My pre-race routine involves a series of neurotic steps, but the most critical of all is the “dry run.” This is when I survey the course a few days before the race. To date, most of my races have been in Central Park, but tomorrow’s is not (Washington Heights, NYC to be exact). Therefore, I needed to get a feel for the inclines and declines this morning. It would be a stretch to say I ran the course as I kept the pace to 9:42 (slow even for a recovery run). My goal was to observe the terrain and plot out the racing strategy.
From my read, the course is largely flat for the first 800m then the first (and steepest) hill greets you for the next ¼ mile. After the fast decline, the hills then roll modestly until about the about the 1.8 mile mark. The 2nd steepish incline arrives as you reach Fort Tryon Park. The down and back course reverses itself as you exit the circular road in the park. There were a couple hills of note in the park. Once I reach the 2-mile mark, I will let it loose. I’ll be facing an incline, but once I hit the peak the momentum down hill should make up for any depletion in reserves. The finish will likely be fast and it’s where I hope to make up / gain a few seconds.
My plan is to pace with one of my teammates who mentioned a 6:50’s target pace, but I know she will push it well beyond that … which is great.
Forgetting about the race for a minute … the scenery on the course (in the park) was stunning. This area is known as The Cloisters and sits at the tip of Manhattan on four acres overlooking the Hudson River. It just confirms that I need to get out of my normal surroundings more …
I do have a minor dilemma. After the race, I will some easy distance to finish off the week, however, since I plan to run in the Asics racing flats I can’t put real mileage on them. Therefore, I may need to do the unthinkable … bring an extra pair of shoes and check a bag. Eeek!!! I’ve never done this before. I know folks do it all the time, but this is waaaaaay outside of my comfort zone. Alternatively, if I only run 5-6 miles after the race in the racing flats this should not destroy my feet (or the shoes). In fact, I would like to use the kicks on a 10k so I should probably find out if this is possible. I’m leaning towards just wearing the flats and bagging the bag check in. Seriously, you are talking about a guy who on race mornings leaves his apartment to hit the corral exactly as the starting gun goes off. I have NO patience for crowds, lines, etc. Hopefully my feet and the kicks will be in harmony.
The only other clothing related issue is the top. Rumor has it that the temps will reach 50* this weekend. If this morning is any indication, it will not be 50* tomorrow at 9:00 am when the race starts. At 8:00 this morning it was 32* with an unfriendly breeze. I wore a thin shirt, jacket and running pants and was still chilly. Tomorrow the gear will consist of shorts, cap, gloves, probably a base layer top and CPTC (practice) singlet. (I become an official member on Monday when the board meets, but was told I can definitely wear the white practice singlet. I was asked if I wanted the board to expedite the approval so I could wear the orange racing singlet, but I thought that was too much trouble. It’s not that big of a deal.) I’ll check the temps when I wake up, but ideally I can remove the base layer and add it to one of my teammates bags or just bring a throw-away top to keep warm.
I’ll post you on the results! As always, thank you for the encouragement.