In awe

Tag: 5k

  • [Day595] Fairfax Turkey Trot 4 mile run

    Fall is full of races. Turkey Trot is everyone’s favorite race.

    My friends and I just finished running Stone Mill not long ago and we were half joking around that we should do more races together. I suggested or proposed we do a turkey run and if they had any plan for one.

    Every year I run either the Fairfax Mantua 4 miler or the Ashburn 10k on Thanksgiving. Not so much as to give back to the community, though most races on Thanksgiving are charity in nature, but I wanted to run the longest distance I could find (a few years ago, 10K was a long distance to me), anything but a 5K and not too exhausting. These two races fit the bill.

    I have been alternating back and forth from either those two from year to year. This year I wanted to expand my choices to try something new, so I was contemplating either to try Centreville 5k or Reston 5k. I was about to sign up for the Reston one because it was on trail.

    The guys wrote back, saying lets do Columbia Island 5k (they had 10k as well). We just finished a 50 miler a week ago, so we were not ready for a 10k, 5k seemed perfect. Columbia Island was a bit far for me but its location is closer for my friends who are from the downtown (DC). They could bike there instead of driving out to the suburb of where I am. I don’t go downtown unless for work.

    The day of Thanksgiving arrived. I woke up a bit late than I wanted but it was fine. The race wasn’t going to start until 8:00. I had about two hours to get to the Columbia Island, which is just across from the Pentagon, where the marina is. I have not driven thete before other than ran by maybe once. My GPS showed the estimated traveling time about 20-ish minutes, which was not bad. In our area, we have to plan an hour ish driving time usually to get anywhere. Our traffic problem was like top 10 in the nation, might be top 5 in some reports. I planned to arrive there maybe an hour before the race to get settle in. As far as I know, I was on schedule. There was not any traffic on the road, since it was Thanksgiving, and it was relatively early.

    However, while on the Interstate, another friend called me on the phone. While talking with her, I took a wrong exit off the highway, 7 miles earlier. I was not too sure if the turn was correct, but by the time I confirmed I was lost, I had probably ate up 15-20 minutes. Apparently there were 3 exits with the same name for Route 29. I took one too early instead waiting for the last one. This made a difference if I could get to the race on time or not. I figured, 8 miles, no problem. I probably still have half hour of time.

    It was a particular exit where once you got off you couldn’t turn around to get back on the highway. There was no on ramp from there except off ramps. I had to take the local roads to get to the race site and I was still 7 miles out. As it would have it, every single block, I encountered redlights after redlights. Initially, I had the patience to wait it out, but it was Thursday morning, with no other cars on the road but me. It was frustrating to stop for no reason. Not once but the entire road. Some blocks were short. I could see five or six blocks down, and I was stopped at every single block. Initially, I had an hour to spare, then it became half hour and less. By the time I got to within a mile, I knew, I only had 15 minutes before the start. There would probably no parkings left being this late to the race.

    What I did not mention was the day before the race, I also found out I have registered to run at Fairfax Mantua community couple months ago. Its start time was an hour later, so I could still make it. I still had to use local roads but apparently the lights seemed to favor cars leaving the city than entering, so I did not have to stop once after I turned around and going back out west. It was so strange. In about 15 minutes, I made it to my second race and I still had an hour to spare. I was also lucky to get into one of the last few parking spots remaining. I picked up my bib. There was no stress exactly how it should be.

    In situation like this, I felt, why should I struggle to go to the first race when everything seemed to set against me. The closer I got to that race the more problems I seemed to encounter. Once I turn around, all problems seemed to vanish. No lies. It was the weirdest morning. So, I was at peace once I set out for the Mantua race.

    The morning was warm. I ran this race like 4-5 times so the course was familar to me. We had a record turn out with 1500+ participants. I did not check if I PR’d (set my personal record) on the course but I was faster than last year with a time of 37:34.

    This was after the Bay Bridge incident. So I was a bit used to being deflated at a race. Though I felt I have redeemed back my race, still I was some what salty about not being able to get to Columbia Island. I felt I tried so hard to do a race and did not succeed. There were just so much effort in term the logistics, it took the joy out even when I get to run. I missed the days back when I did not have any of the complications. It was on Thanksgiving no less, so I should look at the bright side, at least I had a back up option. Give Thanks I could run!

    Some crazy stuff at this community, several neighbors set up tables outside their houses and offer drinks (beer and strong stuff). Most people bypass them, but I took a few shots. It was quite fun. I used to stay away from this kind of craziness.

    Until next year. I do love Mantua race even though it was not intended, but I ended up there.

    Arriving at the start. We had one of the warmest Thanksgivings. We still had 20+ minutes left before the start, yet everyone was gathering

  • Day498 Pemberton 24

    How do you run a 5K every hour for 24 hours? How do you even train for it?

    At Pemberton 24, we were given the opportunity to run a 5K every hour for 24 hours this past weekend. A 5K race starts at every hour. The rule is unless you are at the starting line at the beginning of the hour or else you couldn’t run it. You have to finish before the hour ends or it doesn’t count. It was a novelty to me.

    Running a 5K in an hour was not that hard, but how many I could do was a challenge. Exactly how should I approach this race? I tried to run it like an ultra, by starting very slow — basically walking it.

    I figured this is a good way for me to test out some ideas on preparing for the Devil Dog 100.

    First of all, I needed some practice time for night time running and second, I wanted to experience sleep deprivation. It seemed silly to beg for suffering, but my last two 100 races, night time was where I struggled.

    My strategy was, to walk as many 5Ks as I could and hopefully to do all 24 of them.

    The result was: I found early on, power walking is tough! I initially thought I could walk the whole thing and maybe at the end, run, but to me walking is actually harder than running! because it uses different muscles and I was not as fit in walking, to my surprise.

    Even early on (like by 5 loops or so), I realized I couldn’t do all 24 laps of these by walking. I started feeling soreness on my feet and others those minor muscles, exactly like if I were at the end of a 100 mile run. It was a big “oh no” moment. My goal was at least then make it to daybreak, to get 12 hours in (we started at 7 pm).

    Sleep deprivation was not as bad as I anticipated. By morning, 6 -7 am, I felt a bit of tiredness. Sleep would be nice but in theory, I think I could survive for another few hours. I did not test how much longer I could stay up.

    I decided to tap out, since there was no need for me to claim the bragging for me of doing a 24 hour run. I came to test some theory and I got my results. I got my training time in. Beside, I was not really arrived ready to do all 24 laps. Having that done would be nice, but I was not going to kill myself over it. I also have a marathon the following week, so I need a quick recovery.

    I mean I was prepared for the run but some last minute changes threw a wrench in my operation. I was working that Friday, when I should have taken the day off. I thought I could do both working and then leaving early for the race. I had things packed up and loaded up my car before the trip. However, I did not check the forecast the night before, and weather had turned colder than I was prepared for. I had long sleeves and pants but I did not bring a jacket. I did not realize it was that cold until I got to work (as I walked from the car to the building). The temperature was to drop to 45F (cold for me) that night and with the rain, it would be more than unpleasant without a thicker outer layer. I had to make a decision, to brave the cold for the night or to get the jacket, which would delay me from arriving at the race on time.

    I chose on getting the jacket. Then I just sat in the traffic for the next five hours watching the clock eating my time away. Google map always say only two and half or 3 hours to get there. It never predicts the traffic correctly for me. I made it to the event just barely. I got right in to the event without changing from my work clothes and ran 12 hours of 5k (12 laps). I just put on my bib and got into the starting coral just in time. Luckily, I had my running shoes on. They were not trail shoes, but they were sufficient.

    I knew no way would I try for another 12 hours without proper clothing and shoes, or else I would be miserable. My feet were beginning to have blisters. I felt hot in certain parts and I knew I need to take care of them.

    I had exactly the same tiredness in pretty much the same places as I had at last year Devil Dog event. My lightbulb went on, aha, I realized what costed me that race must have been the power walking that stressed my different set of muscles, since when I train to do an ultra, we I do not train on the power “walking”. Hardly ever do I take a weekend out to power walk for 12 hours. Now my feet were tired because I power walked for 12 hours straight. I felt I was about to fall over. But if I run, I should be okay.l, I think.

    I decided to take some rest and get some sleep first. I had not set up a tent yet, since I arrived late and I had not even unpacked. My personal aid station and all the things I needed were not available to me. They were there. I packed them but they were locked away in the car. At the end of the first couple loops, I tried running to the car and geting them out. Usually I only had a small window to do it. Because my car is so far away, I gave up getting all my things. I had my tent. So I set up the tent, unpacked, crawled inside and slept. Not sure if I did really sleep or not, but having my eyes closed for about an hour and half was good. Couple hours later, I got up, changed, rehydrated myself, and ready for some more laps. I fixed up my feet, etc. They were starting to go bad and I was glad I stopped just in time to fix them. Cleaned, then lubed and all. I changed shoes too. People around me joked about, wishing someone would massage their feet too. These, sleeping, unpacking, and cleaning took 3 hours off the clock. I missed the starting for the 9 AM run, so I waited for the 10 AM. I was now ready for round 2.

    some other people’s aid station, compares that to mine
    Mine. Just my pile of stuff, but I got everything I needed. I did not set up my aid station in time. Beside, my tent is too far from the starting line to make it an efficient stop for every loop. I still stopped by a few times during my 24 hour out there

    For the rest of the day, I decided to run instead of walking. True enough, my running muscles were unhampered. My legs were as fresh as they could be. I did another 8 laps easily (with one lap I sat out for lunch – I did not need to, but decided this was not a do-or-die race, and so I might just relax and enjoy the race’s local food from a food truck). I finished with a total of 20 5Ks done and that is 100k or 62 miles. Not bad for a weekend. And I did not feel as tired as if I truly ran a 62 mile race straight.

    My run was not hard, since we had an hour to do each 5K, I took my time with the running. I only ran “hard” in the last few laps and still, it was not really tiring. I put in a lot of miles but it was not stressful at all.

    There were many who completed all 24 5Ks. I did not stay around too long to celebrate with them because I was wet and cold. The race event allowed us to camp out for a second night. I did. I knew I could probably drive home, but just be safe, I decided to stay for the night. Glad I did, I had a foggy mind even by the next morning. Effects of sleep deprivation hit me much later even after a good night of sleep. I was all goggy the whole Sunday.

    I liked the camping aspect. Many came for their friends. It was a festival. We had theme run every hour. I was not into dressing up, and so kind of forgot about that part. I think it was a lot of fun if I had come with friends and dressing up.

    Take out – I might come back next year to get a true 24 hour 5k. I feel though this race gears toward the general public. There were some serious runners but many (non runners) joined us only for a few laps, which was not bad at all. I am not complaining. 4 laps is a half marathon and 7 laps a full marathon. I saw many were hook into doing 4 laps or more. Grandpas and kids and do it. It was like introducing the public to running and trail running no less. I think it was fun and well done.

  • Reread

    Day 139

    I reread a blog post I wrote a few days back about why I run. At that time I thought my running career would go on indefinitely. I was young and there doesn’t seem to be why I couldn’t run except for lack of interest. Now looking back I spoke too soon.

    I don’t think I am being taught a lesson. But immediately after that I started to struggle with my run and everything. It is like a switch is turned off.

    I did many things since. Too much to recount them here.

    Last weekend I had to take a break from running. A 5K was only thing I did. A consolation for me was it could have been worse. At least I finished. I don’t mind when people were passing me because at least I know I have done my best. Run used to be effortless for me. I just tapped on the pavement and I would glide across. Big steps and fast steps and I hardly breathing. Now I am huffing and puffing. It doesn’t matter if I take a big step or small step or if I run in fast cadence or slow cadence, I just don’t go any where. My lung feels like exploding and my heart really twists violently inside and a few times I put my hand across my chest to feel if it is alright. People were calling out to me, asking if I am Ok. Luckily at the 3 mile mark, I had a burst of energy. I felt a little bit like my old self and ran to the finish line. It wasn’t super fast but the feeling was the same. It was like I could fly again.

    I have been fasting every Monday for the past month immediately after I got the news that I have high cholesterol. I was determine to lower it. A total life change. I went from eating burgers every day to eating none of those food. I still eat out but choosing Panera or Chipotle instead and usually having a salad or a wrap. So that I cut 15-20% of my calories. No fat or sugar either. Instead of Coke I now have vitamin water.

    The result is my run now is 25-33% slower. I can’t get any slower than that. Any slower would be walking. I can walk in a 5K but I can’t walk the whole thing in a marathon. I wouldn’t able to finish within the given time. Walking through a marathon takes about 10 hours and most races stop around 6.5 or 7 hours. I used to do it little over 4. And I thought I was slow because others were doing it in 3 hours. Everything is relative.

    I wish it is the other way around. If I improve on what I eat and my run would improve 25-33%. Why food matters? On the weekend I went for a bike ride. Originally I planned to ride on a trail that is 45 miles long from the city to way out in the suburb and back making it a 90 miles ride. This was before I experienced being very weak. It is actually biking to another city in the outskirt of the DC area. By middle of the week, I realized I probably wouldn’t make it out and back, so shorten the ride in half, a 45-50 miles ride instead. I did this distance a few times before. But on the day of, once I got on the bike, I knew I wouldn’t make it at even this distance either and cut it down to 30 miles. My friend was biking with me. He biked slow but he had to stopped and waited for me a few times. The first 15 miles was a struggle. I just couldn’t keep up. We got to Leesburg by lunch time, and we met up with a friend for lunch. I had a whole 14 inch pizza. It was one of a few times I broke my diet. Actually 2nd time since I started eating right. The result was, on the ride back, my friend was getting tired but I was full of energy. I felt I could pass him if I want. We ended up biking back faster than when we headed out. I was so happy. Food really helps. It was an insight.

    If I continue on my vegetarian-like diet, I am thinking of taking vitamin supplements. That is a start my friend told me.

  • First day of the new year

    I was blessed to run in a race on the first day of the new year. I signed up for a free 5k race hosted by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. It was a high quality race even though it was free. We got a free technical T-shirt and finisher medal. The race was timed. The course was new to me. A lot of people showed up. The whole city showed up…I think at least couple thousands.  (more…)