The Dirty Sock run poses some unique challenges for me. I'd like to improve on last year's time but I haven't run that distance in a while. Most of my weekend runs have been less than six miles because I've had so many problems with the heat. The other issue with this upcoming race is that I really worked hard to prepare last year and still had some struggles on the last mile. In fact that last mile felt as long as the rest of the race itself. I need to start focusing on my distance again and it's probably wise to do a training run on the course at Belmont Lake to prepare for the event. I really like that park so I look forward to following those trails and enjoying the views of the lake. A PR would be nice but a strong run and a better finish will be more than fine with me.
Posts
Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI also plan to run this 10K and improve on last years time, however, I'll probably do a day of registration just in case there is a summer storm.
Any strategies, insight to the course as it pertains to the course ie. trails, open paths, passing, etc.?
Having run a "race" ages ago where the last mile killed me, it was because I started too fast, not knowingly, I felt amazing. The last mile, however, was crazy hard. Now I know to start what seems PAINFULLY slow if it's a decent distance 'cause a) I'm probably going faster than I think 'cause I'm excited and b) as you say, finishing well is fun. Excited to hear how it turns out (great race name!!). =)
ReplyDeleteI have been caught up in the sweep of other runners and paced a little too fast for comfort in the early miles. I think I've learned my lesson although it hasn't translated to better times! Yes, the Dirty Sock is a great name and a great race.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of strategies for that race, here are some thoughts:
1. Start closer to the front if seconds matter. They compute both your gun and net times but official results are gun time.
2. Best opportunities for passing seem to be around the northern lake. Much more open space there. The trail out was very congested through mile 1.
3. The course was "puddle-y" in spots from the previous day's rain. Better to run trail shoes even though the paths aren't really technical.
4. At mile 4 when the race officals are saying "it's all downhill from here" they are lying to you.
5. Remember that the last mile seems to go forever, probably because it's really 1.2 miles. Reserve you kick for when you hear the announcers. You'll hear him minutes before you see the finish line.
Let me know if you want to join me on a practice run!