like I’m not used to it. It just means I need to run in a hat, which I really don’t like. Grrrrr. Speaking of hats, my fashion report: silver Nike Zoom Milers with royal blue and red trim, royal blue Nike shorts, and a white Nike short sleeved tech shirt layered over a maroon New Balance long sleeved tech shirt, and a silver Nike Dri-fit hat. My usual rain running attire. Oh yeah, the race. My intention was to treat this run like a dress rehearsal for The Avenue of the Giants HM in three weeks. My goal is to run that HM in less than 1:30:00 (6:52/mi), so I wanted to run this 10 miler at around 6:50/mi pace just to make sure my goal was obtainable. I ran very relaxed, conversing along the way with several people from Portland I knew who had made the trip. Since I had not seen Tammy at the start, I was paying close attention after the turn-around to say hi to her on the way back. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of her new running skirt, but alas the weather conspired against me since she was wearing running pants. But it was still good to see her nonetheless.  I finished the race in 1:07:56 for a 6:48/mi average and a PR. I was pleased with this time since I made a conscious effort not to race over the last two miles, even though I did run the last mile in 6:21. But I did not sprint.  The results are not posted yet, but based on previous year’s times, I figured I finished around 50th to 60th overall out of about 1000 runners, and 9th or 10th in my age group. It was a good confidence boost for my upcoming HM. Of course, the best part was afterwards when I was able to meet up for pizza with John and Tammy and her family. Probably the best veggie pizza I’ve ever had! Then I made the drive back to Portland, where the weather was absolutely beautiful. It figures…
[This message has been edited by Labduck (edited Apr-15-2007).]
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 01:49 PM
BQ Portland Marathon '07*'nuff said *(I'll wait until after the Avenue to peg it as a sub-3...)
Go Ducks!
[This message has been edited by Econo (edited Apr-15-2007).]
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:05 PM
"..I did run the last mile in 6:21. But I did not sprint. "
Good God! You are crazy fast! Wonderful job on a course full of rain and hill to boot. Congratulations on easily beating your goal without really racing. I am looking forward to seeing you...I mean your blur......at Avenue of the Giants.
Excellent fashion report too!
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:10 PM
You are very fit right now labduck neeba. Love that finishing mile too. Looks like you have the Half nailed, and great you got to hang out with fellow Boomers. Spareribs(maroon?)
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Elaine3112
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:12 PM
Nice race Labduck and to run conservatively and still PR, that' going some and in my wildest dreams! Well done.
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DaveinAA
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:30 PM
That's a pret-ty good race, Labduck. But if I'd been there, I'd have bologna away.--Sandwich in AA
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jura
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 02:46 PM
Nice job, Labuck, you have been very consistent with your racing and I am sure you reach your goal at the Avenue of Giants. I agree with Econo, Portland will be a fantastic marathon debut for you.
j
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John2635
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:42 PM
Great job duck!!! I can personally attest you looked very strong coming around the corner just before the finish.I still stand by my earlier prediction of 3:15 BQ by many minutes at Portland later this year.  It was nice seeing you again and I'm looking forward to the Avenue in a few weeks, although I think we need to warn all the boomers that it'll definately rain that weekend. Note of explanation: EVERY recent race of over 10 miles run by labduck has been in the rain. John Edited to add: The young school teacher I was telling you about who was running her first race to raise money for the families of the 3 girls killed in the fire a few weeks ago, just emailed me. She finished in 1:16 and some change, beating my challenge by several minutes, and qualifying for my double pledge. Pretty darn good considering it was her first race.
BTW She's now bitten by the racing bug!! [This message has been edited by John2635 (edited Apr-15-2007).]
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cajohnson5
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:49 PM
Very nice race! You sure are ready for that half. Congratulations on the PR. cj
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Tetsujin30
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 03:52 PM
Lab - especially with some of your running origins in the even wetter reaches of the PNW, such a nice gesture to the Boston Boomers for you and Tamarainalina to pretend you don’t like racing in the rain, . . . . but I think your PR’s might give you away. [This message has been edited by Tetsujin30 (edited Apr-15-2007).]
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FlyingFinn
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 04:18 PM
Whew, you run very, very fast for a duck! Great race. And I bet that rain rolled right off you. You are more than ready for your HM and marathon. Good job! FF
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smpankowski
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 04:59 PM
It seems that you are indeed part duck. Your RR of an event in a down pour sounded cheerful. Meeting up with others kicks it as well. Thanks Labduck.------------------
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile
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lyndenrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:25 PM
If you are slower than a sandwich,I'm slower than the whole loaf!!Nice Race Lab and congrats on the PR!! ------------------
Gordon
My Profile
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:36 PM
Sounds like a successful dress rehearsal, LabD! WTG on meeting/beating your goals and for the new PR. I think the PNW crew is going to have a great time at The Avenue! I bet Tamalina will be wearing her running skirt then.------------------
choover
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TammyM
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:50 PM
Nice work Lab!! You did very very well! I'm anxiously giddy for three weeks from now!
oh, and Choovie is right . . . ------------------
Tamster
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 07:18 PM
Nice job, Lab. There's nothing like making a plan and executing it well. And, you did it in spite of the rain. It's neat you got to meet up with other boomers. Congrats on a great race and PR.TomS ------------------
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SkipAZ
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:06 PM
Wow! Nice tune-up race LD! Sounds like you are primed and ready to rock at the Avenue. Go Speedy Duck Go!
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Labduck
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:57 PM
Results have been posted. I was 59th OA, 6th in my age group. I'm really happy with my AG placement.Spareribs - Yeah, the maroon long sleeved shirt I wore underneath was actually my warm-up top. I put it on at the last minute because my white short sleeved shirt was already saturated with rain after 5 minutes. Sometimes you have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. I wasn't happy at all about that!
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TammyM
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 11:02 PM
Nice placements Lab!!! Congratulations!
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-16-2007 11:23 AM
Labduck – I think it’s so funny to read about someone running at a “relaxed pace” of 6:50, chatting with friends along the way. You fast guy… Congratulations on your PR – and in a steady rain with no sprinting! Well done! And you got to have a Boomer meeting, too – how fun! I look forward to hearing how you do in the HM. ------------------
Holly
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-16-2007 11:37 AM
Congrats Labduck on a very fine race and report. When we have a drought this summer in C.C. we'll fly you down here so we can get some much needed rain. Hope you're available when we need ya.
ksrunr
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Karl Rysted
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-16-2007 03:29 PM
How is that not sprinting? Way to go, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!------------------
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Sans Souci
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-18-2007 11:57 PM
Primo, Labduck. You are ready to smoke that half. Would that then make you a smoked duck sammich?(I'm so sorry. I blame SandwichinAA and lyndenrunner for egging me on). Oh ... and I think Econo's psychic.
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hup
Moderator of Boomers and Beyond |
posted Apr-19-2007 12:21 AM
What a great race, Lab! You smoked a 6:20 mile 10 ..... that sub 90 is looking good for the Ave. Save some food for us back o' the packers, OK?
...... and leave the rain at home .... I'll melt if I get wet ------------------
hup
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mcsolar99
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-19-2007 01:02 AM
great race lab!1:28:55
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