10 Miler Whitby Report plus a bit of whining

[AlfiefromPickering]

This 10 Miler was a little bit of a boost to my destroyed sense of accomplishment as a result of my two disappointing and embarrassing marathons (Toronto Waterfront in October and Hamilton 2 weeks ago). I didn’t even write a report for Hamilton because I felt so ashamed of my poor performance. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to quit running full marathons or I should perhaps join the Running Room 16 week training session for my next marathon.

For the past two weeks I have only done a couple of slow 5 Kms. My mind had refused to run after my shocking failure at the Hamilton Marathon. I was told a couple of years ago that my body has the ability and capability to run a 3 hour marathon. But I lack discipline. I guess that has something to do with my Latin American background. For example last Friday I went to bed around 3 AM. Got up at 7:30 AM. I slept the whole afternoon on Saturday and at night I attended the birthday of a friend at a Portuguese restaurant in Toronto. I drank too much wine and I came back home at 2 AM. I woke up at 8 AM this morning and decided to go and register meself in the 10 miler at 9 AM. After all the race is only 10 minutes away drive from my home. The race started at 11:15 AM approximately.

This morning I met a friend (who lives in Whitby) just before the start of the race but he left after the start because he had to attend a family gathering with his children

The race this morning: My time for the 10 Miler was 1 hour, 19 minutes and 35 seconds. (far away from my 1999 PB of 1 hour 13 minutes and 47 seconds).
During the race, I managed to pull the first 5 Km in 23 minutes and 43 seconds.
At 8 Km my time was 38 minutes and 50 seconds;
and at 10 Km … 49 minutes and 17 seconds.

At about 15 and ½ Km the always pretty Robin from Robinmania.com shouted my nickname. Nice seeing you Robin even if it was just for a couple of seconds….

I ate chilli and beer after the race.

[purdy65]

I did this one last year, and I really should have run it again.

Good work alfie!

[Robinandamelia]

Hey Alife it was a rough day out there with that headwind...at times I was running and it felt like I wasn't moving. I ran the 5K and had to stop and walk a couple of times, and I've never done that in a 5K! My daughter ran the 1K today as well. It was nice to see you out there. I think your time was pretty good especially if you haven't been running much. I would celebrate that! WTG!

[richie-rich]

nothing wrong with your time today. don't get too down on yourself - not too many people can run 2 marathons in a week like you have done in the past.

are you running for fun or running for time goals? if you are running for time then maybe you are right that a little more dedication and focus is in order. it's likely 99.9% mental.

[DougG]

You're getting yourself out there. Maybe you need to just run for health and enjoyment.
Good job!

[Jwolf]

Don't get so down on yourself because of your recent results! As I recall you hadn't done much training before Toronto and then tried to crash-train for Hamilton. Our bodies need more time to adapt than that. If you do the training I'm sure you will see the results. You can't fake the marathon.

I'm glad you felt better after today's race.

[canalrunner]

Nothing like a run and whine after a night of wine unless of course you top it off with early morning chili and beer. At least, gastro issues shoudln't be much of challenge for you afer that "training".

I'll go out on a limb and agree that perhaps following a training program and putting in the miles will lead to happier results.... also perhaps less wine and whine.

[Doonst]

Popeye once said, "I am what I am". That rings true for you too Alfie. Keep on truckin' my friend.

[HCcD]

Popeye once said, "I am what I am". That rings true for you too Alfie. Keep on truckin' my friend.

I thought it was the Jonas Brothers who said that ?

Though, the Village People said it best ... "I Am What I Am / Macho Man"

So soon after Hamilton, Alfie? I think you are one of a few people that I know that actually races more distance than you actually train, in a year ...

Will we be seeing you at ATB in 2012 ???

[QuickChick]

Hey Alfie, that's not too shabby at all, esp after self-handicapping yourself by drinking and staying out till 2am!! LOL. I don't quite understand why you're ashamed of your marathon performances however... you said yourself you hadn't trained! Completing the distance is something, anyway, and you know you can do a lot better with some training, so whatever... you'll train for another one properly and run it faster, but it's kind of cool that you can at least go out and do it on a whim!

[dgrant]

If you enjoy running so many races in a year, why feel bad about it or hang your head? Obviously you like running lots of marathons with short time in between... if that's your thing then keep doing it and enjoy the hobby the way you want to.

[jgore]

And don't even think about those three 60+ runners who beat you, one of whom was 70.

Don't beat yourself up for times you get in races for which you haven't trained, just go and have fun.

[Chainsaw Baby]

Impressive 10M time! Yes, running a marathon does not always go according to plan. But you are not happy about Hamilton and that usually translates into changes to your training strategy. I've always claimed you learn more from your tough marathons than from the "beautifully executed" races. I'm certain you will be thinking of Hamilton when you train for the next marathon.

Hamilton will help you!