Thursday, April 5, 2012

Commence Race Mode!

Ok folks, Saturday is my last stand alone running race of the season until who knows when. Maybe next fall?

I am doing the NYRR Scotland Run 10K down in Central Park. I don't really ever run 10K's, but this will be my 2nd one of the season. I ran the Joe Kleinerman 10K on Jan 7th, so this will be a great 12 week 10K checkup.

How will it go down? My goal: Get as close to 40 mins or under as possible.

Back in January, I ran a 43:21 for a 7:00 flat pace. Then at the 4 miler in February I ran a 25:06 for a 6:17 pace. Finally, at the National Half almost 3 weeks ago, I ran a 1:32:35 for a 7:04 pace, and in the process hit the 10K mark at roughly 43:41, only 20 seconds off of that January 10K PR time.

I am fairly confident that this will be another PR. Now, just like the National Half, by how much?

That 4 miler 8 weeks ago proved that I have some speed in my legs. A 6:17 pace is more than enough to break the 40 min benchmark. All is needed is a 6:26 or faster pace.

Easy right?

Its gonna hurt. I already know that. But you know what? If I feel like I want to quit half way through the race, that means one thing: I AM DOING IT RIGHT!

Now a couple of factors to consider:

1) Weather. Supposed to be low to mid 40's at race time. PERFECT!!!! Over heating has been taken out of the equation.

2) The course: Central Park is a rolling course, with a few decent hills at the top of the park. The course is going in a clockwise direction, which means you hit two large hills instead of just one if the course were going in a counter clockwise direction. Its strange, I know. I think because of this the course is harder. Regardless, its the same elevation no matter which direction you run it in. I think I am more fearful of the clockwise direction simply because I have not run that way as often as counter clockwise. (I know I know, call me a creature of habit!)



Ok, I think I have over analyzed this race to death. Hey! Its only customary, right?

Now I will let my legs do the rest of the talking!

17 comments:

  1. Go kill it buddy! Just hold the puke in until you cross the finishline!

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    1. ooohhhh, maybe new goal: Earn a BDD Pukie Award for realz this time!

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  2. You got this! Run for the pukie!

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  3. Didn't know that the park was that hilly?!?! That is awesome.

    Have fun man, going to be a ball buster on those uphills... just remember that you don't get to rest on the down hill, longer stride and faster turnover going down!!!

    KICK SOME ASS SEABASS!

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  4. Good luck - that would be an awesome time!

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  5. WHAT?!?! Your finally going to try for a Pukie?!?!?! About time!!!!

    For that, I wont be a smarta$$ and use the "E" word in my comment

    Good luck, have fun, and enjoy your reward for all your hard work

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  6. Have a great race! Looking forward to seeing that new PR!

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  7. My wife and I were just talking about how far a run around Central Park would be. Thanks.

    Now go crush it and get that 40.....make it hurt. 40 minutes is not a long time and then you can have New York Bagels slathered in honey and maple syrup afterwards. Wash that all down with a Coke too.....

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  8. Its go time, Jon! You've got this, because you already know it's gonna hurt. Now just go out there and ENJOY THE PAIN!!!

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  9. Wish I was here this weekend to cheer you on. Kick some 10K @ss!!

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  10. I think it is so cool that you get to run in Central Park! Good Luck and remember if you feel like you want to quit we will all know you did and we will alught at you! (just kidding) ((not really)) (((yeah, mostly kidding)))

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  11. I'm just excited about the bagels!

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  12. Catching up on posts I missed while away. You are probably already done now so wishing you "Good Luck" is meaningless as you have already kicked ass. Off to race result stalk you :-P

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  13. I have no idea how the race went, but I bet you smashed your PR to smithereens!

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  14. I think I saw on FB that you kicked some butt. Awesome!

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