Penguin World Conference IV
Toronto, Canada
May 24 to 27, 2002The first international Penguin encounter and the first encounter outside of the United States
Race Report from Cheryl Link of Dublin, Ohio...
Date: Tues May 28, 2002
Subject: RnR Half Rpt
Hi All! Home from Toronto and trying to collect my thoughts about the weekend. It was just a wonderful time, all of it. So many great people, just wish that I could have met and gotten to know everyone. The number of new people was almost overwhelming. The Toronto Penguins did a great job of putting on a first class affair, future conferences will have a hard time living up to this one. But, I certainly plan on being in the Windy City next year to see how it compares.
Now for the race... I've had a great year coming off of the NYC Marathon. I was able to jump right back into my training and stick with a min of a 25 mpw base. Feb came along, with an invititation from Julia Kim to run Boston. A bump up in mileage and another marathon completed. Felt great after that marathon as well, and after a 2 week cut back on mileage, I was right back up to my 25 mpw training base.
In Jan I added weight work to my training. I lift a min of 2x a week, but for the most part I get it in 3x a week. I really attribute this to being able to maintain my level of running. My joints feel so much better and I really feel like a stronger runner.
Anyway, I've also started working with a virtual running coach. I met this guy thru Julia while in Boston. He's a wicked fast Dead Runner, who seems to be happy as all get out to be helping someone interested in improving. He's been laying out my running schedule and "gasp" throwing in speedwork. I've only done 2 weeks of speedwork so I really did not expect to see much of a difference in my time.
Prior to leaving for Toronto, Coach B asked me what my race plan was. Huh? I've never had a race plan other than to start running and hang on. Nope, that wasn't good enough for the Coach. Break your race into 3 parts, the first 5 miles, the 2nd 5 miles, and a 5k. His plan was to run the first 5 in 48 mins, the 2nd 5 in 48 mins and a 30 min 5k to get me in at 2:05.
Hah! I was hoping to run under 2:10, but I would keep this plan in mind.
As the race started, I took a quick look at Julia's pace bands for kilometers. A 2:10 half required 6 min kilometers. The first 3k's were a bit above the 6 mins that I was shooting for, but I hit the 8k mark in 48 something. Hey, isn't 8k 5 miles? 10k was hit in 58 mins. It's looking better.
I spent the next 5 miles focusing on light poles in front of me and reeling them in. I really can't say that I noticed much of the course other than those light poles. The 16k rolled up and I glanced at my watch to see 1:33. Ack! A 30 min 5k and I'll break 2:05!! Too much to hope for, just concentrate on getting it done.
The next 5k was a blur. I really couldn't even focus enough to tell you who was at the Penguin water stop. Although, I did hear that bell!!! I kept telling myself to focus and I kept hearing my coach telling me "NO WALKING!!" "If you're tired, slow down, no walking." Heck, it's only 5k, I can handle this. I rounded a few turns and the finish was in sight. A quick charge and I was across the finish line. 2:03:40!! A 5 min PR!!!!
I was quickly congratulated by John and Karen, who immediately had to turn around and congratulate Julia and Carlene - who were both on my tail!!! A great day for a few Penguins who've been working pretty hard at raising the bar a bit on their running.
I grabbed a couple of bottles of water and headed to the finishing chute where I was able to watch so many others finish. The looks of elation on the faces was priceless. I know we had several other PR's, some first time half marathons, and other's that succeeded thru some training set backs. All of it was great to watch, and everyone of you inspire me!
I also got a chance to see the marathon winner come in. He was soooo cute! I believe he was from Zimbabwe. But he had the biggest smile on his face and high fived the spectators all the way thru the chute.
For all of you that have cheered me on, passed along training advice, and been supportive over the past year...THANK YOU!! I feel so blessed to have a training break thru when surrounded by friends. What a great time.
Cher in Oh
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