13 May 2008
What happened?
Posted by Nick Katsarelas under: Nick Katsarelas .
It’s a question I’ve asked repeatedly since Saturday morning, when I crossed the finish line at 2:51.
It was six minutes faster than my 2007 time, but a world apart from where I thought I’d be.
I trained hard. Conquered 17 miles in April. Ran the 11.5 miles on that cold and gusty Saturday a couple of weeks ago at a sub 10-minute pace. Attended most of the Tuesday and Thursday RunGazelle workouts, and put in my long runs on Saturday or Sunday. Every week, I ran those Buttrick “Butt-kick” hills.
But after a strong start – I stayed on the heels of the 10-mile pacer – I began to falter. I started walking through the aid stations. I lost sight of the pace runner. Beginning at about mile 8, I couldn’t run a mile without stopping. My runs got shorter, my walks, longer.
Not only did I have a complete physical breakdown, but my spirit was shot, too. Unlike last year, when I chatted up anyone running near me, I talked to maybe three people. I didn’t acknowledge the cheering throngs.
I’ll make this easier. Read Julie’s post. It was the antithesis of my experience.
My wife, Pam, thinks maybe I was too focused on trying to hit my goal of 2:42, when instead I should have tried to run a good race and have fun doing it. The fun part was missing this year. I’m truly happy about my nine fellow RWs and two coaches, and their personal accomplishments. The post-race party was fun. I’m looking forward to our dinner. And as I told Pam, if I had to choose between having a faster time or being a Road Warrior, I would choose Road Warrior any day. It was a great experience.
Now that I’ve wallowed in self-pity, I’m done. It’s time to shake it off. I’m gonna rest my sore and swollen heel, set my sights on the the Brian Deimer 5K on June 14, the Reed’s Lake 10K two weeks later, and the Grand Rapids Half-Marathon this fall.
And, oh yeah, the 2009 River Bank.
7 Comments so far...
Julie Hurley Says:
13 May 2008 at 2:06 pm.
Nick, I could tell you were pretty bummed out after the race. You definitely weren’t your usual self. I’m sorry that you didn’t do as well as you expected. A lot of time was put into this one race, this single day, and expectations were not met. I’m glad you’ve set race dates for next month and are planning on running the RBR in ‘09; just think, next year you have a chance to best your time this year. You’re moving in the right direction!
Cindi Says:
13 May 2008 at 2:59 pm.
I feel your pain. This was my 8th RBR and by far my worst. Not my worst time but it was the way I felt. Miles 10-15 were brutal. And I am not sure what happened. But you are right, the post party was fun and I am coming back for 2009 so it wasn’t that bad:) I enjoyed reading all your posts!
Bob Says:
13 May 2008 at 4:32 pm.
I talked to so many runners who performed lower than their expectations in this years 25k. It’s not as if you can say that all those folks (including yourself) didn’t train hard enough. I believe it had more to do with the fact that 90% of the longer training runs were done in colder temperatures than on race day. I’m glad that I’ve had the chance to know you through this years Road Warriors program. You are going to keep getting faster my friend. You’ll be so much faster for the RBR 09!
Shelly Says:
13 May 2008 at 4:40 pm.
Blame the leprechaun! You still did an awesome job, Nick–we are all proud of how well you did! I, of all people, completely understand a shot-down spirit and the disappointment–and the self-pity. Saturday afternoon pretty much sucked for me, though I still wouldn’t trade the whole experience. I love to run, I will be back out there as soon as I can put weight on my foot–hopefully soon enough to make great use of that RunGazelle membership!
Maureen Says:
13 May 2008 at 4:51 pm.
Nick,
When I saw your time in the paper on Sunday morning my heart went out to you. I know you really trained for this race. Last year did not go the way you planned and the 1/2 marathon didn’t happen. So you’ve had your three strikes. Next time you race you will have a good time. The races you have scheduled are perfect for you. They both offer shorter distances which will be a piece of cake for you. Your ego will soar because you won’t believe how easy these shorter distances are after running a 25K. Don’t worry about your time for these races because it will come so naturally for you. Just have fun!
Deb Pieri Says:
13 May 2008 at 8:52 pm.
I too, am so very sorry that it was not the race you had hoped it would be Nick. You were strong and you were ready. Who’s to say what happened. I have had races like that. . . where I just couldn’t pull it all together and felt like crap. 25K is a long and tough run. Just completing it is winning. It is a tremendous accomplishment. Thanks for running with me during the course of our training and for having such a wonderful sense of humor always. You haven’t failed Nick. . . you’ve conquered and next year will be even better!
Steve Kelly Says:
14 May 2008 at 12:57 pm.
Add me to the list Nick. Miles 13-15.5 were unreal. I had to walk at the aid station by the zoo and was shocked and so dissappointed. The rest of the way in is a blur. I pictured crossing the line all grins and telling stories. I spent the first half hour trying not to pass out! I too have talked to a ton of people who, for whatever reason, hit the wall like they never have before.