Temperatures have dropped considerably now that arctic air has finally moved in. Still, bright sunshine made it seem warmer and it was an invitation to get out.
Legs felt fine after yesterday. Hit the trails in the woods out back...snow was thin and well packed enough to safely leave the snowshoes behind but the Yaktrax were definitely needed.
Pretty uneventful and nice to be out in the woods. Had the forest all to myself. However, the evidence of some jackwagon who was out hiking yesterday was obvious...his now frozen over postholes screwed up the footing on one long section. That aside, great to be out. Fun to see all of the animal tracks in the snow.
Ran 7.8 miles @ 9:42/mile pace.
Trails w/ thin packed snow and ice.
Very hilly.
Upper teens to mid 20s, sunny, breezy.
Nike Waffle Racer VIII, Yaktrax Pro, long tights, fleece jacket, long sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Bradbury Squall Snowshoe Race Report
Very stoked and honored to get third place at today's Bradbury Squall 3.5 mile snowshoe race. Record field as well, with 62 finishers! That's awesome. This sport really is growing fast. That being said, a lot of people who would normally beat me with no problem weren't able to make it today, and that definitely helped me nab the podium. I'll gladly take it though.
Pre Race
Kate and I got there about an hour early...plenty of time to chit chat and allow time for a warm-up. It was also really warm out, so hanging out and socializing was pretty comfortable.
Ran a short warm-up for about 6/10 mile to get a feel for the conditions. I knew getting relatively ahead in the first tenth of a mile before the trail verged on to single track would be pretty crucial, so that was the plan.
First Half
We're off! Went as planned and I reached the single track with five people in front of me and one guy on my tail. One of the guys in front of me, Al, got off to a quick start but slowed down and was passed. I was feeling a little nauseous all morning, and the sharp twists and turns of the Island Trail weren't helping. I shook it off though.
About a half of a mile into, Ryan's calf problem made itself known and he had to drop. It of course sucks to see that happen to a good friend.
The guy who was right behind me was still right behind me and we were pulling away from the others. I wanted to shake this guy off, though. I could now hear him breathing really hard and heavy so I figured now was a good time, and I threw in a few surges on some short uphills and that did the trick.
Probably around mile one, I came up on George A. who was running the trails. He pulled to the side as I approached and said "Hey Jamie! Third place, great job!" Third place? I thought I was in fourth for some reason but I thought about it more and knew he was right. Scott H. and Jeremy B. were ahead of me. Scott was increasingly pulling away and Jeremy was for the most part gone.
Second Half
I rejoiced though when I was off the windy Island Trail and on to the more straight Lanzo Trail and made an effort to put down some speed here. Now the left turn on to the Link Trail. Nice. Straight trails where one could lay down the law easier.
However, I was also starting to get tired and was slowing down. My heart rate was jacked throughout and it was taking its toll. Even worse, there were now three guys behind me starting to gain ground. I first noticed them towards the end of the Island Trail but now they were closer.
Though I jumped out somewhat fast at the start, I don't think I overdid it. However, I wasn't running my kind of race. Just yesterday I posted that I run better with targets in front that I can chase down. This was the opposite. I was in the top three and had a pack of guys starting to inch their way closer. I was on defense, not offense, and I was already redlining. However, I really wanted that podium spot. Badly. I pushed harder.
The trail turned back on to single track before it would join the wider trail that goes past the O-Trail and would signify the end was near. Some short, steeper hills here and I did my best to keep moving and would steal glances behind me on the turns while trying not to look obvious. I seemed to be holding them off.
Finally reached the wider trail that goes past the O-Trails and there was less than a half mile to go. It crested a hill and I floored it on the downhill and hopefully put some distance between myself and the chase pack so they wouldn't smell blood if they still saw me by the time they crested the hill.
Trail turned left and then right and the finish line was soon in sight. Crossed the finish line in third place and was really stoked and glad it was over.
Post Race
Went for a cooldown run (sans snowshoes) with Jeremy, Scott, Zach and one of their friends. Just an out and back on Route 9 for about a mile total. Happy to get back in time to see Kate finish and do so strongly. The Crossfit workouts she's been doing are really helping her with chronic muscle and tendon tightness and it showed today.
Awards ceremony and I nabbed a bag of Wicked Joe's Coffee for my prize. Very honored to share the podium with Jeremy and Scott, two good friends and super nice guys. Definitely a very fun race! HUGE thanks to Ryan and all of the volunteers for making it happen. Races like this are just a blast for so many people.
Afterwards, Kate and I headed to our friend Jim's house for lunch and hockey, but the warms temps had turned the pond to slush and skating was too difficult as a result. Still, we passed the puck around a bit before calling it good. Fun cap to the day!
Results
Ran 3.5 miles @ 8:21/mile pace.
Official Time: 29:11
Place: 3rd out of 62
Trails with packed snow.
Moderately hilly.
Lower 40s, partly sunny.
Dion 121 Snowshoes, New Balance MT110, long tights, sleeveless shirt, long sleeved shirt, gloves.
Pre Race
Kate and I got there about an hour early...plenty of time to chit chat and allow time for a warm-up. It was also really warm out, so hanging out and socializing was pretty comfortable.
Ran a short warm-up for about 6/10 mile to get a feel for the conditions. I knew getting relatively ahead in the first tenth of a mile before the trail verged on to single track would be pretty crucial, so that was the plan.
First Half
 |
| Courtesy: Maine Running Photos |
About a half of a mile into, Ryan's calf problem made itself known and he had to drop. It of course sucks to see that happen to a good friend.
The guy who was right behind me was still right behind me and we were pulling away from the others. I wanted to shake this guy off, though. I could now hear him breathing really hard and heavy so I figured now was a good time, and I threw in a few surges on some short uphills and that did the trick.
Probably around mile one, I came up on George A. who was running the trails. He pulled to the side as I approached and said "Hey Jamie! Third place, great job!" Third place? I thought I was in fourth for some reason but I thought about it more and knew he was right. Scott H. and Jeremy B. were ahead of me. Scott was increasingly pulling away and Jeremy was for the most part gone.
Second Half
I rejoiced though when I was off the windy Island Trail and on to the more straight Lanzo Trail and made an effort to put down some speed here. Now the left turn on to the Link Trail. Nice. Straight trails where one could lay down the law easier.
However, I was also starting to get tired and was slowing down. My heart rate was jacked throughout and it was taking its toll. Even worse, there were now three guys behind me starting to gain ground. I first noticed them towards the end of the Island Trail but now they were closer.
Though I jumped out somewhat fast at the start, I don't think I overdid it. However, I wasn't running my kind of race. Just yesterday I posted that I run better with targets in front that I can chase down. This was the opposite. I was in the top three and had a pack of guys starting to inch their way closer. I was on defense, not offense, and I was already redlining. However, I really wanted that podium spot. Badly. I pushed harder.
The trail turned back on to single track before it would join the wider trail that goes past the O-Trail and would signify the end was near. Some short, steeper hills here and I did my best to keep moving and would steal glances behind me on the turns while trying not to look obvious. I seemed to be holding them off.
Finally reached the wider trail that goes past the O-Trails and there was less than a half mile to go. It crested a hill and I floored it on the downhill and hopefully put some distance between myself and the chase pack so they wouldn't smell blood if they still saw me by the time they crested the hill.
Trail turned left and then right and the finish line was soon in sight. Crossed the finish line in third place and was really stoked and glad it was over.
 |
| Courtesy: Maine Running Photos |
Went for a cooldown run (sans snowshoes) with Jeremy, Scott, Zach and one of their friends. Just an out and back on Route 9 for about a mile total. Happy to get back in time to see Kate finish and do so strongly. The Crossfit workouts she's been doing are really helping her with chronic muscle and tendon tightness and it showed today.
Awards ceremony and I nabbed a bag of Wicked Joe's Coffee for my prize. Very honored to share the podium with Jeremy and Scott, two good friends and super nice guys. Definitely a very fun race! HUGE thanks to Ryan and all of the volunteers for making it happen. Races like this are just a blast for so many people.
 |
| Courtesy: Maine Running Photos |
 |
| Mmmm, coffee. |
Results
Ran 3.5 miles @ 8:21/mile pace.
Official Time: 29:11
Place: 3rd out of 62
Trails with packed snow.
Moderately hilly.
Lower 40s, partly sunny.
Dion 121 Snowshoes, New Balance MT110, long tights, sleeveless shirt, long sleeved shirt, gloves.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Easy Niner
Pretty warm out in the late morning. Headed out for an easy paced nine miler. Pretty uneventful all and all. Kept it chilled out since I'm saving the legs for tomorrow's Bradbury Squall snowshoe race. Looking forward to it.
Goals for tomorrow...not sure. Because of the conditions the course is different than last year, so a goal of beating last year's time isn't really prudent.
So that leaves looking at placings. Depending on who shows up could also be variable. That also leaves looking at specific targets, but I honestly don't have anyone in mind I'd like to chase down, other than the guy in front of me, so that's what I'll do.
I'm revealing my cards here, but I run best when I set out reasonably fast but also set myself up so I have enough gas to pick people off, particularly in the last quarter to a half of a race. Hopefully that'll unfold tomorrow.
Ran 9.2 miles @ 8:03/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Moderately hilly.
Mid to upper 30s, partly sunny.
Saucony Kinvara 3, long tights, windbreaker, short sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.
Goals for tomorrow...not sure. Because of the conditions the course is different than last year, so a goal of beating last year's time isn't really prudent.
So that leaves looking at placings. Depending on who shows up could also be variable. That also leaves looking at specific targets, but I honestly don't have anyone in mind I'd like to chase down, other than the guy in front of me, so that's what I'll do.
I'm revealing my cards here, but I run best when I set out reasonably fast but also set myself up so I have enough gas to pick people off, particularly in the last quarter to a half of a race. Hopefully that'll unfold tomorrow.
Ran 9.2 miles @ 8:03/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Moderately hilly.
Mid to upper 30s, partly sunny.
Saucony Kinvara 3, long tights, windbreaker, short sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Seven in Snowshoes
The school year is now officially halfway over and it's the Friday before a three day weekend. Yay! I was eager to get home, strap on the snowshoes and go for a run to celebrate.
Went well. Conditions were packed and fast but I was also surprised at how little snow there was on the trails. Rocks sticking out here and there and really thin snowpack for a few sections. That slowed me down in spots. About two miles worth of trails were unbroken, but it wasn't that much work getting through.
This was my longest snowshoe run ever. Very enjoyable and a lot of fun. No blood doping, EPO, steroids, etc. required.
Snowshoed 7.2 miles @ 10:24/mile
Trails, mostly packed snow.
Very hilly.
Upper teens, sunny.
Dion 121 snowshoes, New Balance MT110, long pants, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.
Went well. Conditions were packed and fast but I was also surprised at how little snow there was on the trails. Rocks sticking out here and there and really thin snowpack for a few sections. That slowed me down in spots. About two miles worth of trails were unbroken, but it wasn't that much work getting through.
This was my longest snowshoe run ever. Very enjoyable and a lot of fun. No blood doping, EPO, steroids, etc. required.
Snowshoed 7.2 miles @ 10:24/mile
Trails, mostly packed snow.
Very hilly.
Upper teens, sunny.
Dion 121 snowshoes, New Balance MT110, long pants, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Moderate Eight
Well, winter is back. After yesterday's snow, opted to hit one of my winter routes that goes through well plowed neighborhood streets with low speed limits.
Past two days off. Just didn't feel very motivated. Had to more or less force myself to run today but was glad I did. Decided to go at a moderate pace. Quads actually felt a touch sore despite the two days off. I can only guess that was from Sunday's downhills on slippery roads, so maybe the extra rest day wasn't entirely a shitty idea.
Snowshoe race on Sunday. With yesterday's snow and the cold temperatures, I imagine conditions will be pretty optimal. Looking forward to it. This marks a series of races I have coming up in the next month... including the Mid Winter 10 Mile Classic as well a 10 mile trail race down in Florida. Hopefully these will give me the spark I need.
Ran 8.0 miles @ 7:34/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Moderately hilly.
Mid 30s, partly sunny, breezy.
Saucony Kinvara 3, shorts, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, beanie, glove.
Past two days off. Just didn't feel very motivated. Had to more or less force myself to run today but was glad I did. Decided to go at a moderate pace. Quads actually felt a touch sore despite the two days off. I can only guess that was from Sunday's downhills on slippery roads, so maybe the extra rest day wasn't entirely a shitty idea.
Snowshoe race on Sunday. With yesterday's snow and the cold temperatures, I imagine conditions will be pretty optimal. Looking forward to it. This marks a series of races I have coming up in the next month... including the Mid Winter 10 Mile Classic as well a 10 mile trail race down in Florida. Hopefully these will give me the spark I need.
Ran 8.0 miles @ 7:34/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Moderately hilly.
Mid 30s, partly sunny, breezy.
Saucony Kinvara 3, shorts, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, beanie, glove.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Turbo January Thaw
Alright, this January thaw is getting ridiculous. Mid 50s today? Really? Sure, the end is in sight, with colder air moving in this week. However, the brutally cold arctic air mass the weather folks were beating the drum about last week has lessened to a finger tapping. Still, it'll at least knock us back down to normal but much of the snow has already melted. Sigh...
So while it was apparently good running weather, I'd prefer to have it in March where it belongs after a brutally cold winter that makes me appreciate it. Took the pace easy. I think some hill repeats may be in order tomorrow.
Ran 5.0 miles @ 8:06/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Slightly hilly.
Mid 50s, partly cloudy.
Brooks Mach 13, shorts, long sleeved shirt.
So while it was apparently good running weather, I'd prefer to have it in March where it belongs after a brutally cold winter that makes me appreciate it. Took the pace easy. I think some hill repeats may be in order tomorrow.
Ran 5.0 miles @ 8:06/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Slightly hilly.
Mid 50s, partly cloudy.
Brooks Mach 13, shorts, long sleeved shirt.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Comfort Loop
Nice 16+ miler today at an easy pace. Opted to run a comfort loop so I could have the option to stop by the house for water or food with each lap. This is a great idea in inclement weather. However, hardly the case today with warm temps and no precipitation. Still, a hunch said to do it, so I did.
Truth be told, I had planned on another lap to get me 22 miles, but the legs were starting to feel tight so I called it good after three loops (a bit over five and a half each lap). Most of the downhill was on a seldom traveled, snow-coated dirt road. The slippage gave the quads more of a workout than usual, but that's a good thing.
Capped off an okay week. Some solid workouts, but overall the mileage wasn't there, thanks to two rest days. I need to start getting my butt more into gear.
Ran 16.7 miles @ 8:45/mile pace.
Paved and snow coated dirt roads.
Very hilly.
Around 40 degrees, overcast, foggy.
Saucony Kinvara 3, shorts, windbreaker, short sleeved shirt, buff, gloves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)