Jodi and I met on January 1st thirty two years ago. We always do something together on our "anniversary" so I felt guilty about getting up early and leaving her to go run with a bunch of other crazy people but I explained to her when I gave up the Lovelace team, 2014 is my year of selfishly running for myself. I got up at about 6:30, fueled with what I have learned through experimentation what works for me, three pieces of white bread toast with a little bit of spray butter and a drizzle of honey along with a cup of coffee. I've read a lot about coffee helping runners if they do not consume it on a regular basis and as long as they drink it early enough on race day.
The Albuquerque Fat Ass 50k series is a series of free, unsupported (usually) events held throughout the year all over the Albuquerque area to enjoy the running, the trails and the amazing camaraderie of the runners. Today's run, the Fat Ass Hangover 50k event began at the home of Kelly (Perky) and Joaquin Garcia near the CNM Montoya Campus and headed up Bear Canyon under Tramway Blvd and into the Foothills. Perky did a great job of changing unsupported to very well supported. After spending the day before the event and preparing everything else she gave a good briefing before the race then met us at the turn around point for the half marathon with water, bananas and cookies.
Several runners did the 20 mile or 50k run but I decided that starting the year with a half marathon, a distance I knew was possible for me, would be my best bet. Plus it would be just a little over the distance of the 20k race I plan to do on the 25th of January, the Coldwater Rumble 20k in Phoenix.
I started the run too fast following on the heels then eventually distantly in sight of the faster runners so I slowed pretty quickly on the 3.3 mile uphill up the canyon. At one time I thought I was in last place but told myself I would only lose if I quit, and I wasn't about to do that. I had set a time, 3 hours, that I wanted to finish in. I didn't look at pace all day and it turned out pretty satisfactory in my book.
I was grinning pretty noticeably as I neared the turn around point and Perky's aid station. I knew the way I felt I could finish this thing. I had run a little longer only twice ever but I just had that feeling. I took it easy on the road mile at Gleenwood Hills Dr so I would have more in the tank when I got to the downhill.
I did make a wrong turn, or missed a turn actually, and had to backtrack about 1/4 mile and ran for a few minutes looking around for the flagging so I felt like I was a bit behind. Turns out I finished in 2 hours 53 minutes, 7 minutes under the goal time I set. The official time will say longer but I did stop the watch one time when I was waiting with a runner for some friends but I did not turn it off when backtracking or earlier when I had to get the gravel out of my shoes. I was pleased with my time, and my pace when I looked at it, and felt better than I expected.
At about 7 miles I ate a cheese stick and I think I should have gone ahead with the Payday at somewhere around mile 10 and as always I know I should have hydrated more. I also think the calf compression sleeves helped a lot.
Joaquin was waiting for us with the clipboard to sign out as well as a great assortment of burgers, veggie burgers, snacks and drinks. Hats off, great big kudos and many thanks to Perky, Joaquin and the ABQ Fat Ass group for such a great event.
Time to rest up for a day or two then run with Kim Sunday and her try to kill us on the LaLuz road and trail.
The Albuquerque Fat Ass 50k series is a series of free, unsupported (usually) events held throughout the year all over the Albuquerque area to enjoy the running, the trails and the amazing camaraderie of the runners. Today's run, the Fat Ass Hangover 50k event began at the home of Kelly (Perky) and Joaquin Garcia near the CNM Montoya Campus and headed up Bear Canyon under Tramway Blvd and into the Foothills. Perky did a great job of changing unsupported to very well supported. After spending the day before the event and preparing everything else she gave a good briefing before the race then met us at the turn around point for the half marathon with water, bananas and cookies.
Several runners did the 20 mile or 50k run but I decided that starting the year with a half marathon, a distance I knew was possible for me, would be my best bet. Plus it would be just a little over the distance of the 20k race I plan to do on the 25th of January, the Coldwater Rumble 20k in Phoenix.
I started the run too fast following on the heels then eventually distantly in sight of the faster runners so I slowed pretty quickly on the 3.3 mile uphill up the canyon. At one time I thought I was in last place but told myself I would only lose if I quit, and I wasn't about to do that. I had set a time, 3 hours, that I wanted to finish in. I didn't look at pace all day and it turned out pretty satisfactory in my book.
I was grinning pretty noticeably as I neared the turn around point and Perky's aid station. I knew the way I felt I could finish this thing. I had run a little longer only twice ever but I just had that feeling. I took it easy on the road mile at Gleenwood Hills Dr so I would have more in the tank when I got to the downhill.
I did make a wrong turn, or missed a turn actually, and had to backtrack about 1/4 mile and ran for a few minutes looking around for the flagging so I felt like I was a bit behind. Turns out I finished in 2 hours 53 minutes, 7 minutes under the goal time I set. The official time will say longer but I did stop the watch one time when I was waiting with a runner for some friends but I did not turn it off when backtracking or earlier when I had to get the gravel out of my shoes. I was pleased with my time, and my pace when I looked at it, and felt better than I expected.
At about 7 miles I ate a cheese stick and I think I should have gone ahead with the Payday at somewhere around mile 10 and as always I know I should have hydrated more. I also think the calf compression sleeves helped a lot.
Joaquin was waiting for us with the clipboard to sign out as well as a great assortment of burgers, veggie burgers, snacks and drinks. Hats off, great big kudos and many thanks to Perky, Joaquin and the ABQ Fat Ass group for such a great event.
Time to rest up for a day or two then run with Kim Sunday and her try to kill us on the LaLuz road and trail.
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