My First 1-Mile Race!

Today, actually tonight, I run my first 1-mile race! It's on roads, not track. The run is part of the Illinois Marathon race series. I've done the marathon and half-marathon, but not the 5K, 10K, or 1-mile races. After this year, guess I should run the 5k and 10k to have experienced them all. They are on different days, so I could do both 5k and 10k next year! Hmmm...

Since I've never run a 1-mile race, or trained for such a short event, I am at a loss trying to determine a reasonable race goal. I think 7:00 would be easy. 6:30 very hard. Maybe 6:45 is a good goal? According to my Stryd pod, my predicted finish time is 6:39. Garmin doesn't predict mile times. MacMillan Running predicts 6:46 (based on recent 5K race time). Looks like 6:45 is a good estimate. I'm pretty sure the world record is safe (3:43 for the mile). 

UPDATE: I ran 6:30 for the mile race! My A-goal achieved. Was first in age group (60-69). 26th out of 284 finishers. I'm happy. Think I'll do this race every year! 

Earth Day = Sandy Memorial Trail Run

20 years ago today, my sister Sandy passed away. As a simple way to remember her, I always take the day off from work. Then I go for a trail run (she liked nature). Then I donate to local human society in her name (she loved animals). Then I go out to lunch or dinner with my wife and raise a glass toasting my sister. Simple routine. It calms me. Can't believe it's been 20 years. Still miss her. One of these years, I'll run the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon (or Avenue of the Giants Marathon). Arcata was my sister's "home town" for college. Beautiful location. The redwoods are majestic. This could be my own "Boston" marathon. Or I could qualify for Boston, run that race, then still do one of these two "redwoods" marathons. I need more time to train and race. Guess I should retire soon! Really soon. 

Clinton Lake 30-Mile Ultra: Not For Me

The Clinton Lake 30-Mile Ultra was yesterday. I started the race back in 2007. I'm glad it's still going, but I did not run it yesterday. It's been a long time since I ran the race after I stopped directing it. I used to volunteer, but now I don't even do that. The race vibe I liked has disappeared. And I barely hear it advertised so often forget it is coming. Plus, no one asks me to volunteer or run it! Guess that is fine. One day, I may be back racing on those single-track trails around the northfork of Clinton Lake! Most likely just "running" and not "racing." Here are my likes and dislikes about that race in its recent form:

Like:

• Love the 10-mile loop. It's a beautiful trail with lots of variety. Many hills for central Illinois!
• Good aid stations. Only 2 aid stations, but they tend to be solid and staffed with excellent volunteers that know ultra runners needs. 
• Race director that is a ultramarathon runner himself. Makes a positive difference when the director knows ultras, the trails, and the runner needs.

Not like:

• Too expensive. Why do short ultras charge so much for a simple trail run? Volunteers are from the club. No police are closing roads. Easy access to aid stations. Nothing that costs extra! 
• Race requires runners to volunteer at another race or on trails. Volunteering by definition is by choice, not required. I applaud the need for more trail maintenance and race volunteering in general, but encourage it, don't require it.
• Addition of a 10-mile race. This is an ultra and it should stay focused on ultrarunners. Including young and old, fast and slow. Maybe add an early start for slower and older runners. No need for 10 mile race--it dilutes the ultra experience. 

Maybe I'll run it next year. Or not. Maybe they'll reduce the race fee, drop the 10 miler, eliminate the volunteer requirement, and add an early start for slower runners. Maybe not. Kudos to the race director and club for keeping the race going. It is their race and they make the decisions. Runners have choices too.