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Provo Freedom Run 10K

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Location:

Lehi,UT,USA

Member Since:

Jan 01, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

Personal bests since 2009:

  • 5K - 18:31 (Freedom Run, 2021)
  • 10K - 38:52 (Dana Point, 2009)
  • Half marathon - 1:25:54 (SLC, 2012)
  • Marathon - 3:02:40 (St. George, 2009)

Short-Term Running Goals:

  • Break 3:00 in a marathon
  • Run at least 5 days a week

Long-Term Running Goals:

  • Lifetime fitness
  • Run the Boston Marathon
  • Do an Ironman triathlon (someday)

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Air Pegasus 25 Lifetime Miles: 1220.37
Asics Equation 2 Lifetime Miles: 1198.81
Asics Blue And Silver Lifetime Miles: 930.43
Pearl Izumi Orange Streaks Lifetime Miles: 194.77
Treadmill Lifetime Miles: 2381.47
New Balance 690 Lifetime Miles: 313.68
New Balance 310 Lifetime Miles: 1120.96
Race: Provo Freedom Run 10K (6.21 Miles) 00:43:54
Easy MilesThreshold MilesMarathon Pace MilesTrack speed mileageHill mileageTotal
0.306.200.000.000.006.50

The race went well but not nearly as fast as I hoped. We were a little rushed getting to the race, but that was OK. The first mile was uphill mostly, and I ran a pretty comfortable 6:53. That was close to what I was aiming for, so I was happy. The next mile was mostly downhill, and again I felt comfortable. The time was about 6:35. The third mile was slightly downhill the entire time, and I ran about 6:35. So the first 5K was under 21 minutes. Burt McCumber joked that he was going to steal my race plan and use it against me, so about mile 2 I had considered throwing in a 4:20 mile just to confuse him but then decided against it. :)

Starting in mile 4, I just started struggling a bit. It was weird because I felt almost a malaise come over me. This has happened in several races lately. Maybe part of it is from not being in good enough shape. And maybe some of it is getting older. I don't know. But it was this overwhelming feeling of not wanting to push super hard. Wanting to enjoy the run rather than push though pain. I used to not be like this. Maybe it will change. Hopefully. Or maybe I should just run for fun. But anyway, the next mile was about 6:53. So not bad at all, but I could feel myself slowing down. I waved hello to my parents and little brother, which was a nice boost.

The fifth mile had some hills, and I kept fairly strong going up but was certainly slowing down. If I remember right, the split was 7:35. The final mile has quite a bit of uphill, and I struggled more than I expected and slowed down quite a bit. I don't know my split, but it was probably close to 8:00. The last 0.2 I felt pretty good. After the race, I didn't feel spent. I felt like I had run well, but it wasn't the usual feeling of complete exhaustion after a race.

I don't want to get down on myself about this. It's just kind of interesting. I was feeling like a Boston qualifying time later this year would be in the bag, but now I feel like I need to really work hard to get it and not take that for granted. So it will be a good motivator to help me get stronger physically and mentally for that goal.

I've done this race for many, many years (on and off since I was 14). I really enjoy it because I get to see old friends and run in front of an audience. It was run well this year. The main complaint I had was that they started the 5K at the same time as us, and their course overlapped substantially with ours. There were tons of walkers. I had to run around them a lot. One time there was a group of walkers 10 people wide. So that threw off my rhythm a bit and made me a little grumpy. And didn't allow the most efficient tangents. That's fine though. I can't blame them for my time, but it was a frustration. This is the first time we've had to deal with it. On a positive note, though, there were way more runners than previous years, it seemed, so people must be getting more excited about fitness.

As for future plans...I've taken a break in high mileage the past two weeks. I'm ready to start ramping those up next week. But I think the most important part of my training is going to be tempo runs. Though shorter than a race, they simulate the race environment and will help me practice pushing through that feeling of wanting to slow down. The other types of runs will of course also be important, but I aim to put in a great effort each week on those most importantly.

I doubt anyone read this far, but if you did, thanks for reading. :)

Asics Kahana 2 Miles: 6.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dustin on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 at 22:46:18 from 209.33.192.10

Good job Steve. That is not an easy course. The start is nice, but I do remember struggling a little from mile 4 to the end when I ran it a few years ago. It is a fun race with all the spectators, but can be frustrating when starting with 5k runners also. I wouldn't get to upset, like you said just use this to measure where you are at with your training. I'm hoping to run a fast 10K on the 24th. Then in August I would like to run the Provo River Half.

From thedude on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 at 23:11:55 from 71.199.1.53

You should be able to qualify for Boston, with a 10K time like that. Don't worry about a BQ, you'll get there. I've seen more people crushed when they don't BQ than I can count. You go in with an anything under four hour attitude, or climb this impossible hill, and the rest is gravy. I have a buddy I take great joy in beating, I don't care what time I have as long as I have bragging rights. All that time pressure sort of takes the joy out of the experience.

From Steve Piccolo on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 at 21:56:15 from 66.60.123.63

Thanks, guys. I thing that I'm going to train as well as possible for St. George and run my absolute best. And see where that gets me in qualifying for Boston.

From Burt on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 at 22:34:15 from 98.167.151.26

I skipped down to the last paragraph and felt guilty about not reading all the way through so I went back and read it. Glad I did! Hahaha!

Those were some excellent miles there at the beginning. Even that 8 min. mile was good, just sounds like the hill got ya. As far as the mental push, not sure I have any advice. My problem is, since I got back into running, knowing I wasn't the healthiest guy, I've always been afraid to push myself. I'm afraid I'll keel over and die. Of course as a youngster you think you'll live forever. Now I have a new perspective on life. And it's that I like it and want to keep living it. Great job on the race.

From Kelli on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 at 22:47:33 from 71.219.89.21

I read it all! I feel your frustration on that race. It was packed. i was one of the 5k runners, but I had a stroller so I had to start in the very back. I couldn't get past people to save my life. I cold not believe all of the people who were running/walking 5-6 people wide. It was frustrating for me. Someone mentioned on another blog that now that running has become so popular, they need to talk to runners before the race and explain etiquette (like moving over for the 10k finishers when you hear the sirens, I was YELLING at people to move out of the way!) I think a lot of people just do not know.

ANYWAY, sorry for the soap box! You did great and I am sure that BQ will come. That is an awesome time for a 10k on a hilly course with HUGE crowds. WELL DONE!

Good luck with your training!

From thedude on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 at 00:19:49 from 71.199.1.53

Maybe try.... Run Faster: how to be your own coach, by Brad Hudson.

From redrooster on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 at 15:04:23 from 129.123.3.31

nice race on a tough course Steve! are you still coming to Logan sometime? let me know when so we can meet and I can introduce you to some people at the university if you want! Scott

From MichelleL on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 at 17:54:56 from 71.35.250.200

I skimmed that far, does that count for anything?

I was way annoyed at the crowds the 10kers had to go through, and I was just spectating.

Nice job on your race. You can improve a lot between this race and St. G (in 2007 I got a 21:20 5k and then ran St. G in 3:00:42).

From Steve Piccolo on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 at 22:10:33 from 66.60.123.63

Hi Scott. Thanks. Yep, I'm still planning to come. I've been meaning to reply to your email but got sidetracked due to not having my CV touched up. I'll get it to you tomorrow.

Michelle, thanks for at least skimming. :) That gives me hope then. I will definitely be working hard the next 3 months, so we'll see how it goes.

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