Doonst learns a lesson in Hamilton

[Doonst]

First of all congratulations to everybody who ran PB's today in the Hamilton Marathon, that's respectable. Of course now I can't say it just wasn't a PB day or course.

I ran most of my half with mlazenby, that was a high point. We usually just pass by each other in trail races, when I am doing 25 K and he is doing 50 or more. I had freely admitted that I didn't have much invested in this race, that it was just a fun run on an exciting new course. Also I knew the statistics on the course elevation, and the wind predictions. Nevertheless, I paced Mike to a 45:30 first 10 K, similar to my last 2 fast halfs (1:37/1:38]. This was partly into a substantial breeze. It started feeling tough when it flattened out after the big hill we ran down. Not a good sign when flat ground seems hard, still some elevation to pay back. We were still running pretty good until about 17 K. I had started to walk through the aid stations, something I don't do in halfs as of this year. Sent Mike ahead around 15-16 K I think. I did keep him in sight for a while.
When I got to the long uphill, it all unraveled. My exhaustion, the hill, and my lack of motivation created a perfect storm of suckiness. When it came time to push, I just didn't bother. I even walked a couple of times between aid station, in a half, I literally don't remember when I last did that. As as I slowed though, I was surprised that not many people streamed by, I guess lots were fading on the hill. By the end, I didn't care much about time, but I did want it to be over. 20th split time was 6:48. Then back to a 5:11 on the flats to bring it home. Final was 1:46:18, a 5:02 pace. Slowest half in 18 months. I was quite beat at the end though, so I couldn't have slacked off as much as I thought. I figure if I "raced" it up the hill like I usually do, I might have been 2 minutes faster. Kicker is, I came in 7/45 in my age group, my last two half times would have put me 3rd. (On much easier courses of course.)
So the lesson that I learned: don't go out at an "A" race pace, if it's not an "A" race, especially if the hard part is near the end. It hurts.
I don't know yet if I could like that course, point is moot since it will be totally different next year. As always the company of fellow maniacs made for a great day, on and off the course. Orange pom-poms rule!

[Robbie-T]

on to the Egg Nog Jog!!!

Good placement in your age group, that speaks a lot for the course. Maybe you didn't run a perfect race but it still a quality result.

[mlazenby]

I could tell you weren't in the groove, even when we zoomed through that first 10k. I didn't want to say anything because you still seemed to want to push it (sounds familiar...?)

Even though you had a mediocre day, I have to say it was one of the high points of mine and a great way to end the season for me, so thanks Sheldon.

Besides, I think you have run enough PB's for one year.

[MoeMan]

Thanx for the report

[UltraQueenga]

Every race is a lesson and every race is unique. Might not be a PB, but you have to consider the conditions and not compare it to previous races.
Congrats on toughing it out on that long uphill and walking away uninjured.
See you at Egg Nog Jog.
(I keep meaning to ask, do they actually serve egg nog after the race? I love egg nog.)

[AlfiefromPickering]

This was not the best race for many runners. And many of us ended up learning something instead of celebrating a PB or and excellent performance. Way to go again Sheldon.

[trixiee]

Way to go, Doonst! You certainly showed your toughness out there!

I have a feeling you'll be showing that course who's boss next year!

[BJH]

Well done Doonst! That was a tough course.

You know, I think the problem really was that you didn't wear the funky tights.

[Sandra]

Still a very good finish and placing! Nice report.

[scrumhalfgirl]

Still a great result. Try and harness the memory of some of that "perfect storm of suckiness" for the next time a race gets tough.

[dgrant]

A strong placement in your division nonetheless, but it's not unfair to have expected a motivational letdown for this one. You've been chasing highly specific finish times for quite a while now, so I'd imagine it's tough to transition back to just racing for the sake of being out there.

I think you've earned a break from ambitious running for a few months!

[Kristi]

I love the expression "perfect storm of suckiness" - we've all been there!! Sounds like you have earned yourself a break!

[HCcD]

awesome race, sheldon, despite those conditions ... :clap:

[pts]

I love the expression "perfect storm of suckiness" - we've all been there!! Sounds like you have earned yourself a break!

Couldn't have said it better myself. I am totally stealing that expression!

Well done on a great racing season Sheldon, hey, they can't all be PB's right?

Now time for some FUN at the Egg Nog Jog!!

[Doonst]

"perfect storm of suckiness"
Well if I made up that expression I might as well clearly define it. So you too can repeat my mistakes. First, show up tired, preferably after a hard marathon. Second, have low expectations/ no clearly defined goal or target. Third, pick a course that is increasingly hard near the end. Finally, go out too fast as if the first three points didn't exist. Voila, you too can share in the fun.

The thing I was most proud of last year in the fall tour, is that I came to race every single time, 10 out of 10. Even in Detroit and paris when I was noticeably getting tired, and the winds were there, i gave it my all. I certainly didn't get that satisfaction yesterday. Either show up to race or don't, make up your mind.

Hopefully I really do learn something from this. I am focusing on my race plan for next spring. Can I really hammer both ATB and Boston, 3 weeks apart? Would I really be happy doing Boston as just a fun run? Am I at high risk to make classic Boston newby mistakes, going out fast on the downhills and getting chewed up by the Newton hills? Lots to think about, feel free to remind me of this thread and my new expression.

[DeValera]

So the lesson that I learned: don't go out at an "A" race pace, if it's not an "A" race, especially if the hard part is near the end. It hurts.

Great counsel - solid report (as always!)

DV

[casual-runner]

Congratulations. Great AG position

[Hermes]

It's over Doonst!! Some races, that's the highlight. Very tough course from the sounds of it, and well, you know, you just ran a Boston qualifier.

So, all in all, you did great!!! CONGRATS!

[tgilpin]

One of the best things about racing is learning about yourself....I think you did that very well this weekend! May not be a PB but a very strong placing....so be proud! Enjoy your recovery and ponder your 08 season

[Sanders]

Not your best race in an excellent season. All this tells me is that you are human. That's a good thing.

[JLA]

Hopefully I really do learn something from this. I am focusing on my race plan for next spring. Can I really hammer both ATB and Boston, 3 weeks apart? Would I really be happy doing Boston as just a fun run? Am I at high risk to make classic Boston newby mistakes, going out fast on the downhills and getting chewed up by the Newton hills? Lots to think about, feel free to remind me of this thread and my new expression.

Maybe you didn't go into this race with a clear goal, but I think you came out of it with some pretty crucial lessons learned. This critical thinking is going to be essential to a successful spring-- good on you for starting now, and not waiting until, oh, 2 weeks after ATB to be asking these questions!

ps- We should all be so lucky to have 'perfect storms of suckiness' so speedy as yours!

[Ironboy]

I'm just glad I didn't do it. It was harsh out there!

Admirable performance, especially in those conditions!

Great to see you again!

[Irongirl]

1:46 on a bad day is still pretty great for you.......

I totally understand the perfect storm of suckiness.......glad that you've experienced it!

[Nicholas]

Any race where you learn about yourself is a "good" race. Time for some R&R, winter is almost here.....

[Jo-Jo]

Sometimes the races where you experience the "perfect storm of suckiness" are the best teachers.

Great report...now go rest up