Miracle Miles 15K Race Report

This past Saturday, traveled to Orlando for the Miracle Miles 15K race. This race was the first of my three biggies between now and the end of November. Here are the numbers before I get into my observations.

Time-1:02:56, pace-6:45/mile, 3rd place age group, 34th overall out of 1709 finishers. Scored two tickets to Sea World for the effort.

Miracle Miles was an enjoyable race. Started the morning out a little on the rocky side. Some ding dong rear ended our van as we were stopped after exiting I-4. Luckily, it was just a tap with no damage. At packet pickup, I my race number turns out to be 911. I figured that was a bad sign. The weather wasn't the greatest as it was 76 degrees and 100% humidity. I was hoping the rain would keep falling to keep a little cooler, but it was pretty much stopped by the start. Got to meet a couple people I know on the Dailymile website before the race. Nice putting faces to the people you talk to online.

My goal pace for the race was about 6:25/mile. The only mile I did that pace was the first. Started off easy enough, then went into a few miles in the 6:30s which wasn't bad. As the race went on, the weather took its toll on mile splits. Actually felt pretty good running a 6:45 6th mile and figured I was good the last 5K. Not knowing the course, I had no idea about the small rolling hills the last 5K. They were just enough to feel and ended up slowing me down some.

Overall, a good race. Considering the amount of people there, everything went smooth and easy. There was plenty to drink and eat after. Race fee was only $25, so a good for a longer race. Shirts are good looking tech shirts, decent finisher medals, and good on course support. Will definitely consider doing again next year!

Next up is the Komen Race for the Cure 10K in St. Pete this Saturday.

[caption id="attachment_916" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Good finishing kick to make a pass at the end."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_917" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I pushed a little at the end, I did not want to see 1:03 on the clock."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_918" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Posing with the Chik-Fil-A Cows at the awards. Hope the red cow doesn't remember me pushing him when he got in my way at Beach to Bayou!"][/caption]

HCSO Ranch Run 5K - Race Report

Ran the Ranch Run 5K in Temple Terrace this morning. Posted a time of 18:31, 1st age group and 5th overall. This was a good course that has some hills on it to keep everyone honest. Two hills in the third mile that had enough incline to slow you down a bit. If I would have had another 50-100 yards, I would have taken the prize for 3rd overall male. The guy in front of me had a pretty good gap and I wasn't worried about catching him until I could see him starting to struggle in the last half mile. I tried to catch him, but came up 3 seconds short. Had this been a flat course, I would have easily run a new PR. So, I am pretty happy to have run this time on a slightly hilly course.

The race was well organized with chip timing. They didn't have the color shirt I was listed for. Trying to figure out why the asked if they weren't going to have enough. Winner's medals were pretty cheap. They had a good turnout of almost 500 runners and raised $16,000 for the Youth Ranch. Plenty of food and drink after.

Two weeks until the Miracle Miles 15K race in Orlando. This one will be interesting as it will be a really good indicator of my fitness and being able to hold a fast pace over a longer time. The goal for this race will be to finish in under an hour and see if I can get lucky to place in my age group.

[caption id="attachment_912" align="aligncenter" width="266" caption="Pushing to another solid finish!"][/caption]

Watermelon Series Race #4

Had another good Watermelon Series. The final race was by far my best time with a new PR of 18:30. Improved every race and placed 1st overall in my age group.

[caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="A great finish and new PR! Looks like kid in front is gonna hurl!!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Got my picture taken with the Watermelon Queen with my 1st place trophy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_908" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="2010 Watermelon Series Trophy Winners."][/caption]