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.And another reason there needs to be a Mini Me Division in all forms of racingPrepping for tomorrow's Run/Kayak Du, I had to add "stool" to my multi-sport checklist to be sure I can reach high enough to lock my kayak on the roof rack (AND I HAVE A TINY CAR). I am sure those in the Clydesdale Division will not have the same issues!!!!
The tough love I receive here is special.And another reason there needs to be a Mini Me Division in all forms of racing
At least you don't live in the same fear during a race as the Clydesdale's do. They are just one fall away from being shot in the headAnd another reason there needs to be a Mini Me Division in all forms of racing
Regarding running, it always helps to have a schedule and a plan. That way you MUST force yourself to run x miles at y pace.
. I had about 20 of them in my head.
. Someone had a sprinkler set up which I thought I would enjoy running through but didn't really love it for some reason Was able to pass quite a few people down the stretch which felt really good.
Great first race. Those types of races always remind me of this:JP Morgan Chase Corp Challenge (3.5 mi) - Of course I had to pick a race with 13,000+ people to be my first ever. I started getting pretty nervous as it got closer to start time but overall I felt pretty good. We got to the race site early so there was a lot of sitting around. My company had about 50 people attending with about half actually racing (including a few walkers). A lot of people had starting eating and boozing it up already so that was a little tough to resist. I noticed that people had different color bibs on and it became apparent that this was how they were going to have us line up. There were 3 colors - red, yellow, and green (I guess based on a predicted finish time that you filled in when registering for the race, I can't remember what I put on mine). The red group would go out first followed by the yellow and then green. They waited 2-4 minutes to start between groups. I ended up in the yellow group (the only one from my company) so I made my way to the start alone. I could tell right away that I probably put too slow of a finish time down as it was obvious that some people in the yellow group were going to be pretty ####### slow.Mile 1 (7:43) - Finally the horn goes and I start to make my way out. Took me a good 5 minutes to cross the starting line. I really wanted to get out fast but it just wasn't happening. Every time I'd start to get going a little I'd run into a wall of people. I probably ran sideways as much as I ran straight ahead. Just a mass of people. I tried following a few guys up onto the sidewalk and ended up running into a group that was at a dead stop. Pretty frustrating.Mile 2 (7:27) - Crowd thinned a bit but it was still a lot of zig-zagging. A few times I'd find myself kind of zoning out and getting stuck at the same pace of the group around me (which was too comfortable). In particular behind this great looking brunette - nice tan, great shape and a little tattoo on her back shoulder. I think I stared at her dumper for about a 1/4 mile. Alas she was too ####### slow and I had to pass her. I can't remember the bib number either
Good job, Sean. Large races pretty much always have congestion problems at the beginning. It's harder to turn in a really blazing time in a big 5K than it would be in a smaller event. Glad you enjoyed your first race, with many more to come.JP Morgan Chase Corp Challenge (3.5 mi) - Of course I had to pick a race with 13,000+ people to be my first ever. I started getting pretty nervous as it got closer to start time but overall I felt pretty good. We got to the race site early so there was a lot of sitting around. My company had about 50 people attending with about half actually racing (including a few walkers). A lot of people had starting eating and boozing it up already so that was a little tough to resist. I noticed that people had different color bibs on and it became apparent that this was how they were going to have us line up. There were 3 colors - red, yellow, and green (I guess based on a predicted finish time that you filled in when registering for the race, I can't remember what I put on mine). The red group would go out first followed by the yellow and then green. They waited 2-4 minutes to start between groups. I ended up in the yellow group (the only one from my company) so I made my way to the start alone. I could tell right away that I probably put too slow of a finish time down as it was obvious that some people in the yellow group were going to be pretty ####### slow.Mile 1 (7:43) - Finally the horn goes and I start to make my way out. Took me a good 5 minutes to cross the starting line. I really wanted to get out fast but it just wasn't happening. Every time I'd start to get going a little I'd run into a wall of people. I probably ran sideways as much as I ran straight ahead. Just a mass of people. I tried following a few guys up onto the sidewalk and ended up running into a group that was at a dead stop. Pretty frustrating.Mile 2 (7:27) - Crowd thinned a bit but it was still a lot of zig-zagging. A few times I'd find myself kind of zoning out and getting stuck at the same pace of the group around me (which was too comfortable). In particular behind this great looking brunette - nice tan, great shape and a little tattoo on her back shoulder. I think I stared at her dumper for about a 1/4 mile. Alas she was too ####### slow and I had to pass her. I can't remember the bib number either
Oh well, at least I got a good workout in.
Well done...and yeah, for the first race...have plenty ahead of you to get that PR down.
Great RR. As I read your report, I was worried you missed the whole "experience" of it all a bit. Glad to see you hit on this at the end. As you look back on this down the road, I'd guess time will matter very little and thoughts of "man, I ran a dang 5K with 13,000+ runners" will matter more. If you haven;t found it already, take a look at Athlinks. Its an awesome way to keep track of all your race results and it populates some automatically. I was looking at my results the other day and I have 71 races tracked. I have 5 or 6 events that I haven't been able to link results to, but it has the rest and some very cool analytic tools.
I just signed up and claimed my races. What analytic tools in particular? I just see dates, distances, paces and what place I came in. (It is nice to see them all together like that.)
Yeah I think I was just a little overwhelmed at first but I eventually let myself enjoy the experience. Thanks for the link. I hadn't heard of the site before - looks pretty cool. I noticed on the FBG calendar you are running with your son for his first race this weekend? Sounds cool. How old is your son? Is he excited?
Great race and report, Sean.
I'm racing tomorrow, too. For whatever reason, it wasn't on the calendar, so I just added it.
We had to can the race due to our baseball schedule and I forgot to switch things up on the calendar. I am still racing a run/kayak Du tomorrow instead and then rushing to a baseball game after. We are looking for another trail race soon, but they fall off after the spring. He and I are signed up to do Warrior Dash in late July and have plans to get in some trail runs as part of his summer running for Cross Country in the fall.
'2Young2BBald said:And another reason there needs to be a Mini Me Division in all forms of racing
Top end power takes a crap load of training to get back. Awesome that you were able to even attempt hill repeats after running in the heat. My "heroics" are in the flat lands. What you do on hills, while hauling a much bigger frame, is freaking amazing! _______________'BassNBrew said:
Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
Were you running Waterfall Glen?
Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
Sprint/Splash 5K Run/5K Kayak Race Report (glad I don't have hair, I couldn't get my hands above my shoulders to wash it, at the moment, if I did).One of the things I was trying to do this year, was try and relax on the nights before events. Things were going pretty well, until this morning. Unlike the stress of the swim for a tri that would keep me up, I think this was pure excitement of trying something new. I was up at about 4:30am, laid there for about 20 minutes and then said screw it and got up. Good morning routine and left about 15 minutes earlier than I had planned on. Beautiful, but rather warm (75) and muggy morning and the lake (Lake St Clair) had a lot more chop compared to what I saw last night when I dropped my kayak off. Dropped my paddle, life jacket and camel back in my kayak and set up for a quick transition and headed back to the 5K start area.For a first time event, this was pretty well run and the gun went off close to on time. With you guys in my head, I Sanded the first mile (relative) in 7:13. I thought I'd hydrated enough, but was already cotton mouthed and had no idea where (or if any) water stops would be. Mile two had some wind and I slowed a bit and was pray for a water stop (they had one at the 3K mark. Small rinse was all it took). Finished the last mile strong. I'll need to look at Garmin data, but I'd guess I ran the third mile faster than the second. Finished in 23:33 putting me in the top 10.Quick transition, just popped on the jacket and ran into the water. So glad I over thought hydration. I noticed that grabbing a water bottle was a pain and gets the boat off line. This is why I packed the camelback, having the tube right next to my right arm. I was able to get a BIG drink right away, too big. I was already queasy like most are after a 5K and the big drink and the wave had me feeling :X After a Montana Huckleberry Hammer Gel flavored verp, I actually felt better. I was moving pretty good and passed a few guys in the first mile and was passed by two. By the time the Garmin chimed a mile, I was the 8th kayak and was distancing myself from the next guys. 5K in a kayak is a long way, but I never stopped rowing. At the last turn for home, I was gaining on the guy in front of me, when he turned on the jets and sped away. I tried to keep up, but my arms were toast and I had a comfortable 75 yard or so lead on the guy behind. At the beach, you could exit and leave your boat for a run up the beach and across a short grass area to cross the finish line. Hadn't planned on what my legs would feel like after running a hard 5K and then pinning them, firm, on the kayak pegs. It was bizarre standing up and I wanted to run hard in as there was a crowd. It was like trying to run on a moon walk. It took everything I had to build any speed without falling over.Finished the 8th kayak with an over time of 1:09
x, but found out one was part of a relay (and I beat the other 5 relays). When they posted the results, I was tops in my AG and only a little more than 4 minutes behind the winner (and he had what had to have been at least a 14' long kayak). Very proud of how well I did. The 5K time was faster than I would have expected with zero speed training lately. And, amazed myself with being able to maintain a constant paddle, considering this was only my 4th time in a kayak. Rushed back after the event to be part of coaching my team to a nice 9 to 4 victory. Both the race and the game were over by noon. Not a bad day so far!!! Me and the couch are going get close here for some TV and a nap.
I love the Waterfall Glen trail, but this was pure urban training (I live in Oak Park): some 1.2 mile loops that cross over the Eisenhower x-way and back in Forest Park (by the Ferrara Pan candy factory). Do you still think you'll do Downers Grove in two weeks?2Young - Awesome, awesome stuff. What fun!!! Congrats on the podium. They do 'regular' awards?Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
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11 miles for me this a.m. featuring 10 hard reps (6:15 pace) on some 150m inclines. Also pushed five of the downslopes at 6:00/mile.
Excellent Work!!! FWIW: you can right click and save the picture.
Outstanding 2Young!!!!!!!!!!!! You've earned a sofa day!!Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
For a first time event, this was pretty well run and the gun went off close to on time. With you guys in my head, I Sanded the first mile (relative) in 7:13. I thought I'd hydrated enough, but was already cotton mouthed and had no idea where (or if any) water stops would be. Mile two had some wind and I slowed a bit and was pray for a water stop (they had one at the 3K mark. Small rinse was all it took). Finished the last mile strong. I'll need to look at Garmin data, but I'd guess I ran the third mile faster than the second. Finished in 23:33 putting me in the top 10.
Quick transition, just popped on the jacket and ran into the water. So glad I over thought hydration. I noticed that grabbing a water bottle was a pain and gets the boat off line. This is why I packed the camelback, having the tube right next to my right arm. I was able to get a BIG drink right away, too big. I was already queasy like most are after a 5K and the big drink and the wave had me feeling :X After a Montana Huckleberry Hammer Gel flavored verp, I actually felt better. I was moving pretty good and passed a few guys in the first mile and was passed by two. By the time the Garmin chimed a mile, I was the 8th kayak and was distancing myself from the next guys. 5K in a kayak is a long way, but I never stopped rowing. At the last turn for home, I was gaining on the guy in front of me, when he turned on the jets and sped away. I tried to keep up, but my arms were toast and I had a comfortable 75 yard or so lead on the guy behind. At the beach, you could exit and leave your boat for a run up the beach and across a short grass area to cross the finish line. Hadn't planned on what my legs would feel like after running a hard 5K and then pinning them, firm, on the kayak pegs. It was bizarre standing up and I wanted to run hard in as there was a crowd. It was like trying to run on a moon walk. It took everything I had to build any speed without falling over.
Finished the 8th kayak with an over time of 1:09
Rushed back after the event to be part of coaching my team to a nice 9 to 4 victory. Both the race and the game were over by noon. Not a bad day so far!!! Me and the couch are going get close here for some TV and a nap.
Great race...sounds like a lot of fun as well.Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
343 and big head phone girl...nice.
Damn I hate all you new fast people.Nice run.
Congrats 2young.Wanted to get your opinion on your kayak. Mine is similair. I've done one race in it which was 2.5 miles with the current. My time was 27:13. The best time was 21:06 by a pro-caliber guy. A female who I should have beaten was 23:41. I was busting #### and several people flew by me like I was standing still. This was in Asheville, which is a kayaking area. I just felt like I was at the point that a 20% increase in effort was yeilding < 5% in return. Did you feel like you were at that wall where it would take a ton of effort to get a little return in speed?Reason I'm asking is that I'm going to do a tri later in the year with a 12 mile paddle. I'd hate to give up 30 minutes on this leg.Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
Big Headphones girl = #83 I would have raced behind either of them without regard to time.
Of course you are. Probably only bc you couldn't find one with a 13 mile paddle. I'm also guessing that the course is all upstream, and that they only let you use fly swatters as paddles.
Basically, yes, I was at that wall. The guy that won it overall had a 14' with a keel. His stroke looked effortless, whereas, I felt like I was busting #### the whole way. There were 2 more guys ahead with nicer kayaks and the other three we very much like mine. One guy was much slower on the run and was working hard and did pass me quite quickly and ran away. He ended up 3rd OA. It looked like he cut the course at one buoy, but they didn't do anything about it an no one ####### so I left it alone. For 12 miles (which I can't even process at the moment) I'd say any upgrade would be worth it. I saw where having an 11' over a 9' made a big difference for me. The guy that finished behind had biceps as big as my torso and was in a nice 9'. He should have smoked me I'd think, but the extra few feet cutting through the chop gave me the advantage. It looks like the prices more than double when you jump to those skinny 14 footers. If you have the money to upgrade and having an extra will allow you to get out on the water with the boys, I'd say its money well spent.Congrats 2young.Wanted to get your opinion on your kayak. Mine is similair. I've done one race in it which was 2.5 miles with the current. My time was 27:13. The best time was 21:06 by a pro-caliber guy. A female who I should have beaten was 23:41. I was busting #### and several people flew by me like I was standing still. This was in Asheville, which is a kayaking area. I just felt like I was at the point that a 20% increase in effort was yeilding < 5% in return. Did you feel like you were at that wall where it would take a ton of effort to get a little return in speed?Reason I'm asking is that I'm going to do a tri later in the year with a 12 mile paddle. I'd hate to give up 30 minutes on this leg.Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
And he has to catch at least 3 legal fish during the paddle too...and have them cleaned by the finish.Of course you are. Probably only bc you couldn't find one with a 13 mile paddle. I'm also guessing that the course is all upstream, and that they only let you use fly swatters as paddles.
Thanks man. I'll measure my rig and see how it compares with yoursBasically, yes, I was at that wall. The guy that won it overall had a 14' with a keel. His stroke looked effortless, whereas, I felt like I was busting #### the whole way. There were 2 more guys ahead with nicer kayaks and the other three we very much like mine. One guy was much slower on the run and was working hard and did pass me quite quickly and ran away. He ended up 3rd OA. It looked like he cut the course at one buoy, but they didn't do anything about it an no one ####### so I left it alone. For 12 miles (which I can't even process at the moment) I'd say any upgrade would be worth it. I saw where having an 11' over a 9' made a big difference for me. The guy that finished behind had biceps as big as my torso and was in a nice 9'. He should have smoked me I'd think, but the extra few feet cutting through the chop gave me the advantage. It looks like the prices more than double when you jump to those skinny 14 footers. If you have the money to upgrade and having an extra will allow you to get out on the water with the boys, I'd say its money well spent.Congrats 2young.Wanted to get your opinion on your kayak. Mine is similair. I've done one race in it which was 2.5 miles with the current. My time was 27:13. The best time was 21:06 by a pro-caliber guy. A female who I should have beaten was 23:41. I was busting #### and several people flew by me like I was standing still. This was in Asheville, which is a kayaking area. I just felt like I was at the point that a 20% increase in effort was yeilding < 5% in return. Did you feel like you were at that wall where it would take a ton of effort to get a little return in speed?Reason I'm asking is that I'm going to do a tri later in the year with a 12 mile paddle. I'd hate to give up 30 minutes on this leg.Per FB, 2Young's the Kayak King!!!
I'm not going to dump a bunch of cash, maybe catch something used or borrow. As an aside, I did get an offer for a loaner (some super-duper fiberglass rig) for the event mentioned above and my hips wouldn't fit into the opening.I did this event the the 12 mi paddle years ago but it was canoes only then. I was paddling some monster canoe you would use to camp and took 3.25 hours. I didn't even know racing canoes existed at the time, but wow do they move.Looks like the overall winner had a paddle time of 1:43 (2:14 bike / 2:13 run) while the 2nd overall finisher (8 min back)was 2:20 and (2:05 bike / 1:48 run). I don't care how good you are at paddling, if a guy can run 2 min/mi faster, he doesn't give roughly 40 minutes paddling unless there's technology differences.
