 |
| Awards ceremony |
Official Time: 25:13
Placement: 1st in the 45 - 49 age division
Results: Here, 27th overall
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid to upper 60's at start
Garmin Route: Here
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:03 | First mile had some uphill. Took a while to get going |
| 2 | 8:08 | Actually felt good here |
| 3 | 8:25 | Last mile seemed like a slight uphill... very mild |
| 3.08 | 0:35 | |
| Total Miles: 3.08 - 25:13 | ||
Introduction
I remember last 4th of July I didn't race. I was in Elko, NV and I looked longingly at the Spring Creek 4th of July race but I hadn't really prepared for it and just didn't have the motivation to do it. This year, I decided to make a Nevada trip based upon the race. So when I got an email reminder and talked to the race director during its sister race (The Nevada Marathon / Lamoille Canyon Half Marathon) and I decided to make a go of it.
Plus, it was a whopping $20 or so for registration -- and it would be something new.
Plus, it was a whopping $20 or so for registration -- and it would be something new.
The Race
The race is held at the Spring Creek Marina. I've driven by Spring Creek a dozen times on my way to Lamoille Canyon but never really explored what was there. I've read a little bit about it but I figured it was just a bit of suburbia south of Elko.
It was about a 25 minute drive to the Marina from the Red Lion and I made it easily. I was one of the first ones there and grabbed by tank top (which I kind of needed) and bib.
Getting there early gave me a chance to photograph the area and use the bathrooms:
As I killed time, I could see more and more people arrived. The race director had encouraged people to arrive early but clearly a lot of rookies had shown up. Unfortunately, the race didn't start until about 7:15 (or so).
I had warmed up at about 6:30 -- and it was already warm. Mostly I just did about a mile jog to feel like what the initial mile was going to be like. I also felt the elevation -- Spring Creek sits at about 5500 feet.
Once they had processed everyone, the race started. I had lined up somewhat in the back. I wanted to ease into the race and at least not kill myself on the initial climb.
 |
| If you look closely you'll see me on the left |
There were a ton of young kids in the race -- and I think that is great. Most started out way too fast and came to a crashing halt about a third of a mile into the race.
The race starts behind the marina's parking lot, winds up a dirt road to Spring Creek Parkway before heading northwest into the suburban part of the town. I used the dirt road section to get a sense of how I would be running. Once I hit the payment and a brief downhill, I used the opportunity to pick up the pace.
The course is an honest one. It has some rolling hills and while my Garmin says it was net downhill, I felt like it was more of the opposite. I am not sure how accurate the Garmin really is but it seemed like there were a lot of gentle inclines than declines.
I was trying to find people my age that I had to work off of. I am a very poor judge of age but tried to keep up with some of the other 40-somethings.
I made it to the first mile marker and saw my watch beep just before it. It always gives me a sense of confidence in the course being not too long or too short when the mile markers are lined up.
I was working off of another guy, presumably my age (he wasn't) and trying to match pace with him. He'd pass me and then run up a hill and my more consistent pace would overtake him. I finally outlasted him and was actually making some gains. At about 1.5 miles I was hurting but certainly not on my last wind.
At this point, the crowd had thinned out and I was running primarily with a pair of young kids who weren't old enough to have driver's licenses. I looked behind me and didn't see anyone my age closing in. So if I could just maintain my pace for another mile or so, I should be in the money for an age group award.
The last part of the race is held on a dirt trail. There were a few hills here but the footing was easy. I was really hurting at this point though and I kept looking longingly for the finish line. Finally it came into view and I couldn't have been happier.
The last bit is on a stretch of grass as you head into the chute that is lined with American flags.
The race starts behind the marina's parking lot, winds up a dirt road to Spring Creek Parkway before heading northwest into the suburban part of the town. I used the dirt road section to get a sense of how I would be running. Once I hit the payment and a brief downhill, I used the opportunity to pick up the pace.
The course is an honest one. It has some rolling hills and while my Garmin says it was net downhill, I felt like it was more of the opposite. I am not sure how accurate the Garmin really is but it seemed like there were a lot of gentle inclines than declines.
I was trying to find people my age that I had to work off of. I am a very poor judge of age but tried to keep up with some of the other 40-somethings.
I made it to the first mile marker and saw my watch beep just before it. It always gives me a sense of confidence in the course being not too long or too short when the mile markers are lined up.
I was working off of another guy, presumably my age (he wasn't) and trying to match pace with him. He'd pass me and then run up a hill and my more consistent pace would overtake him. I finally outlasted him and was actually making some gains. At about 1.5 miles I was hurting but certainly not on my last wind.
At this point, the crowd had thinned out and I was running primarily with a pair of young kids who weren't old enough to have driver's licenses. I looked behind me and didn't see anyone my age closing in. So if I could just maintain my pace for another mile or so, I should be in the money for an age group award.
The last part of the race is held on a dirt trail. There were a few hills here but the footing was easy. I was really hurting at this point though and I kept looking longingly for the finish line. Finally it came into view and I couldn't have been happier.
The last bit is on a stretch of grass as you head into the chute that is lined with American flags.
 |
| The finish line |
Conclusion
Upon finishing, I grabbed some water and went about socializing with people. They had bananas and some chips as well.
Looking at my Garmin, I was mildly happy with my time. The course was a tough one and I felt accurate. If I had to predict my finish time before the race I would've probably given a range of 24:45 - 25:15. So I had run pretty much what I expected I would've.
The course was well marked. Even if I had been in the lead pack, I would've known where to have gone. The course was interesting as well. While running through a residential area doesn't sound too terribly exciting, I felt that the terrain varied and occasionally you got a glimpse of the beautiful marina.
After picking up my ribbon for the age group award (and win) I decided to go for another shake out run. I probably put in another mile or so (total) but there was some beautiful scenery and well worth the brief excursion.
I liked this race and if my travels take my back to Elko for the 4th of July again, I'll definitely do this race. It was affordable and I really liked the course.
Here are some final pictures of the Spring Creek area when I did my cool down run:
No comments:
Post a Comment