| Author |
Topic: Another VCM RR, another near miss |
predawnrunner
Cool Runner |
 posted May-28-2007 01:22 PM
   
Vermont City Marathon, May 27 2007BACKGROUND:
4th marathon in 7 attempts (3 were DNS due to stress fractures) TRAINING FOR THIS ONE:
Couch-potato-on-crutches to marathon in 6 months
4 days per week running, 3 days cross-training
Long training runs (16, 19, 20, 20)
2 tune-up races (10 miles and half-marathon)
Peak mileage: 46 mpw GOALS:
First Goal: avoid injury and DNS (Done)
Second Goal: PR (Missed by 36s)
Third Goal: BQ (Missed by 2 min, 40s) STATS:
Chip time: 4:08:39
9 of 45 in my AG
65.1 Age Grade pct
383 of 1022 females
1334 of 2506 overall
LONGER STORY:
THE BOOMERS:
Wonderful meetings with Boomers. At the expo, over lunch, dinner, kegger in the parking lot, at the rusty swingset (now painted for maximum confusion), and post-race. See WRFB’s thread. It was so cool.
THE COURSE:
I would not have picked this course for a BQ attempt. It is seriously hilly, and despite all the training I do on hills, I’m just not that strong on them. I could feel the glycogen getting sucked out of my legs. But we didn’t have a lot of options, given that I was getting a late start in my training, and we needed to avoid May 20 due to dawndaughter2’s graduation. However – the course was great in other ways. It had scenic parts along Lake Champlain, went through some very charming areas of downtown Burlington (several times), and some really cool neighborhoods with lots of great, if somewhat quirky, crowd support. Here are two versions of the elevation plot - one from my Garmin, the other from Google Earth, courtesy SkipAZ:
  MY PERFORMANCE:
I knew I’d have to get ahead of my pace band before hitting the monster hill at mile 15, so I started out a little fast. At the top of this hill, I was right on target, but knew that I felt too tired for mile 15. I was also discouraged to find that there was another long gradual hill right away that I wasn’t expecting. I only hit my target pace in one mile after that, and pretty much just watched it trickle away for the rest of the race. At about mile 20 it started pouring down a cold rain, but I was so miserable it didn’t much matter. I was experiencing a variety of leg cramps by that time and wanted badly to stop and walk. But I figured maybe I could still PR and I didn’t want to give up. The rest of the race was pretty unpleasant, as the graphic shows:  POST-MORTEM:
Given the course, my (very) conservative training program, and the fact that I started with 0 fitness base, I am not overly surprised or disappointed at my result. If I didn’t want so badly to run Boston in 2008, I would have run a more relaxed and enjoyable (sensible) race. Now I’ve just gotta find a flat course for the fall! I will also have a less wobbly base upon which to build going into the next training cycle. That should help too. FASHION REPORT:
Black Marika running skirt, white singlet, pink Nike hat, NO earrings at all. Apparently I need to go shopping...
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Predawnrunner, aka mrs W.R.F. Beer
[This message has been edited by predawnrunner (edited May-28-2007).]
[This message has been edited by predawnrunner (edited May-29-2007).]
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glidegal
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 01:34 PM
great run, pdr--BQ or no. You have SO much time left to earn that stripe--it's only May! To have missed it by so little shows that it is well within your grasp next time. Add the earrings, I think that's the ticket! I want to BQ for 08 too--let's hope we see each other there! glidegal
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perchcreek
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 01:36 PM
PDR.. Really a great job on you come back marathon! Just think, this race and your PDR PR were 4:08:XX and this one was way hillier! Not too shabby for crutches to marathon in 6 months! You have come so far and are such an inspiration of determination! Congratulations on doing so well.perch
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MustangSally
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 01:46 PM
Madam, you are now, officially, *back*. I'm so glad you made it to and through this race: It's been a pleasure to watch your recovery. Good job!------------------
Mustang Sally
Boomers and Beyond wiki
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Dark Horse
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 01:48 PM
Predawnrunner,Great job, and clearly you would have BQ'd on a faster course.  You have done all the right things with your training. Keep on doing all the right things, pick a nice fall marathon, and you should BQ with minutes to spare. For a good time, I suggest Portland, Oregon--The Other Portland, as we New Englanders call it--isn't that where everyone plans to run this fall? But I don't know anything about how fast that course is. I would add a few comments about how cute you look in the Vermont photos, but I don't want to make Lou jealous. You saw how cranky he got after a few beers when I was visiting. Dark Horse ------------------
I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 02:00 PM
This was of course all about race selection, time of year, and as you point out, that made for a difficult race. As I watched you recover and get stronger, I was pretty happy for you that you are back in the game again, which is most important. As I mentioned to Lou in his RR, a June recovery, followed by a good choice for the fall of a cool, fast, flat track is a pretty certain BQ i think. You ran a heck of a race in these conditions, despite all else. Well done. Spareribs
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breger1
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 02:26 PM
PDR, it sounds like you are satisfied with yourself and you should be. To recover from the stress fractures as patiently and successfully as you did speaks volumes about your smarts.You will get that elusive BQ if you find the right Fall course and continue to train smartly. I can think of no one who we cheer for more than you. Hills are a b----h and they make it hard to perform. Congrats on your smart recovery and well-run marathon. Bill ------------------
Bill's Profile
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 02:32 PM
An excellent race run on a challenging course. You have come a long way with determination and smart training. As you continue to train you will only get more awesome. The gold hoop earrings will also be key.  Congratulations on a wonderful marathon!
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tomwhite
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 02:38 PM
.........PDR//..........you knew you were going in after the lay-off and still ran a tough race........
............a little more base, and you'll nail the BQ...............good running tho...........
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Tramps
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 02:50 PM
Harriet,
I'm so impressed with your smart, consistent recovery and comeback. It really is quite an accomplishment to have come so far after that injury--and to have done so in a way that kept you healthy and running well. Congratulations. That BQ will come, no doubt.
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Caddisfli
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 03:49 PM
Harriet, your recovery is one of the best stories on CR from the past year. I am sure I am not alone in saying I was genuinely concerned for you when you were injured. Your committed work in recovering was inspirational and I feel lucky to have seen the results in Vermont. I am sure that BQ is going to be there for you in the near future. It was great meeting you and Lou this weekend. Thanks for the post race hospitality. I hope we meet again sometime soon.
cfli
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La Tortuga
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 03:51 PM
PDR - Couch-potato-on-crutches to marathon in 6 months - enough said. If you decide to try for a BQ - best wishes. If not - maybe we can get really snookered in Natick, shop for earrings and cheer on the runners.Really well done!
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millbot
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 03:52 PM
PDR, to go from "crutches to marathon in 6 months" and nearly BQ on a challenging course is certainly something to be proud of. Way to come back strong. Good luck in your BQ quest! I think that when you BQ, you are going to do it by a wide margin.
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 03:54 PM
PDR,
I know you are disappointed in barely missing goals 2 & 3 but after everything you've been through with the injury you sure don't have any reason to hang your head. Your grace, courage, and determination during the long recovery period has been inspiration to me and I'm to others as well. There's no doubt you'll get that BQ.You and Lou should think about the Bizz Johnson Trail marathon in October.... Stay Healthy. ------------------
choover
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deez4boyz
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 03:55 PM
WOW!! That is totally impressive!! Nice Job!!Baystate Marathon in Lowell, MA - October - is a pretty flat course and I know a lot of people will BQ there - the only problem is it's a fairly boring course and is a double loop course which i know a lot of people don't enjoy - but it is mostly flat!
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Fortunate One
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 04:13 PM
PDR, yours is truly an insipiring story, made all the more relevant to me because I had a graduating daughter the same weekend you did and I selected a hilly spring marathon that wouldn't conflict with the graduation or a cousin's wedding. I can't wait to read the next chapter--I know there will be a happy ending.------------------
Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem
Profile
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lhess
Member |
posted May-28-2007 04:23 PM
PDW, Let me add my congratulations to the list. I am an occasional reader of the Boomers discussion group, so I didn't hear your recovery stories, but to go from couch potato to JUST missing a BQ in only 6 months is fantastic! You must be in the same age group as me if your Boston time is 4:05. I have that goal in the back of my mind too. Don't know if I can pull it off this year..... My PR is 4:20 after 4 marathons. Your training schedule and warm up races look very similar to mine.
I agree with Dark Horse - the Portland marathon is advertised as a fast, fairly flat course, and the city of Portland is great. So many wonderful restaurants, beautiful running trail down by the river, good art galleries/museums. I think I just convinced myself to register!
Hope your recovery from the Vermont City marathon is speedy, and that you can gear up for a fall marathon.
Laurie
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SherieRanier
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 04:36 PM
This was an excellent run from where you were re-starting from, and with Boston MANY months away, I'm sure this course set you up well for the next attempt, which will be what you're looking for. Congrat'sSherie
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ThunderBolter
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 04:46 PM
--->> Phoenixesque comeback, Harriet ! You and your soulmate are perseverance personified. Truly inspirational. Very much looking forward to crossing paths here in Beantown next spring. [[ Still think your 'thon saga would make a fascinating reality series. Would you mind if I unobtrusively followed you around with a video cam for a few months ? ]] . . . .e k i M ~
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MarkGuy
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 05:19 PM
PDR, you recovery has been impressive and so are the results from this race. Great job on a tough course and a tough day. There's little question that you'll qualify at the next one.
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hally
Moderator of Boomers and Beyond |
posted May-28-2007 05:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by ThunderBolter:
--->> Phoenixesque comeback, Harriet ! You and your soulmate are perseverance personified. Truly inspirational. Very much looking forward to crossing paths here in Beantown next spring. [[ Still think your 'thon saga would make a fascinating reality series. Would you mind if I unobtrusively followed you around with a video cam for a few months ? ]] . . . .e k i M ~
First you have DH stalking you and now TB
I am jealous.
You are an inspiration to me and like LaT said if you don't BQ for 08 you can hang at the water stop.......shop for earrings and maybe we can take a cue from Rtravers and get some lip gloss to match our outfits.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation and don't forget to stop and B and J's
Barb
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tallrunner
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 06:12 PM
PDRWay to go. I am so impressed with the strides you have made since coming back from injury. You are an inspiration. You have shown such determination. I agree with others than on a better course, in the fall after some more base running you will BQ. You ran a great race after a terrible injury. Your very near your goal. Congrats
Tall
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Doctor Wu
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 07:12 PM
I really enjoy reading the reports of runners who ran the same race as I did. It's interesting to see the different perspectives. One which I don't understand is that some of you are saying it was very hilly. Maybe it's just because I live up here and have run VCM so many times, but I don't regard this as a tough course. In my opinion VCM is very similar to Philadelphia in overall terrain and difficulty. There is a suprising hill at mile 8 in both, a long hill after halfway (Battery St at 15 in VCM and the long Manayunk hill at 19 - 20 at Philly). Both have 4 mile sections near the end with no spectators then a big crowd at the finish. And both can be windy. IMO I'd rate VCM just a tad more difficult than Philly. And Philly is regarded as fast and flat.But enough of that. I've been too busy to follow B&B lately and really wish I could have met some of you. Great report and a great comeback from injury. Put this one in the bank and build upon it for the fall. Find a course more to your liking and that BQ will come. BTW: I was gaining on WRFB unknowingly and just missed catching him at the finish. Did you remember seeing a grey haired guy in a day glow orange singlet come across the line after your honey?
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 07:28 PM
As I said in WRFB’s RR, I have watched your training with interest, and hoped you both would have a great marathon experience. Coming from a recent serious injury as you have, it is truly an inspiration to see you complete the marathon, let alone come so close to a BQ. Frustrating for you, perhaps, but you are still an inspiration in my book. Well done!You know, there’s a lovely marathon (Air Force Marathon) in Dayton, Ohio in the fall, not to mention the Columbus Marathon – nice and flat, from what I hear…
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Holly
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Twocat
Cool Runner |
posted May-28-2007 07:52 PM
Looking at the elevation profile you would have made your BQ on a flat course with a lot of time to spare. My guess is the course also added to or even caused most of your leg cramps. Knock those out and you gain another few minutes. Of course, nothing to near BQ in one shot is pretty impressive all in and of itself no matter what!
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