Sunday, May 18, 2008

Cleveland 10K

This year we had no wrong turns on the 10K course. All went well for my long awaited 10K race. I could complain about pulling a muscle in my chest yesterday when I twisted and turned my body while lifting my tandem bike out of the trunk. But then, if it's not one thing it's another on race day. We still did our family long bike ride of 21 miles. The pain was noticeable every time I would turn my head and torso to look behind. And if I took deep breaths I could feel the pain. I was hoping a good soak in Epsom salt bath and good nights sleep would help ease some pain, which it did.

Race morning was a cool 55 degrees and some light rain at the start. The first mile went by fast and easy with a time of 5:40. I was happy with that time. I then focused on maintaining a steady strong pace while getting hit from winds in all directions. The last mile I ran with Scott S. which helped me to finish strong otherwise, I may have fallen apart with no one to push me.

One of the best things about running this big race is the crowd support along the course. And I would have to give the best cheering award to E and Solar Squirrel from our Running Club. They really put on a great cheering performance. They spotted me way before I even could see them. I could hear them but didn't see where they were until I came closer to them. Thanks gals, your cheering took me through to the next mile.

After the race I ate a banana, Stony Farm yogurt and then put on some warm dry clothes. I made my way to the marathon course and met Brian. We had agreed that I would help bring him in the last 4 miles of his marathon race. I did my best to speak words of encouragement along the way. We had a good time.

Link to 10K Results for a 22nd overall finish.

9 comments:

E-Speed said...

Great job yesterday Lou! You looked strong out there!

CJ said...

AWESOME job!

duchossois said...

Great work, Lou! I agree, e-speed and Solar were there cheering me on at the around three miles into the marathon: they are the best.

The Salty One said...

Not bad for a grandpa :) Wow! You just get faster and faster!!! Hopefully I'll be able to catch up one of these days!

Brian said...

You had an amazing 10K! 22nd overall is an accomplishment you should be very proud of.

I can't thank you enough for helping me over the last 4 miles! It gets rough out there and you helped knock out those negative thoughts that were creeping into my head.

JenC said...

You're a rocket!!

GP said...

Weren't the running club cheerers the best? I felt like a rock star.

And you were a rock star out there! I'm glad they didn't lead you astray on the 10K this year.

I even thought of you when they announced the 10K would start shortly after we took off for the half -- I sent out some good vibes and a little prayer that the race would go smoothly for you.

High five on a great race!

Janet Edwards said...

Fantastic job Lou!!! How did those two end up as runners when they were obviously such good chearleaders??

triguyjt said...

lou...great job in the 22nd overall placing....

You just blaze!!!

and your baby grand- daughter is gorgeous