This past weekend I raced at the Pacific Association Cross Country Championships here in Golden Gate Park. It's a course I know well, having run parts of it nearly every day since living in SF. I've raced at this meet numerous times over the years; it's crazy to look back at the time I ran here as a freshman in college in 2005 and compare it to my first post-collegiate race here in 2010, to this past Sunday's result:
2005 PA Championships:
2010 PA Championships:
This weekend's race was so fun, just like high school and college cross-country all over again. The meet was about the TEAM and about competing hard alongside teammates. The course was a little muddy but nothing compared to years past, and on race day we were lucky to get a break in the rain.
I was a bit anxious to race, as I've been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue (probably due to sitting in front of a computer for too long and not getting proper recovery post-run). I can't tell you how many times since starting full-time work that I've finished a run, dashed off to a meeting (hair still dripping from the 2-minute shower I took), and proceeded to sit in a chair for hours while my muscles screamed at me. Ah, the life of the working runner... sorry, little hamstring!
Now both the men's and women's teams are off for Lexington, Kentucky in 2 weeks for the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships. Look for to a strong showing from NBSV!
But first, there's a Turkey Trot to be run! Yup, just a few days after running PA's, I'll be back at it, racing the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in the elite women's 5k. I ran this race last year (finishing 8th in 16:35) and can't think of a better way to start off Thanksgiving Day! Especially this year, when I've got so much to be thankful for.
Happy early Thanksgiving to all - and if you're able to, lace up your shoes before digging in to the turkey and pecan pie and head out for a joyful run :)
2005 PA Championships:
2010 PA Championships:
2012 PA Championships:
This weekend's race was so fun, just like high school and college cross-country all over again. The meet was about the TEAM and about competing hard alongside teammates. The course was a little muddy but nothing compared to years past, and on race day we were lucky to get a break in the rain.
I was a bit anxious to race, as I've been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue (probably due to sitting in front of a computer for too long and not getting proper recovery post-run). I can't tell you how many times since starting full-time work that I've finished a run, dashed off to a meeting (hair still dripping from the 2-minute shower I took), and proceeded to sit in a chair for hours while my muscles screamed at me. Ah, the life of the working runner... sorry, little hamstring!
Thankfully, my hammy held on for the 4 mile race and I finished comfortably in 4th place, leading the New Balance Silicon Valley women to our 3rd straight Pacific Association and West Region Championship title! Wohoo!
Champs 3 years and running! We are happy :-)
 |
But first, there's a Turkey Trot to be run! Yup, just a few days after running PA's, I'll be back at it, racing the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in the elite women's 5k. I ran this race last year (finishing 8th in 16:35) and can't think of a better way to start off Thanksgiving Day! Especially this year, when I've got so much to be thankful for.
Happy early Thanksgiving to all - and if you're able to, lace up your shoes before digging in to the turkey and pecan pie and head out for a joyful run :)
