| Author |
Topic: LL Bean 10K RR – This one left me in Stitches! |
bobscamman
Cool Runner |
 posted Jul-06-2007 07:36 AM
   
Sorry this is a little late, but I have been busy and really wanted to post this with the photos.This was to be a tune up and judge of where I might stand in my efforts for a sub 40 at my goal race at the Beach to Beacon 10K on August 4th. So my goal was to run as close to 40:00 as I could, but I would be pretty happy to be around 42:00 – 42:30. I met up with three of my running friends, the photo shows Jerry, me, Joel and Brian:
 After a nice pre-race warm up of 1.6 miles we were ready to go and headed for the start. While standing around “Alexis” came over and said hi, she is the girl that I ended up out kicking at the finish at the Sugarloaf 15K and she wanted to know what I was looking to run today. I explained that I was going to go out at a sub 40 pace of 6:25 miles and try to run as close to that pace as possible but that I thought I might more realistically be in the 42 – 42:30 range and she said she would love to tag along as she hoped to run around 42 as well. The race started pretty much on time and we were off, this photo shows me and Alexis just to my left just after the start of the race:  I really enjoyed running with Alexis and explained to her that I was going to give it everything I had to maintain a 6:25 average pace and that I didn’t want to go out too fast which I had a bad habit of doing especially with the quick down hill start at this race. So we talked and pulled it back a bit after rounding the first curve and coming off the down hill at what was about a 5:30 pace. We did a great job though as we passed the 1st mile marker in 6:24. I was quite pleased with that and knew that if I could keep it up especially through the hills I would be in pretty good shape. During the next mile we passed quite a few of the “rabbits” and I was feeling pretty good. And we passed the second mile marker in 6:30. That wasn’t bad and I was pretty happy with that since there was a pretty good 100 foot climb over about a .25 mile of the second mile. Alexis began to drop off somewhere after the second mile as I realized she wasn’t with me anymore and I was cruising along pretty good setting my sights on runners and picking them off as I went along. Well this is where this race took a “tumble” so to speak. At around 2.5 miles into the race I felt something hit my right foot and went to look back when all of a sudden I realized I was going a$$ over tea kettle. I know my instincts took over and I put my hands out and landed mostly on my right side and my head slammed into the pavement with a thud…damn that hurt. Well of course I was dazed and a bit confused, several runners stopped, including Brian who was just ahead of me but I motioned for him to continue on. I grabbed my right sneaker unlaced it and put it back on and re-tied it. Then the runner to my left said “you’re bleeding pretty badly from your head, and I could feel the blood as it began to trickle down into my left eye and onto my left cheek. I instinctively took off my Garmin and the sweat band that I usually wear and used that to soak up the blood. One of the runners asked if I wanted them to get me some medical assistance and I immediately said no way, worrying that they wouldn’t let me finish if I did that. So with that I started running with my Garmin in my right hand and my left hand holding my now blood soaked sweat band to my head. As I started running I had no idea at that time if I would really be able to finish the race, but with each step I took I became more convinced that I could do it, hell it was only a little cut…no broken bones, no quitting, onward and upward…quite literally! I ended up passing the 3rd mile marker in 7:02. As I would pass water stops, grabbing a cup of water at each I might add or any other volunteers I would get quite a look and of course the “are you ok” or “do you need medical assistance” and I would just wave and let them know I was fine. I had no idea how far I had fallen behind Brian or Alexis and knew that anything close to a 40:00 was down the tubes at this point so I figured I would settle into this pace and finish nice and strong. As I was going along it was a bit of a pain in the butt to have to run with my left hand up to my head for a good part of the time, but I found that if I didn’t for too long I would start bleeding again. As I trudged along at what I figured to be a 7:00 pace I began picking off more runners and found that I wasn’t being passed anymore either, now that felt pretty good and gave me a bit of a boost. I passed the 4th mile marker at 7:00 even. I knew that this next mile was the toughest as it had a really good hill about midway through and I continued on getting quite a few “good job”, “way to tough it out man” and other appropriate comments from runners that had seen me either go down or down and getting up etc. I passed mile marker 5 at 7:02 feeling pretty good and headed down the final stretch of straight away as we were headed towards downtown Freeport and the LL Bean Store where the race finishes. I could clearly see a few guys in front of me that I thought were probably in my age group along with a few others and set my sights on them. I simply maintained my pace and figured I would finish at this pace and then kick it in at the finish and try to go by them. I even thought I could see Alexis pink shirt up quite a ways and figured I probably wouldn’t be able to catch her, but would get as close as I could. I passed the 6th mile marker in 6:54. I began to pick it up a little as I got closer to the finish, the crowds got larger and I felt stronger as I began to kick and passed the whole group I had been eyeing. It was just about then I heard my wife and saw her as she snapped a few photos. One youngster with no shirt on passed me just before the finish line I didn’t see him so he came from behind me.
Here are a couple of photos from the finish:
 This was what my cut looked like right after the finish:  This is the nice sewing job that the doctor did:
 And this is me today, nice black eye huh:  So bottom line – I still set a “course” PR knocking off 45 seconds from my previous best with an official time of 42:44 – 8th in my AG – 111th OA out of 711 finishers. So even though I am disappointed with what took place, I am thankful that nothing was broken (my nose is already big enough and couldn’t take another break)! And I actually have gained a lot of confidence as I know my time would have been much better and I think I probably would have placed 3rd or better had I not fallen – third was 41:22 and second was 41:12 my friend Jerry took second. This gives me a great deal of confidence in my ability to run very close to 40 if not the allusive sub 40 next month at the Beach to Beacon 10K. If you made it through all of this thanks for reading and now you know what I meant by this one left me in stitches, oh yeah 8 to be exact!
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My User Profile "Keep on Running"
Bob
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henrun
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 07:56 AM
Bob, you did extremely well considering your ordeal. When I looked at the age group results and didn't see you in the top three I wondered what happened. Falls happen. You should reach your goal in the Beach to Beacon,
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angrek
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:04 AM
Wow, glad your ok Bob! Great race report and pictures. I'm completely jealous though, I'd love to run a race through Freeport! (I'm assuming that's where that is...)
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vista129
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:10 AM
As soon as I saw the title of your thread including the word "stitches" I thought "oh oh".I am glad that it was not worse, but that was a nasty little gash. You did extremely well to have gotten back into your pace and finish so strong. You are right about this building confidence. The upcoming "Beach to Beacon" race should be yours for the taking. Nice mug shots for the future, by the way. It looks like you didn't win that fight. Thanks for sharing everything. I always enjoy seeing how you are doing. I would love to be back in Maine running with you. ------------------
vista129
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:13 AM
Bob
I'd trip and fall too if I were pacing Alexis!  Kidding aside, wtg. That was a fine effort under difficult circumstances. "No broken bones, no quitting" our new motto.ksrunr
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fretless
Member |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:16 AM
Bob. You're amazing. Hope you heal fast.
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SkipAZ
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:16 AM
Yeowch! Talk about running on blood and guts! No lack of determination that's for sure. You are running really well Bob. That sub 40 will be yours next race (but try to avoid the need for stitches). I note you have discovered one of the fringe benefits of being a fast male masters runner.Skip
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runningindc
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:19 AM
Bob, thanks for the great RR. And way to keep a stiff upper lip in a crisis. And what graciousness, allowing someone like Alexis to pace with you. You truly have a big heart.  Excellent time and good running. Thanks for sharing your experience.------------------
Running in wellness Liz Lizs Profile
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:23 AM
One thing you did not mention here is how the form of running with one hand pressed to the side of your head had to have interfered mostly with your time. By that I mean, when you got up to run again, I am sure you ran with great effort, but it would have been impossible to get back to 6:25's without the use of one arm. You are a very gutsy runner, as I would certainly have bagged the run had that happened to me. Great story and pics Bob. Hope you are okay soon. Spareribs
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Coastwalker
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:28 AM
You're one tough runner, Bob! I'm amazed that you were able to get up after that nasty fall and get back on track as well as you did, and to finish right in the range that you wanted, and (incredibly) with a course PR. However, this is just another example of your tremendous determination and your ability to stay focused. I have no doubt that you'll have a fabulous race at BtoB next month!Oh, and uh, nice shiner... Jay
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spankee
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:35 AM
Who says running isn`t a contact sport. Nice motivation strategy running with Alexis at the start. Judging from the picture, I think I can speak for most Boomers when I say: You should have slowed down!! Perhaps the fall was just god`s way of whacking you on the head.Seriously, congrats on the run....and glad you have survived the fall to run another day.
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:37 AM
As a runner who has fallen in this past year, I must bow to your toughness. You are the man! Thanks for the great photos and blow by blow (pun intended) race report!
Incredible finish time, and glorious shiner!
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rochrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:42 AM
Which was the bigger disappointment, Bob -- not running your target time or not being able to run the whole course with Alexis?  That was really one heck of an experience. I've seen an occasional runner go down in a crowd and it is never pretty. Congratulations on toughing it out (although it was certainly not a surprise to me that you did!).------------------
- Runnin' in Rochester Rochrunner
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seemomgo
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 08:44 AM
Holy cow - amazing that you finished! The photos are terrific and add so much to this report. The mug shot at the end is absolutely the best! So sorry this happened to you...was this because of your sunglasses - I noticed you started with them, but didn't have them at the end. Take care of your head - maybe running with a helmet? Oh yeah, there's a picture!
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johnmaas
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 09:26 AM
Bob,
Nice RR, and way to tough it out after the bad fall!
Hope you heal up quickly.
You are truly a Boomer "God", attracting young female runners to your side....
Good luck at Beach to Beacon!
John
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MustangSally
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 09:48 AM
Wow.You'd better watch out for that Alexis: I bet she tripped you. Maybe you should run in close proximity to her for the next several races, just to be sure ------------------
Mustang Sally
Boomers and Beyond wiki
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maryt
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 09:53 AM
Owww!!!  That's going to be one nasty looking shiner. You are one tough runner for sure, but what a hard way to get a course PR!
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Jim24315
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 10:53 AM
Nice, BobIt looks more like you went 10 rounds than 10k! You needed a good cut man out there. This one should tighten you up a lot for your next try, and I believe that it will. Still, a very decent race in itself, all things considered. You're a tough ol' dude. Jim
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Fortunate One
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 11:14 AM
Bob, you sure ran a gutsy race. Congratulations on your course PR. I looked at a results page, and it looks like Alexis and your friend Joel got hardware. One fast group!Another thing I looked at was the picture of you shortly after the start. Your right showlace seems to be awfully floppy. I wonder if someone stepped on it, causing your fall. It is so nice to see a youngster (i.e., Alexis) seek out a Boomers as a pacing buddy. Thanks for the RR and good luck at B to B. ------------------
Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem
Profile
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Dark Horse
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 11:26 AM
Nice job, Bob. What was Alexis's time?Dark Horse ------------------
I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course
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bobscamman
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 11:26 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Fortunate One:
Bob, you sure ran a gutsy race. Congratulations on your course PR. I looked at a results page, and it looks like Alexis and your friend Joel got hardware. One fast group!Another thing I looked at was the picture of you shortly after the start. Your right showlace seems to be awfully floppy. I wonder if someone stepped on it, causing your fall. It is so nice to see a youngster (i.e., Alexis) seek out a Boomers as a pacing buddy. Thanks for the RR and good luck at B to B.
Fortunate One - that thought had occurred to me as well, but after the race I thought about it and I remember having to untie my shoe lace to put it back on and then having to tie it again. And I remember feeling something on the back of my foot, but who knows. What ever happened I took one heck of a header and hope that never happens again Joel usually takes hardware in his AG and of course Jerry took 2nd in our AG and Alexis well I can't say enought about her, she is a very sweet young lady and deserves to be rewarded. It was really nice that she remembered me from the Sugarloaf 15K and we had another very nice conversation. I was very pleased to see that she finished in 1st place in her AG as well! ------------------
My User Profile "Keep on Running"
Bob
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glidegal
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 12:09 PM
bob, you are tough and i'm glad you are pleased with the results of the race. i am surprised that no fines have been levied in light of your decision to continue---something I bet many of us admit we would have done too. all I could think of was how fast that blood was pumping out of that wound with your exertion.
I would NOT want anything to do with law enforcement and the face in that last (mug) shot. scared straight for sure! glidegal
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Dakota Ridgerunner
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 12:25 PM
Hey Bob, can you post your splits?I'm wondering if you didn't take the first mile too conservatively. I thought I ran the first mile WAY too fast, myself, but the fact that I still had a good kick at the finish would tell me otherwise. To me, I just think on a hilly course like LL Bean, you should always be faster than goal pace on the downhills. That leaves you room to go a bit slower on the uphills. Think "even effort" rather than "even pace". To echo everyone else, great job at this race. It was an exercise in durability!
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 01:20 PM
Ouch! That hurts me just looking at it. And you still kept running, and pretty darn fast, too. You are one of the tough guys, for sure. Thanks for the wonderful pictures, and a big GREAT JOB to you – setting a course PR in spite of having to leave a blood trail to do it!------------------
Holly
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2007 01:58 PM
I guess this wasn't a typical race report and I'm glad. You sure had some bad luck but did well in spite of it. You'll have one of the better stories to tell when you're with other runners, especially if you carry that last photo as evidence. Congrats on a tough performance from a tough runner.TomS
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