This race was for a cause that all should be proud of: Men and women who serve our Country overseas. Operation Santa Memorial Day race is in its 1st year and the race directors did a fantastic job in organizing such a great race. Plenty of volunteers and Police presence made this a safe race to attend. After the race the post party I give a thumbs up too. Great food and spirits and great awards for the winners and those who placed in the age groups.
I would recommend this race for everyone next year.
Race report
05-26-08
Operation Santa Memorial Day
4 Miler
24:13 3 loops
1st Age group
As usual I got up at 0400 hours and had my coffee, banana and 2 pieces of peanut butter toast and then a bottle of Infinit Nutrition. Pre race rituals got to love them. I had some motivational time to search the net and check out some race videos on You Tube.
Zach ( Happy Birthday, new age group for him today ) and I loaded in the car and went to meet with other race team members in North Normal. At 0700 only Emily showed ,so Off to P-Town. After arriving, we got registered and met up with Chris. Racers were coming in so we went out for a 2 mile warm up. Right off the bat, it was humid just the way I like it, so we got a good sweat going.
After the warm up I was feeling good. I thought this may be a fast day. Once we reached the start line I was seeing some familar faces and some new faces. Once again I start summing up the competition and I tell myself just to go out slow so you can finish strong. The GO, and were off. Chris, Zach and a few others take off fast. Em and I take off and stayed back and I was feeling comforatble on the first loop. The first mile marker sounded off at 5:25, what no way. Em asked me if that was right and I said no. I was wearing my Garmin and I looked down and saw it registered 5:33. When the tone went off for the mile we were at 5:49.
Half way through the second loop I was pushing comfortably, now in front of Em and her newly found friend. I know Em was not that far behind. I pulled in behind a couple runners and the second mile went by at 11:20ish. It wasn't until Em caught back up and passed that I felt a little heavy. Mile three went by and I didn't even look at my Garmin. I told myself to go ahead and finish strong. I could see Em up ahead and her orange shirt was my target, thanks Em. Heading into O'brien feild, down the ramp (Quads) and around the soft warning track to the finish. I finished at 24:13 ave 6:08.
All in all I feel I had a good race and the Often Running Team pulled off 3 first place times. Chris 1st over all, Emily 1st over all and I went 1st age group. Zach also ran a good race and finished 1st age group and 3rd overall. It was a good birthday for him. Again thanks to Mitch and the Often Runnung Team for this opportuninty. All you all inspire me to achieve what I do.
"Train hard, train smart"
Next race June 7 Tri Shark Classic
David
Monday, May 26, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
WOWS
This year WOWS started off great with 8 swimmers. The swimmers braved the low 60's water temps for a good after noon of training. I on the otherhand did not have a wet suit because of an incident with a big rip during a Tuesday Masters morning swim. The new wet suit is on order.
There are three weeks left before Tri-Shark classic which means three more chances to open water swim. Some new swimmers realized last night there is a huge difference between pool swimming and open water. I offered a few tips on sighting which they picked up right away and made them feel more comfortable. Good job guys.
This year a few plans are in the making for transition night, swim to run and even a cook out or two. So come join the fun at Miller Park with the Sharks.
Train hard, Train smart
There are three weeks left before Tri-Shark classic which means three more chances to open water swim. Some new swimmers realized last night there is a huge difference between pool swimming and open water. I offered a few tips on sighting which they picked up right away and made them feel more comfortable. Good job guys.
This year a few plans are in the making for transition night, swim to run and even a cook out or two. So come join the fun at Miller Park with the Sharks.
Train hard, Train smart
Thursday, May 15, 2008
WOWS
Thats right WOWS (Wednesday Open Water Swim) is starting again May 21. The Tri Sharks of Bloomington / Normal will again utilize the City Park to hold this weekly training opportunity. I will be set up by 5:00 pm for those who want to brave the waters. This next week the water temp is and will be chilly so I suggest a wet suit.
Last year I learned so much from practicing in open water.Looking back at training logs I utilized the pool for more of a drill speed session and used the open water session as long distance training. This balanced me out for what I accomplised last year. This year I will also approach the same training but with more intesity. I am still a reletively new swimmer but with some hard work I will take off more time in the races.
Hope to see plenty of swimmers this year.
Train hard, Train smart
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Class 1A state meet
Here we go Class 1A State track meet. Once again we had 12 kids qualify with time or place at the sectionals. and we took a few extra alternates along as well. Friday the school had a pep send of with balloons and High 5's. The High school track team was also out there.
Arriving at the East Peoria Sports complex made some of the kids nervous and opened the eyes of others that this is the BIG SHOW. A long wait for my distance runners. They were not scheduled to run until 4:45. Alot of stretching and relaxing was on the adgenda.
After a moderate warm up they were ready. I only have one complaint about how IESA ran the meet. After the kids checked in, they had to stand in line for up to an hour with no warm up clothes. The kids even asked to keep the warm gear on but IESA wouldn't let them. Hopefully its warmer the next couple of weeks.
My first runner 7th grade girl 1600. Nicole was seeded 4th and man was she nervous. A good start running in the middle. What I like about her she runs with a smile on her face all the time. On the first lap she moved up through the pack nicely and placed herself in 8th position and she said there until the last 200 where she moved into 6th place. She finished strong with a 5:39 and some change. A new PR for her by 14 sec. The winning time was 5:28
Her splits 1:18 1:23 1:21 1:15
Up next was was a 6th grade boy running up to the 7th grade 1600. Brain is in his first year and I will say it now, look out for this kid. He improves with every meet and I was wanting to see how he ran with other becuase he ran behind Zach all year and there was no one close to him. Believe it or not he was seeded 10th coming into the race with a 5:25 at sectionals. Brain ran a good race with the exception on the first lap passing 3 wide into the wind. He will learn patience and race stradegy. He kept picking off the the others but ran out of track. He placed 8th with a PR of 5:12. The winner did have a full beard for a 7th grader and ran a time of 5:01 Brian's splits 1:10 1:22 1:23 1:17
No 8th grade girls this year, so on the 8th grade boys. Zach was seeded 1st going but new he had alot of fast milers out there. He ran against them last year and last years 7th grade winning time 4:55. The race started and he immediately had to run alot of rabbits down. He finally took the lead on the second lap where he has felt comfortable all year, but was pulling the champ from last year with him. A couple of chasers were falling back and Zach kept pulling all through the third lap. He attempted to kick the last 300 and did put some distance between him and the second place. On the last 150 the 2nd and 3rd place worked together and pulled up to Zach and passed him with 100 left. Zach kicked again but was unable to recover after pulling those guys around. I think he is happy with the way he ran his race and ended up with a 3rd place finish. PR 4:54:40. Winning time 4:52 Zachs splits 1:09 1:15 1:17 1:13
Now with the mile down I had the same runners for the 800 on Saturday. Nicole was up first again. Seeded 5th going in she felt a little more comfortable, but was still nervous. A pep talk and another long wait after check in looked like it took its toll an all the runners. She got boxed in the first lap and had to make up for a loss stride. She managed to pull strong and passd several runners to place 6th. Again with a PR 2:35 which is also a new Heywroth Jr High record time. Old time 2:38
Brian was up next coming in seeded 7th. A slow start it looked like he was holding back on the first 400. He began picking it up the last 200 and passed again on the turn 3 wide. The kid has got a kick too and was even pinched inside in the last 100, but still managed to pick off 2 more runners. Brian finished 11th with a time of 2:26 winning time 2:15
In the 8th grade boys 800 Zach was seeded 2nd coming in to the meet and again had a field of fast runners. Zach began moving up after the first lap 1:05 and never looked like he was comfortable. He finished strong with a 2:16 which placed him 8th. The winning time 2:10 was won by a friend of Zach's Oliver Meows from Holy Trinity. At least it was someone local. After the race Zach said he was so tight and cold from standing there for over an hour.
The relay team for 4x200 and 4x400, Nick,Ryan,Sam, Elijah competed against some very strong teams. The relay team ended up with and 8th place 1:52:13 in the 4x200 and 5th place in the 4x400 with a time of 4:17:90
Other participants from Heyworth that didn't place, had a good showing and now know what needs to be worked on.
High jump Ryan 9th 5'00
Discus Ashley 19th 74' 11
Corey 18th 111' 07
Shot put Ashley 34th 23' 06
100 Lauren 24th 13:89
200 Lauren 19th 28:83
400 Cassidy 13th 1:05:63
The future of Heyworth track continues, stay tuned. With the track season coming to a close it only opens up the door for cross country.
Train hard, Train smart
David
Arriving at the East Peoria Sports complex made some of the kids nervous and opened the eyes of others that this is the BIG SHOW. A long wait for my distance runners. They were not scheduled to run until 4:45. Alot of stretching and relaxing was on the adgenda.
After a moderate warm up they were ready. I only have one complaint about how IESA ran the meet. After the kids checked in, they had to stand in line for up to an hour with no warm up clothes. The kids even asked to keep the warm gear on but IESA wouldn't let them. Hopefully its warmer the next couple of weeks.
My first runner 7th grade girl 1600. Nicole was seeded 4th and man was she nervous. A good start running in the middle. What I like about her she runs with a smile on her face all the time. On the first lap she moved up through the pack nicely and placed herself in 8th position and she said there until the last 200 where she moved into 6th place. She finished strong with a 5:39 and some change. A new PR for her by 14 sec. The winning time was 5:28
Her splits 1:18 1:23 1:21 1:15
Up next was was a 6th grade boy running up to the 7th grade 1600. Brain is in his first year and I will say it now, look out for this kid. He improves with every meet and I was wanting to see how he ran with other becuase he ran behind Zach all year and there was no one close to him. Believe it or not he was seeded 10th coming into the race with a 5:25 at sectionals. Brain ran a good race with the exception on the first lap passing 3 wide into the wind. He will learn patience and race stradegy. He kept picking off the the others but ran out of track. He placed 8th with a PR of 5:12. The winner did have a full beard for a 7th grader and ran a time of 5:01 Brian's splits 1:10 1:22 1:23 1:17
No 8th grade girls this year, so on the 8th grade boys. Zach was seeded 1st going but new he had alot of fast milers out there. He ran against them last year and last years 7th grade winning time 4:55. The race started and he immediately had to run alot of rabbits down. He finally took the lead on the second lap where he has felt comfortable all year, but was pulling the champ from last year with him. A couple of chasers were falling back and Zach kept pulling all through the third lap. He attempted to kick the last 300 and did put some distance between him and the second place. On the last 150 the 2nd and 3rd place worked together and pulled up to Zach and passed him with 100 left. Zach kicked again but was unable to recover after pulling those guys around. I think he is happy with the way he ran his race and ended up with a 3rd place finish. PR 4:54:40. Winning time 4:52 Zachs splits 1:09 1:15 1:17 1:13
Now with the mile down I had the same runners for the 800 on Saturday. Nicole was up first again. Seeded 5th going in she felt a little more comfortable, but was still nervous. A pep talk and another long wait after check in looked like it took its toll an all the runners. She got boxed in the first lap and had to make up for a loss stride. She managed to pull strong and passd several runners to place 6th. Again with a PR 2:35 which is also a new Heywroth Jr High record time. Old time 2:38
Brian was up next coming in seeded 7th. A slow start it looked like he was holding back on the first 400. He began picking it up the last 200 and passed again on the turn 3 wide. The kid has got a kick too and was even pinched inside in the last 100, but still managed to pick off 2 more runners. Brian finished 11th with a time of 2:26 winning time 2:15
In the 8th grade boys 800 Zach was seeded 2nd coming in to the meet and again had a field of fast runners. Zach began moving up after the first lap 1:05 and never looked like he was comfortable. He finished strong with a 2:16 which placed him 8th. The winning time 2:10 was won by a friend of Zach's Oliver Meows from Holy Trinity. At least it was someone local. After the race Zach said he was so tight and cold from standing there for over an hour.
The relay team for 4x200 and 4x400, Nick,Ryan,Sam, Elijah competed against some very strong teams. The relay team ended up with and 8th place 1:52:13 in the 4x200 and 5th place in the 4x400 with a time of 4:17:90
Other participants from Heyworth that didn't place, had a good showing and now know what needs to be worked on.
High jump Ryan 9th 5'00
Discus Ashley 19th 74' 11
Corey 18th 111' 07
Shot put Ashley 34th 23' 06
100 Lauren 24th 13:89
200 Lauren 19th 28:83
400 Cassidy 13th 1:05:63
The future of Heyworth track continues, stay tuned. With the track season coming to a close it only opens up the door for cross country.
Train hard, Train smart
David
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Heyworth Jr. High Track
Well last Saturday was track Sectionals, and the Heyworth tracksters did awsome. Even though the weather was again uncooperative, cold and windy the kids pushed through and placed some pretty good times. All in all we had 12 make it to the State meet which is this Friday and Saturday. May 9th, 10th in East Peoria.
High Jump
7th RK 1st place 5'4"
Discus
8th CN 2nd place 117' 00" PR
100
7th RK 2nd place 12:77 PR
200
7th JK 1st place 26:08 PR
400
7th SA 1st place 1:01:12 PR
7th EB 2nd place 1:01:28 PR
800
6th BK 1st place 2:29:82 fastest to date 2:28
8th ZQ 2nd place 2:17:25 fastest to date 2:15
1600
6th BK 1st place 5:25:72 fastest to date 5:24:00
8th ZQ 1st place 5:05:05 fastest to date 5:02
4x200 relay
7th NN, SA, JK, EBl 1st place 1:53:21 fastest to date 1:53:20
Heyworth is ranked. With ZQ being ranked #1 in the 1600 and #2 in the 800. All others were up high as 4th 5th and 6th spots. RK was ranked #2 in the high jump for 7th grade boys.
Girl State Qualifiers
Shot and Discus
8th AM 26' 02" PR
79" 03" PR
100
8th LB 2nd place 13:86 PR
200
8th LB 1st place 28:56 fastest to date 27:60
400
8th CS 2nd place 1:04:38 PR
800
7th NB 1st place 2:42:00 PR
1600
7th NB 2nd place 5:54:73 fastest to date 5:54:59
Boy State Qualifiers
High Jump
7th RK 1st place 5'4"
Discus
8th CN 2nd place 117' 00" PR
100
7th RK 2nd place 12:77 PR
200
7th JK 1st place 26:08 PR
400
7th SA 1st place 1:01:12 PR
7th EB 2nd place 1:01:28 PR
800
6th BK 1st place 2:29:82 fastest to date 2:28
8th ZQ 2nd place 2:17:25 fastest to date 2:15
1600
6th BK 1st place 5:25:72 fastest to date 5:24:00
8th ZQ 1st place 5:05:05 fastest to date 5:02
4x200 relay
7th NN, SA, JK, EBl 1st place 1:53:21 fastest to date 1:53:20
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Lake Run 2008
Lake Run 2008
4.37
This was the first Lake Run at this distance. I completed the 12 K back in 2006 and enjoyed every minute, ya right. Back then I was a new runner and was sucking wind bad. Today after training for a couple years I found myself still sucking wind. But this time I did enjoy it. I was a little slower than I would have liked, but looking back at the last few weeks I haven't logged that many miles in after the marathon.
Ok onto the race.
Got the lake in plenty of time for a good warm up with Brandon. High fives and congrats from folks seeing me for the first time in my new race team colors. Cool and windy, disappointed in the weather, but that is what our spring has been full of.
WOW the National Anthem was sung beautifully and then BOOM. I don't know about the long course folks but everyone up front on the short course got caught off guard or at least a few of us did. Out of the shoot I felt great, up close to the front watching other team mates run well. The first two miles were smooth, tail wind pushing from behind for most of the second mile. I was passed by a few familiar faces and at this time I was close to the top ten and wanted to hold off everyone else. I followed in behind a team mate for a few and we pushed back through the mile 3 head wind. For some reason , What? no excuses, I slowed as we turned back North. I looked back and saw that no one else was even close so I lengthened my stride out until the next turn and then took off for a strong finish. 28:14 on the GPS.
All in all I did enjoy the race. I wish I could have stayed for the after after part. But being a Jr. High track coach took me away. By the way we had 12 kids qualify for the State meet next weekend.
In closing good job to all the Often Running Race Team athletes.
Train Hard, Train Smart
David
4.37
This was the first Lake Run at this distance. I completed the 12 K back in 2006 and enjoyed every minute, ya right. Back then I was a new runner and was sucking wind bad. Today after training for a couple years I found myself still sucking wind. But this time I did enjoy it. I was a little slower than I would have liked, but looking back at the last few weeks I haven't logged that many miles in after the marathon.
Ok onto the race.
Got the lake in plenty of time for a good warm up with Brandon. High fives and congrats from folks seeing me for the first time in my new race team colors. Cool and windy, disappointed in the weather, but that is what our spring has been full of.
WOW the National Anthem was sung beautifully and then BOOM. I don't know about the long course folks but everyone up front on the short course got caught off guard or at least a few of us did. Out of the shoot I felt great, up close to the front watching other team mates run well. The first two miles were smooth, tail wind pushing from behind for most of the second mile. I was passed by a few familiar faces and at this time I was close to the top ten and wanted to hold off everyone else. I followed in behind a team mate for a few and we pushed back through the mile 3 head wind. For some reason , What? no excuses, I slowed as we turned back North. I looked back and saw that no one else was even close so I lengthened my stride out until the next turn and then took off for a strong finish. 28:14 on the GPS.
All in all I did enjoy the race. I wish I could have stayed for the after after part. But being a Jr. High track coach took me away. By the way we had 12 kids qualify for the State meet next weekend.
In closing good job to all the Often Running Race Team athletes.
Train Hard, Train Smart
David
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
