Got up at 5:45am to get ready to run the DSE Ferry Building 4 Miler this morning.  It was pouring down rain on the way over.  Catherine and I decided to spend Saturday night in SF (after running the Bah Humbug 5k) so we didn't have to deal with the drive up Sunday morning.  The race started at 8am.  Catherine and I like any excuse to stay in SF.  We stay at this little boutique hotel and it is like having a place in the city.  Good fun...

In any case, the DSE race was to be number 46 of the year.   I was 29 seconds off pace to average under 7 minutes/mile for my challenge after running Saturday.  I wanted to pick up another 45 seconds or so today.  On October 27 I had run the Cabo Double (10k and 5k) but I decided in advance not to count the two races because I knew I would not run well because of the heat, humidity and being on my feet for three days taking photos of our Ujena models in Cabo Mexico.

I spoke with some of the runners I know and asked them for their advice including 78-year-old Barbara (white jacket).  It was not the rain and the standing water that had me concern.  It was the wind.  It was estimated by Neil (a running friend) that their were gusts over 40 mph.  Much worse conditions than Davis a couple of weeks ago. 

I would have run this race today if my challenge is also about time.   About 25 did run.  I like running in the rain.  But the best I could have done in these conditions would have been 7:15/mile.  Maybe even worse.  In any case I would have lost one minute or more today.  Once I run the race I would have to count it.  I decided not to run.  That was so hard for me to do.  Once I set out to do something I don't like changing the plans.  Did I make the right decision? Within the hour (too bad the race didn't start at 9am), the wind died down.  It was still raining however.  I had to do a training run.  Mike and I went back to the hotel and we ran my seven mile Giants course.  We were soaked when we got back and I was glad I decided not to race today.    I might have been more like 7:30/mile pace today...

So what am I going to do? I have a 10k in Golden Gate Park next Sunday and then I am running the Ted Corbitt 15k in Central Park (NY) the next Saturday.  Then my final two races of the year is the Double in Pleasanton Dec 23 (I count the two legs as two races for this challenge).  I have to run each one well.  I really should not double up next weekend.  On October 27 (photo) I ran the Cabo Double.  And as expected I did not run well.  However, I had two races on reserve if something might happen.  I ran 21:56 for the Ujena 5k and I am now going to count that race.  

On Saturday I ran 20:52 (photo) and picked up 50 seconds.  By counting the Ujena 5k I lost 11 seconds in that race.  So now after 46 races I am 40 seconds off pace.  I have four races to go.  I was hoping to be ahead at this point.  I have to run well in Golden Gate Park on Sunday.  I should be able to make up most of the 40 seconds I am behind.  I need to run 6:53/mile pace or better.  I should be able to do that.  Then we are off to New York Dec 12.  The 15k is Saturday Dec 15.  Can I run under 7 minute pace for 9.3 miles? There is going to be a lot of pressure on me going into these final races.  This is going to be close...but I am going to do everything I can to make it happen!   Thanks for your support!!!!

Pretty nifty thinking. Since I have run the Ferry Building run under the same conditions I would say you made the right decision.
Richard Stiller 12/2/12 5:44 pm

I believe you made the wise choice. Your pressure is self-imposed. Forcing yourself to run in bad conditions with a preconceived pace in mind is inviting trouble resulting from bad decisions along the way. Keep doing the right thing and you will prevail.
Steve Gilbert 12/2/12 7:47 pm

When you made the challenge at the beginning of the year, I doubt you even thought about running conditions such as today. Regardless, your challenge was NOT to run a specific 50 races this year, but rather, run 50 races with a net pace average of less than 7 minutes. You have made it very tough on yourself but I think you made the right decision. The pressure is on but I have sincere faith in your drive to accomplish your goal.
Roger Wright 12/2/12 8:19 pm

Bob, you definetely made the right decision. I went out just after 8 AM and immediately was soaked to the bone. Going over the Highway 237 bridge the rain was hitting my face hard from the side due to the wind. I decided that if it kept up I would turn around and come home. While making the decision a guy on a bicycle came by and shouted " hard core " and we high fived. With that I decided to keep going. There was alot of flooding in the streets and several times ran through water at least 4 inches deep. I managed to run 8 miles but I looked a sight when I got home. The only reason I did it was I needed it with the Double only 3 weeks ahead. I don't want to let our team down. I've been running along time and today's run ranks in the top 5 all time for conditions. It was not racing weather.
Bill Dunn 12/2/12 8:47 pm

Thanks guys...it was a tough decision not to run. If I had not raced on Saturday...I would have raced!
Bob Anderson 12/2/12 10:47 pm

Bob, you made the right decision, always tough to step away from the starting line, but a run would have taken you out of the challenge. We are all cheering for you, good luck next weekend.
Barry Sackett 12/3/12 6:04 am

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One of many things I have enjoyed about this challenge is meeting so many new people along the way.  Today after the race I met Ivan Medina (photo above)  He is a new member of the Ujena Fit Club and he loves our site he told me.  He is running the CIM marathon in the morning and hopes to break 2:25.  His next race after that is the Double where he hopes to run under 32 minutes for 10k and under 16:00 for the 5k leg. 

One thing that really helped was that I got in a good warm up before the race.  Here running on the trail by the starting line.

I got a couple pairs of new adidas shoes this week including a light racing flat.  It is just 6oz. Wow, I liked the feel of these new shoes.

I didn't go out as fast as I normally do. I hit the first mile in 6:43.  I was feeling pretty good but my legs did not feel fresh.  However, my breathing was better than what it has been. 

I ran the second mile in 6:40 and then the third mile in 6:46.  I was feeling good but not strong.  Last year I ran 20:36 on this course.  I picked it up the last mile.  Today I finished in 20:52.  I was 18th overall and first 60 plus. 

I met a lot of runners today including these girls from ClubSport.  ClubSport is one of our Double Road Race sponsors.  They will be at the Pleasanton Double Dec 23.

We have been looking for a Santa Claus runner and sure enough we found him.  Santa and his family will be with us at the Pleasanton Double.

And just as we were leaving these two girls told me they are running the Double too!

It was a wet weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area.  We need the rain but it does make it tough for us runners.

And even tougher on the race directors.  Mark, from On Your Mark, is working with us on the Pleasanton Double.  He has lined up a super flat and fast course for us.  Thanks Mark...I need a fast course for my last races. 

Way to go Bob! You are doing the deal.
Barry Sackett 12/1/12 5:20 pm

Great job. You have the plan in hand.
Steve Gilbert 12/1/12 5:32 pm

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