Monday, March 30, 2009

AROUND THE BAY 2009 EDITION

The race that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside =) I am happy to have been able to participate in this event this year. 2007 holds my PB for this distance (3:21 while marathon training!) and 2008 was done while suffering with PF and finishing my thesis (3:40). Although I was in no shape to do the 30K this year, the relay was a great way to participate in my favorite race. Our team "Footlose and Fancy Feet" did really well, I ran with my friend Pat who smoked the hills (1:35 for the last 15K).

I was convinced it would magically stop raining for the race but when I got up on Sunday and I realised it was going to be pouring rain.... I had a mini panic attack LOL

Once I walked to the starting line and got all excited to start runing I forgot about the rain (well at this point it was just light rain). Then 15 mins in the race it was torrential downpour!! Soaked totally soaked... but smiling =) I always get emotional at the beginning of races, like I'm here doing this! It just feels awesome to be running with 7000 of my best friends!

My target goal pace was 12 min/mile. Splits:

Mile 1: 11:17 min/mile (I thought WAY TOO FAST, SLOW DOWN!)
Mile 2: 11:43 min/mile (better but still too fast!)
Mile 3: 11:36 min/mile (You're going to pay for this later on!)
Mile 4: 11:54 min/mile (now that' better!)
Mile 5: 11:58 min/mile (right on)
Mile 6: 11:36 min/mile (burst of energy!)
Mile 7: 11:18 min/mile (I'm freaking doing this)
Mile 8: 11:10 min/mile (OMFG!)
Mile 9: 11:18 min/mile (I can't freakin believe it =)
Mile 0.47: 10:29 min/mile (KICK BUTT FINISH!)

Average: 11:30 min/mile

I am so happy with my race!! I never thought I could pull that pace for 15K! The chip time is higher considering that around 5.5 miles, I was stopped for more than 2 mins as a train passed.... I had been able to avoid it the last 2 years but there is always a train on race day and it stops a lot of people. Pretty frustrating but nothing you can change about it! I'm not hurting too bad today. Foot is sore and knee too but I'll survive this. I'm bummed I didn't see many bloggers. I got the chance to chat with Francis before the race (it was good to see you again!).

Rain or shine this race is the best!!

17 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Oh no! You got stuck behind the train! I heard the train horn and heard a few runners ahead of me saying that they were happy to have beat the train this time! I had no idea that there'd be the chance to meet up with one! LOL Awesome job on the run! I looked around for you for a bit, but didn't see any running mania people.. Congrats on getting it done, and lucky you didn't have to do the hills! :D

Runner Leana said...

Whoa Sonia!!!! Nice pace on the mile splits! Apparently a 12:00/mi pace was too conservative for you! Glad to hear you ran the race with a smile on your face and had a great time.

Laura said...

Congrats! I too got stuck by that train...

Marlene said...

I really felt for you guys out running in that crazy rain. You know what they say about what doesn't kill you.....

Congratulations on a strong 15K! You stayed under target pace the whole way! Awesome job, girl.

Marcy said...

HOLY!! You rocked that thing! So much for the 12 min/mi pace, eh? CONGRATS chica! I'm so glad you had a great time AND rocked it out ;D

TNTcoach Ken said...

Way to go 'Fancy Feet', I'm assuming that's you! Okay, now we take some time off and recover, then you'll be ready for summer.

Unknown said...

Wow - great job on the splits for your segment. You were solidly ahead of your goal pace of 121min miles. Nicely done!!

FLYERS26 said...

Great job!
Nice pace.. there is nothing better than a positive race! It's what keeps us coming back for more.

Alexandra said...

Way to go Sonia! So glad you had a fun time and a fast time! It's good for the soul isn't it!

yumke said...

Too bad I missed ya but i'm very impressed by the splits! Hopefully we'll bump into each other at a race again one of these days

Jordan said...

You are amazing... this is how dedication pays off :)

Congrats girly!

Unknown said...

awesome job on the splits. Just think of your goal time for next year. A train in your race - you'd think they might change the course for that?

Marci said...

Great job Sonia! I had to bow out this year (cold), I love ATB too! Congratulations, I bet the relay was fun!

Arcane said...

Good seeing you again too! Looks like you've recovered from your injury quite well and are well on your way to better and faster things. That's crazy about the train. I guess it's one of those charming little things about the race!

Trishie said...

amazing time and AMAZING splits!! check out those last few miles ! WTG GIRLIE !!

Marky Mark said...

That's great! A relay sounds like a lot of fun too.

Vava said...

Hey, great race! I was there waiting for the train to pass too - hilarious! Congrats on attaining a faster-than-goal pace.