Race on the Base- Results

I am not sure what I was thinking when I registered for all 3 events back to back... but I am happy that things work out for the good on this day. The early morning started out at 5:15am when I left from Fountain Valley, to drive about 30min to the race site. I was 15min early, the guards did not let me in until 6am. I later arrived at 6am and they let me in- then it took at least 36min of waiting to in a long line to find parking. I still had to pick up all three bibs, go to the restroom and find my snails pace group. At this point I was way behind schedule it was at least 7:15am- I went looking for my group in the massive line. My plan was to start from the back then work my way up and help pace my group in as they needed it. I managed to find a few runners along the way and take a few pics. After I crossed the finish line, I had about 15min- to go to my car- get my bike and take it to the TRI area. TRI area did not open until 7:30am :), so with min's to spare - I jumped in line for the 10k start which started at 8:30am...
The 10K race was kinda long- I was expecting some company but they were sick and could not run. So I thru on the ipod tunes and tried to keep a steady pace and finish under 1hr :)
After I finished the 10K- I had to go back to my car because I forgot my stickers for my bike :( now I had to run all the way back to the TRI area to put on the stickers. The stickers are for security, the number on the bike should match your bib or the hand stamp. After dealing with the sticker issue- I had 2min's to jump in line for the 5K run- I tried my best to countdown the time and leave something in the tank for the bike. This 5k split was faster than my first 5k :), after the run, I could not wait to jump on my bike. The bike felt sooo good, I was passing alot of people- after 3 loops of the bike course, I jumped off the bike, and jumped in the pool- for the swim portion... it was really packed with bodies. I tried my best to not kick anyone :) but in the end- I was pleased with my effort on this long day. I would like to thank the folks at the Snails Pace Running shop for sponsoring me for this event. Also my students in my running 101 group have truly been a source of inspiration- they show up on time- and have strong desire to get fit and most importantly have fun... isn't this why we all do this?

my times...

Vara, Pete   36:08   710  442   44 5K Run
Vara, Pete   57:11   256  183   31 10K Run     
Vara,Pete    33:08   39:14    4:53 1:17:13.13   

Wednesday Early Morning Run-Bike Edition

OMG- what an exhilarating training session I had this morning... It was one of sessions of what I call "confidence builder"- I started on the treadmill or dreadmill and ran for 25min at a easy 8min pace with my dear friend Camille.

We quickly transitioned to the bike. This is where the fun started, we warmed up for 5min, then we did 3 sets of 10min (build) increasing the tension every 2min, after each 10min session we quickly did 1min of rapid squats with 10lb weights, followed by a 45sec hold in the squat position. I never ever felt my legs on fire before. This was a great feeling- I am planning to really hammer on Saturday during the bike portion of the race. I just hope the winds are in my favor on the flat course. After our 45min bike session Camille said next time we'll incorporate squat jumps :)

Race on the Base Prep- 5k,10K,TRI all in one day...

In just a few short days I am looking forward to comeback into the TRI world. I am not sure if it will be a permanent comeback or just something temporary. After some time off from TRI's (3years) and connecting with the Trail running community. I have found new things about myself and fostering new relationships with other runners.

For example- I love track workouts, i love doing hills, I used to hate running because I felt I was always slow. And in some ways I still feel like I am slow... but I feel the trail running community is very close and the sense of community is really felt. I feel the sport of triathlon has also prepared me to better balance my training by incorporating cross training, cycling and swimming. Both serve a tremendous catalyst to proper recovery and staying injury free.

So my goal this weekend is to have a positive experience and lead by example to my snails pace students that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I will pace my 5K beginning running group on their first 5k, then run the 10K, and then race the reverse tri- (well at least i will have a nice pool cool down after a long day)

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Part of the Snails Pace running program includes a kinda mid-term race practice. This year our mid-term race included the Dana Point Turkey Trot. We had several runners from our group that had interest in this race but some could not show up at the last min.

Believe it or not this photo is a pre-race photo :) Donna and I had carpooled to the race site- and as we were getting into Dana Point it just started to rain. We both love coffee so we went to a Local Peets in Dana Point, to keep warm. Then we ended up driving around for what seemed like 45 min to find parking. After we found parking like 1 mile away from the race site, it just started to pour rain. We were both soaked and I was nursing my coffee to every last drip. We finally made it to the Snails Pace running tent to find shelter- there we connected with our runners Christine and Beth. This was their first race ever, and it was pretty exciting to see there development come along. So after this photo we had about 30min to warm up, so we walked up this big hill to kinda get the blood flowing to the legs and hands. We managed to keep moving and feel right into line as the race started. Both Beth and Christine rocked the course- they kept and a good mental attitude throughout the race and both felt great coming across that finish line.

Taking 1 pitch at a time.

It is kinda funny how life throws a curve ball every now and then. I have been recovering from a nagging IT band problem for the last 3-4 months. I have started to run track again with Orange County Track Club (OCTC) and started to feel better after a few good training runs. My best track running drill had to be “indian ladder drills” I think we had about 4-5 people in our group and we all knew each other. So pushing each other was easier and fun. We had to do 5 or 6 sets of 800, and on our last set, the coach challenged us to push it hard, and we all did, it was a real rewarding experience to share with fellow runners. I really enjoy while running if you tap into nice rhythm, and everything seems to flow. Meaning breathing is easy, nothing hurts, leg turn-over is fast and heart rate is right at zone and the weather is perfect. I have been really fortunate to find others that are around my same speed, work schedule, etc where we can always run together. Finding and encouraging others can sometimes be a bit difficult task to achieve even if everyone one has a different goal. A unique opportunity presented itself which involves coaching at A Snails Pace. Nattie informed me that she will not be able to continue to coaching running 101, and connected with Michelle the running director for the program. I just started my session in Oct which is Tues/Wed at 6pm, and Saturday at 7am in Huntington Beach. I have a big group of runners and seem eager to learn and run their first 5K.

Los Angeles 5K Race Report

Recap:

LA 5K

March 4, 2007

Leading up to the race, was an interesting week. First the whole family had the flu, leading up to the race I was in my third day of recovery. Nonetheless I still felt like it was in my chest.

On Friday March 2^nd, I was invited to attend a group dinner at Lucianos in Dana Point. The guest speaker was Dave Scott. Dave Scott is a 6 time Ironman Champion, he is an engaging speaker. He had a little talk on Success in sports, I found it to be very informative and motivating. Dave was in down for the weekend for a triathlon clinic for the Orange County Triathlon Club.

On Saturday March 3^rd, I participated in a group trail run with my fellow Orange County Trail Runners. The run was located in Aliso Woods which included a 11mile loop. We had a great turn out, 17 trail runners were in attendance. The purpose of the trail run for me was to get a good idea of how the legs felt. The leg turnover was not there, and my coughing persisted turning the run.

On Sunday March 4^th, I met with Lisa K, at Snails pace in Fountain Valley. We carpooled to LA for her LA Marathon. I was her pacer for miles 20-26.2, since I registered for the 5K, what was an extra 6miles? Lisa informed me she had fallen ill and was resting 2 days prior. We coordinated a estimated time at mile 20. After we parked and went to our starting areas, I had to warm up and run 2miles to the start of the 5K. The legs felt kinda tired and did not have that quick bounce like I feel when I am 100%. The lingering coughing persisted during the warm-up and up to the start of the 5K. After the gun went off the energy of the crowd propelled me for the first mile, soon after that my coughing and breathing was way off, I tried to push it, but the mojo just was not there. I throttled back and kept a brisk pace to the finish. My finish time was 28:06 not my best time, but it will just have to get better next time.

After the race completed my main focus was to recover quickly and prepare for another 6mile run in 2hrs. I found a local restaurant for coffee, and a cliff bar. I just took my time drinking 3 cups of coffee and reading the morning paper. Before I knew it was time to pace Lisa. I finally saw her at mile 20, she was not having a good day. Lisa’s legs were feeling heavy and started to resort to walking. We started to jog a bit and then got into a nice rhythm. We continued and it seemed like the miles markers were very close together. We continued to push through mile 26, and finally finished. It was a long hot day in Los Angeles for all of us. I started to look forward getting home, and resting for the rest of the day. And now my focus is on my 10k in Fashion Island March 25^th, I will try to beat last years time of 55min. Bye for now.