| Author |
Topic: Masters 10k at Paso Robles - RR |
Jim24315
Cool Runner |
 posted Sep-24-2007 06:46 AM
   
The short version:Time: 39:32 (PR)
Pace: 6:21.7
Age Grade: 83.66 (’94 factors); 85.19 (’06 factors)
Division Place: 5th 60-64
________________________________________________ The LONG one: This morning’s 10k race in Paso Robles, CA holds the prestigious title of “USA Masters National Championship”, but competition wise it was not much different from any other race in the Pacific Division of the USATF Grand Prix Series. Because of its out of the way location the race attracts only a small percentage of “name” runners from out of state. For the most part it is a California event. That being said, it was still the toughest 60-64 field I’ve ever faced. The winner, defending National Cross Country 10k champion, Chuck MacDonald, trounced the field with a 37:06. The next 2 after him were a long ways back, but still well under 39 minutes with 38:17 and 38:28 respectively. After that came one of my club team mates who ran 39:04, and then me with 39:32. Along with me on the 2 ˝ hour drive from San Jose were Lan and her 7-year old niece Cindy. This is a shot of us outside our motel after the race. The husband of the lady on the left was nice enough to take the picture. The lady, age 65, is a veteran of more than 20 marathons and still going strong.
 A rule for all National USATAF championships requires all competitors to wear “targets” on their backs that state their age group bracket. Here are a few of us oldsters jawing after the race--targets still attached.
 Me (right) with a friend at the registration tent.
Although it rained a lot on yesterday, the weather was beautiful for today’s race. Only the bright sun kept it from being perfect for a fast time. Temps were in 50’s and winds were calm. The start was about 4 minutes late, but otherwise went off without a hitch for masters 10k, which was limited to runners 40 and over. Having run a hard 5k last weekend and following it up with one of my highest mileage weeks of the year, I was a little concerned that me legs might be a little tired. However, I didn’t notice any major signs of fatigue during warm up or during the first mile of the race. I could only hope that the pattern would continue for another 5.2 miles. After passing through the 1st of two 5k loops in 19:43 I was cautiously optimistic that I’d be able to run another at close to the same pace. Passing by the start/finish banner at mid race can be tough psychologically, but any disadvantage in that regard was more than offset by the great boost we got from the cheering spectators who lined the streets of downtown Paso Robles.
For me the race became a battle against the clock and a couple age group rivals who remained in my sights throughout. Although one of them was too good for me on this day, I was able to get by one of them during the 2nd loop and build it to an 11 second margin by the finish, enabling me to make the top 5. I was extremely please with my finishing time of 39:32 which was a new PR, edging out the one I set in early August by 4 seconds. I was also very proud of my team, the West Valley Joggers and Striders, who won the team title for the 60-69 and most likely the 50-59 divisions. The official results have not been posted yet. Although individual age groups are broken up into 5-year increments, the team titles are 10 years. Thank you all for being here. Having a place like this to come to has been a real bright spot for me since I started logging in a couple years ago. Jim
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tnally
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 07:08 AM
Jim,
Congratulations on a fantastic race. Tough competition in the AG. Do you think the high mileage week helped or hindered your performance?Tom
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euphoric
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 07:35 AM
Yes, Jim, do talk about taper and the fabulous effect none had on your peak performance! You make this spot even brighter.
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 07:50 AM
Congratulations Jim -- what a fine race you ran. Enjoyed your report and the pics. The weather sounds wonderful.ksrunr
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Labduck
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 09:50 AM
Congrats Jim on the new PR. What a great race you ran, and thanks for the excellent race report.
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 09:56 AM
Hmmm, setting PRs are you? Still getting faster race after race, hey? I guess you may kno what you are doing after all! 
I love that you are posting pictures now too. Great report and great racing. You are looking good too!
Congratulations!
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Jim24315
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 10:10 AM
quote:
Originally posted by tnally:
Jim,
Congratulations on a fantastic race. Tough competition in the AG. Do you think the high mileage week helped or hindered your performance?Tom
Thank you Tom. Without question the increased mileage in recent months has helped me to race faster, but I don't know if it helped or hurt to run so much during race week. I felt fine during the race. Had I known for sure that I was going to be racing I probably would have cut back just a little. The trip to Paso Robles had been off and on several times due to family commitments.
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 10:11 AM
This is blowing me away. Remember how little time it was ago when you were working on that sub-40 and now you are way under it while running a lot of miles and racing, clearly in a peak of a nice long cycle. Good for you Jim. This was a pleasure to read. Spareribs
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Fortunate One
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 10:14 AM
Congratulation, Jim, on the excellent race (PR--wow) and RR. I checked out last year's results and it looks like your time this year (it's not really fair to compare years, due to weather, etc., but work with me here) would have gotten you third in AG. Keep it up.------------------
Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem
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norrin radd
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 12:58 PM
Way to go Jim.Your 10k PR didn't stand for long - may this one fall as quickly. Thanks for the report and pictures.
John
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Canfit
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 04:19 PM
Congratulations, Jim, on a great race! I always enjoy your race reports, reading what you learn and am constantly amazed at your performances. Nice pics too ...they really make your events come alive.
PJ
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Sans Souci
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 04:32 PM
Wow, Jim. Outstanding! Very impressive age grade too.You have a very "calm" writing style (if that makes any sense). I'm curious: Do you also run the same way? Do you prepare in a certain manner for each race (I'm thinking more mental preparation)? Congratulations on the PR and a great race. Wonderful pics.
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henrun
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 04:54 PM
Congrats, Jim. Great race and wonderful report. When I lived in Fresno I spent a fair amount of time in the Paso Robles area, mostly at the vineyards. It's usually quite hot.
I like the idea of having age groups on your back. I find it hard to check out my competition since most runners don't look their age.
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 05:04 PM
I agree -- what a pleasure to read! Nice racing, Jim! And I like the AG tags on the back. I've always thought that it made perfect sense in a triathlon and should be adopted for serious road races as well.
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Jim24315
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 08:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Sans Souci:
Wow, Jim. Outstanding! Very impressive age grade too.You have a very "calm" writing style (if that makes any sense). I'm curious: Do you also run the same way? Do you prepare in a certain manner for each race (I'm thinking more mental preparation)? Congratulations on the PR and a great race. Wonderful pics.
Thank you San Souci, One of the things I do try to concentrate on is staying just relaxed enough to keep from going over the edge--at least during the first half. However, I'm not very calm when race day draws near and seldom sleep well the night before. When possible I like to drive the course beforehand, and if it's a short one such as 5k, I will run it easy. Then I will think about how I'll run it during the hours before the start. I've been "accused" by some people of being obsessive. I always imagine myself moving along at a solid pace while staying relaxed and under control. I don't know how I manage to repeatedly trick myself into believing it, because it rarely ends up that way. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that at some point in a race it starts to hurt, and sometimes that point comes earlier than others. Thanks again
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 09:27 PM
Just wanted to say congratulations on your PR (wow, that's fast!) and thanks for the pictures. Like others before me, the AG on the back is an excellent idea.Hope your training continues to go well. ------------------
choover
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tallrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 09:28 PM
Jim,First congratulations. What a fantastic time. Way to go on executing a fine race plan and on the training leading up to it.... Time to race some more, more PR's are in store...hope to be where you are when I hit your AG. Tall
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jrescpa
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-27-2007 04:39 PM
Great pics and fantastic time. I like the idea of having the agegroup on the back of your jersey like triathlons.Jon ------------------
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-27-2007 05:55 PM
Good job, Jim. You and your team did well. Congrats on your PR and report, including pictures.TomS ------------------
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JJJessee
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-27-2007 06:49 PM
You've been laying down some stellar performances Jim. Congrats the PR.
Good reading,
jjj
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