May Saw Little Work, Lots of Racing!

In late April I ran my first 1-mile race. It went well!  Ran a 6:30 mile at age 60. Not too shabby for this old ultrarunner. On May 1, I retired from my job of 30+ years. I had no immediate vacation plans, so why not race every weekend? So I did. Here are my 5k race results for 5 Saturdays in May (I count Parkrun 5Ks as races since I run them hard):

• May 2: 21:53 actual Kerby Derby race (323 W)
• May 9: 22:53 parkrun (322 W)
• May 16: 24:18 tempo run on treadmill (281 W) 
• May 23: 23:51 parkrun (301 W)
• May 30: 23:52 parkrun in Pittsburgh (313 W)

Some variation, but fairly consistent results. I need to pace myself better from the start using power (watts) as my guide. I tend to go out too fast! Surprised the tempo run was as fast as it was at only 281 watts. Clearly I can do about 320-325 W for a 5k race. Just need to do that steadily from start to finish rather than zooming off at 330-350W at the start, then slowing to barely over 300W at the end. 

Running will suffer while the World Cup unfolds over the next 5 weeks. I'll get in another "out of town" parkrun in Seattle as I catch a soccer match or two. Or five. While watching soccer, I need to get in some long runs for my 4 upcoming ultramarathons: Backyard Ultra in July, Howl at the Moon 8-hour in August, Limestone Rocks 8-hour in September, and Allerton Free Ultra in October. Yikes! Then in early November I have a planned fast half-marathon. I should have the endurance by November, just need tom hold a touch of speed...and not get injured. Hey, I'm retired so I should be older and wiser. I can do this. Really, I can. 

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.