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I met Rich in NH in VT

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Author	Topic: I met Rich in NH in VT
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 05:21 PM Race Report: Vermont Covered Bridges Half Marathon June 3, 2007 Woodstock, VT Statistics Time: 1:44:46 (8:00 pace) 275/1609 Overall 13/179 Age Group Fashion Report: black compression shorts, lime green Moving Comfort tank, orange Nike swoosh cap, and Neutrogena Moisture Shine spf 15 Lip Balm in "Nude" Winding paved and hard packed dirt roads took us through the sleepy, green, hilly countryside around Woodstock, VT. The temperature was 64 degrees at the start. It was overcast and humid, and the fog clung to the sides of the hills all around. Everything looked moist and misty and tremendously verdant. I had a terrific night's sleep, having fallen asleep side by side with my 3 year old son as I put him down to bed at 9 PM. I hardly knew what to do with myself after 9 hours of sleep! We were staying at the Lauren Inn in Woodstock, known for it's pillowy soft beds and pillowy soft waffles for breakfast. I ate way too much and worried that I'd pay for it later (I have a history of GI issues during races) My DH drove me to the start, located at the Suicide Six ski area, where the usual music was pumping and the usual brightly clad racers milled about, pinning on numbers and warming up. But something about this race is different, and it's hard to put my finger on it...it's just so...lovely! I headed up the rural road for a slow walk/jog/run to warm up. I had planned on 2 miles, but turned back when a farm dog came chasing after me from his property. Honestly, he seemed friendly, but I really didn't want to investigate further. I downed a Power Gel (chocolate outrage) and some water and made my way to the start, positioning myself at a point that seemed a reasonable seeding. Boy, was I WRONG! When the gun went off, the first mile was a zig-zagging effort to get around the 9- and 10-minute milers who had positioned themselves in front. I found myself running on the dirt side of the road just to get some clear space for myself, and I thought, "Okay, this is good training for when me and La Tortuga hit the trails!" Then I heard a voice over my left shoulder, saying, "Hi, Robin!" It was Rich in NH!We shook hands and ran together for a short time, but he encouraged me to head out at my own faster pace. I was aiming for 8:00 minute miles, a pretty lofty goal that would better my current PR by over 3 minutes. I felt like I had it in me, though, so I focused on my goal pace. I allowed myself to "run with abandon" on the downhills, and to slow on the ascents, but all the while trying to tick 8:00 minute miles under my belt. The course was simply lovely, especially crossing over the covered bridge in Woodstock, which I positively scampered over, it was just so darned much fun to run on! Some hills at mile 5 and 8 made the going rough, but they had so many bands on the road that kept the beat. Some accordian bands, some garage-rockers, some high school drum corps, and some bagpipers...they all lifted my spirits! All along the way, there were several women I kept spotting who seemed to be holding a similar pace. When I spied them ahead of me, I used them as a race rabbit, which worked especially well in the last few miles, when I was flagging a bit. I just kept them in my sights. About 1/2 mile before the finish, there was an unfortunate runner down, a young man who wobbled and then tumbled. I slowed to see if I could help, but the medics on bicycles had already arrived and were radioing for assistance. They didn't need my expert dermatological skills, so off I went. And then the finish line was in sight! I just kept plodding along at my 8 minute pace, when suddenly someone tapped my left shoulder and said, "Let's go!" It was one of my pace bunnies! In my mind, I was saying, "Are you kidding? This is as fast as my feet can go." But in the next second I amazed myself by sprinting with this terrific fellow runner! We had such a wonderful time in those last seconds of the race, and I'm so glad she pushed me. 1:44:46, for exactly an 8:00 min/mile pace! It blew my mind that I was so spot on target for my pace! 275/1609 overall, and 13/178 in my age group. Good enough to allow myself to splurge on a pig-out lunch of Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup, a pulled pork sandwich, and a glass of Riesling. I'll edit to post my race pictures once they are up! So, this makes my 4th PR in 7 weeks (marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K). I'm starting to get spoiled. --Robin IP: Logged
Rich in NH Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 06:29 PM It was fun seeing you today Robin, I knew from your posts you'd be there, but never saw you in the crowds before the start. I struggled today, finishing in 2:03:55. You looked STRONG going away from me, congratulations on a great race! The tech shirt we got today was awesome, wasn't it? IP: Logged
henrun Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 06:31 PM Robin, wonderful report and wonderful race. It makes me wish I had done it. You're aging to perfection (as stated by Marj). IP: Logged
Dark Horse Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 06:32 PM Robin, Love your reports as always. I believe I know the bridge you ran over. Great that you met Rich in VT. Dark Horse ------------------ I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course IP: Logged
Doctor Wu Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 06:40 PM Living up here for the last seventeen years you'd have thunk I'd have run Covered Bridges at least once. But coming one week after VCM and closing out in online registration within days are two excuses for me missing this fine event. I hear it's about 90% out of staters. Thanks for a nice report. It makes me want to fit it into next years schedule, even if only as a fun run. And it certainly sounds better than the disaster of a 10k that I ran today! You really are on a roll with the PR streak. Cherish them. [This message has been edited by Doctor Wu (edited Jun-03-2007).] IP: Logged
hally Moderator of Boomers and Beyond	posted Jun-03-2007 07:12 PM As always a fun report to read Robin and WTG on your PR and your excellent pacing. AND LOL at the dermatological skills, guess the guy didn't stumble over a boil somewhere uncomfortable Can't wait for the pics Barb IP: Logged
Sans Souci Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 07:23 PM LOL, hally. I laughed at the same passage, Robin. Can't wait for the pics. It sounds beautiful. Sure wish I had a teleporter to come out to that side of the continent more often. You're running so well and I know there are PRs to be smashed in the near future too. Go, Robin, go! IP: Logged
Ileneforward Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 08:03 PM Faster and faster, more and more fashionable and beautiful, you aren't aging to perfection; you are perfection. This race sounds so gorgeous, it really must be a wonderful one to make a destination race. Congratulations on the steady 8 minute miles, over hills and dales and bridges and all! IP: Logged
cajohnson5 Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 08:13 PM quote: Originally posted by rtravers: I had a terrific night's sleep, having fallen asleep side by side with my 3 year old son as I put him down to bed at 9 PM. I hardly knew what to do with myself after 9 hours of sleep! * * * So, this makes my 4th PR in 7 weeks (marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K). I'm starting to get spoiled. --Robin Gee whillickers, girl. I think it's fairly obvious what you do with yourself after 9 hours of sleep ... you go out and get yourself another PR! So glad a race that means so much to you turned out this way. That sprint to the finish was delightful to hear! cj IP: Logged
Spareribs Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 08:18 PM Gee, much as I hate to see you fast women beating up my buddies on the 50+ thread, I have to admit I am glad it was you having a good race. Very well done RT. You are in super shape right now. Keep at it. Spareribs IP: Logged
MarkGuy Cool Runner	posted Jun-03-2007 11:11 PM Robin, congratulations on yet another PR. Impressive that you hit your target pace perfectly. It's nice to be picked up like that at the end. I bet this is a gorgeous course. I loved Woodstock the one time my DW and I were there. IP: Logged
mariposai Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 12:13 AM quote: Originally posted by rtravers: I was aiming for 8:00 minute miles, The course was simply lovely, especially crossing over the covered bridge in Woodstock, which I positively scampered over, it was just so darned much fun to run on! Some hills at mile 5 and 8 made the going rough, but they had so many bands on the road that kept the beat. Some accordian bands, some garage-rockers, some high school drum corps, and some bagpipers...they all lifted my spirits! 1:44:46, for exactly an 8:00 min/mile pace! --Robin [/B] Wow, what a way to implement your target finish goal. I just absolutely love your report. Specially since I am one of those who would be lost at having so much fun to forget to push it to get a better time. uhhhhh maybe I should be reading more of your RRs so I can know how to do both: run fast and have fun. Way to go dear Robin ------------------ "Everyone in life is looking for a certain rush. Running is where I get mine." IP: Logged
tselbs Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 05:51 AM Robin, I don't know what's better, the speedy race with nice PR or having a great time on a beautiful course. Maybe it's all tied together. Congratulations. TomS ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
runningindc Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 06:26 AM Robin, great race, nice surroundings, and WTG on that PR. Thanks for sharing the experience. ------------------ Running in wellness Liz Lizs Profile IP: Logged
rochrunner Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 08:16 AM Great job, Robin! The weather you described sounds similar to what we had in Ann Arbor yesterday, but apparently it didn't bother you much. And that string of PRs is looking really good, too. I was especially glad to hear that you didn't have any GI issues. When I read the part about the waffles, I started thinking "Oh, no!", but apparently they didn't bother you. Great to see that you enjoyed the race and surroundings even as you set such a good time. Sometimes it's either one or the other, but your always-optimistic attitude lets you do both. ------------------ - Runnin' in Rochester Rochrunner IP: Logged
yogini runner Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 08:26 AM Soooper Job! Isn't that a gorgeous course? I had my HM PR there last year. Keep up the good work! IP: Logged
Canfit Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 03:40 PM Well, I've taken notes ....get 9 hours sleep and scamper over bridges! Great race and PR, Robin! You had a lot of energy going for you in that race. Keep it up! PJ IP: Logged
ThunderBolter Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 05:56 PM ---> Congrats, Robin, on a mega-PR in far-from-ideal conditions [meteorologically speaking, at least]. Personally, I felt quite mugged by the muggies by the last couple of miles. Isn't the course just about as buCOWlic as it can get ? ! And how often does one get the opportunity to scamper across a covered bridge ? ? . . . . e k i M ~ IP: Logged
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 06:04 PM Wait...Mike...were you THERE???? Darn it, I scanned the crowd for folks I might know, but I must have missed you! BuCOWlic is precisely the word to describe this course! --Robin IP: Logged
La Tortuga Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 07:47 PM Robin - I have wanted to run this race for years. Thank you so much for the lovely description - nicely run indeed! Trails - were on, but...I thought we needed a pre-run shopping bout first. I mean, just in case we need something for this activity, like shoes??? IP: Logged
ptbrown Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 08:11 PM Great race! Congratulations on your careful planning and doing well in front of your family. Ilene, did you notice that the east coast ladies are racing in "Nude"? IP: Logged
Tetsujin30 Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 08:54 PM robin - PR's in each of the standard distances in seven weeks may not only be a boomie record but also warrent Guinness recognition. I hope you can find some five milers, 12K's, etc. too. In the meantime, get your in-line skates out and let's go show jura how to do a sub-2 marathon. uhm, .. . ilene do you do the FR part of in-line skating too? IP: Logged
SkipAZ Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 09:53 PM You're on a roll Robin! Don't stop now! Sounds like a beautiful course and fun race. Congrats on the big PR! What are you going to do for an encore? Skip IP: Logged
vista129 Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 10:05 PM I was honestly enjoying the race report.....running well....chasing rabbits...meeting Rick in NH.....8 min pace and THEN got side tracked by VERMONT CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP I never read another thing and can't remember anything. Anyway.....whatever you said.....something about another PR...etc...etc......THANKS FOR MENTIONING THE SOUP. ------------------ vista129 IP: Logged
millbot Cool Runner	posted Jun-04-2007 11:03 PM quote: Originally posted by rtravers: 1:44:46, for exactly an 8:00 min/mile pace! So, this makes my 4th PR in 7 weeks (marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K). I'm starting to get spoiled. Sorry Robin, as I calculate it you averaged 7:59.847 per mile. Approximately. That was a really cool way to finish. Congratulations on the latest in a string of PRs! IP: Logged

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