11 May 2008
Done.
Posted by Matt Stargardt under: Matt Stargardt .
My 10th consecutive Riverbank is in the books. I signed up to be a Road Warrior, looking for the perfect race. I couldn’t ask for a better day to run, but my race was far from perfect. I really had high hopes of breaking 1:50…….It was based on good logic….I was in better shape than last year and last year I ran 1:50. I set out with Chaz at 7:00 pace….my plan was to hold 7:00’s until about 9 or 10 miles in, then go faster if I felt good. Trouble is I never felt good. I kept thinking I would loosen up…but I didn’t. After mile 8 I knew I had to back off. I stopped looking at my watch and just kept my legs moving. Long story short….I got in under 2 hours….but barely.
I still can’t figure out what wasn’t there on Saturday….but for whatever reason my legs weren’t willing to go. Could have been a stomach bug….could have been the extra steps at the “fashion show”. Maybe the Bamboo shirt???? It does burn me that my performance doesn’t reflect the my fitness I thought I brought in from my training……..but there are days when your legs don’t move like they should. Ultimately I can’t complain too much…..I finished under two hours and I did not ride in an Ambulance……2 of my much larger goals.
I want to thank Brooke and Kristen for the royal treatment as a warrior. I could definitely get used to VIP perks. Thank you fellow road warriors for the experience I look forward to seeing you all at road races in the future. Thanks rungazelle to reintroducing me to group running and group frostbite.
Good running until Riverbank ’09……
Matt
6 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
12 May 2008 at 7:27 am.
Matt, I completely understand how you’re feeling. Granted, you were still over an hour faster than I was, and hopefully you are walking on both feet just fine today (I cannot put weight on my left foot…guess who will finally call the doctor?), but I understand! You still ran an awesome race and should be proud. *We* all know you have it in you to go faster — we’ve seen it on training runs. If you’re still planning on Bayshore, maybe it’s good you “saved” yourself.
Hope to see you around on the running trails. It’s been great being a Road Warrior with you!
–Shelly
Julie Hurley Says:
12 May 2008 at 9:18 am.
I can understand your disappointment, especially after putting in such hard work. I personally think you did great. Good luck at Bayshore!!!
Bob Says:
12 May 2008 at 11:04 am.
Great work Matt. I’ve talked to so many experienced runners that didn’t perform as well as they expected. Maybe it was the temperature being warmer than 40 that threw everyone off. Good luck in your future running goals. See you around!
Steve Kelly Says:
12 May 2008 at 1:13 pm.
Great attitude Matt. They can’t all be our fastest races, but you have a great track record. Track record, that’s funny…All the best for Bayshore!
Nick Says:
12 May 2008 at 4:54 pm.
Matt: The great thing about the River Bank Run is it returns year after year. So in less than a year, you’ll have another chance to achieve your sub 1:50 time.
Deb Pieri Says:
12 May 2008 at 5:29 pm.
I have always enjoyed your posts Matt! It’s tough when you don’t do as well as you think you will. The beauty is that there is always another race, another opportunity. I think you did awesome! Thank you for clapping and yelling me in! I know that you will do terrific at Bay Shore. It was great getting to know you during our months of road warrior training. I know I’ll see you on the roads!