Event: The Red Bud Classic 10K, Champion chip Timing
Place: The Waterford Complex, Oklahoma City, OK.
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM
Goal: Run an Easy pace.
Age: 55
Weight: 148.5
Goal Event: Boston Marathon, April 21, 2008
Div: Male 55-59
Bib: 763
Weather: Start, 75 degrees, slight swirling N and S winds, clear and sunny.
End, 75 degrees.

This was the 26^th running of the Red Bud Classic. Fees supports the Baptist Children's Home in Oklahoma City. The event consists of a Bike tour on Saturday and a 5K, 10K and 2 mile fun run on Sunday. The run is an out and out: meaning, you start at the Waterford complex and finish in Nichols Hills (about 1-2 miles from the start). Parking is available at both locations. The Red Bud Classic is probably one of the largest 5K/10K events in Oklahoma City.

The 2:00 PM start has its advantages, especially if you have to drive 2 hours as I did. But the 2:00PMstart is late in the day and it can be quite warm this time of year. At race time it was a clear, sunny and 75 degrees with swirling winds.

The race course is hilly as most of the race distance runs through the Nichols Hills area of NW Oklahoma City. Portions of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon run through the same area.

I have not run this race in a few years since it has not fit well into my schedule. This year, however, it fit into my Boston training plan. Even so, I would have preferred for the race to take place on Saturday.

Yesterday (Saturday) I ran a sluggish 16 miler and the previous 5 mile Easy run on Wednesday resulted in aggravating my right shin again.

The 6 mile Tempo run, about 8 weeks ago, where I felt the first signs of shin problems has not healed. I remember than day clearly. I warmed up for a mile, turned around to begin the first 3 mile decent at Tempo pace when I felt a slight muscle pull on the right shin, the sensation continued as I continued at Tempo pace. All the while I argued with myself as the whether I should stop. Finally at mile 3 I backed off, realizing I had pushed too much. Sometimes I am amazed at my own stupidity, oh well. I finished the day’s mileage a slow recovery pace. That night my right shin throbbed. I have since curtailed all of my speed work but I have managed to sneak in a Tempo run every now and then and even a 25K race without any apparent side affects. I have iced the shin frequently and taken ibuprophen. So, to sum things up, the right shin has recovered some but probably won’t recover completely until I give it some rest which isn’t in the cards until June.

Parking near the start would close at 1:00 PM, so we left Ardmore at 10:45 for the 1 hour and 45 minute drive. I-35 is always packed with traffic but today’s trip north was faster than expected. Upon arriving at 12:15 I proceeded to the registration area. The signs on Registration display said that the race was sold out and some un-timed registrations were available. I was glad I had pre-registered. I am not sure, but I think that this is one of the first times this race has sold out.

After I picked up my bib and chip I returned to the truck and saw Carl (Opie) and Paul (pfriese) walking along the sidewalk. This was the first time I have had an eyeball with Opie. We all had a nice discussion about this and that: afterwards I made my last porta potty stop. Upon returning to the car Kevin, Julie and their son Casey came by (local running buddies) and talked a bit about the race day plans.

At 1:30 I decided to go to the starting area. After a half mile warm up I saw Kevin again and we finished our warm up together.

I lined up at the 8:30 pace area: it was getting very hot and I wondered if I would get sun-burned.

After the gun went off it took me about 30 seconds to cross the starting line. I thought this was good sign: maybe the crowd will help me slow down.

Well, before I knew it I was running to the left curb trying to pass runners. Their wasn't a happy medium with my pace: before I knew it mile one had passed with an 7:52 pace which meant I was running much faster. I checked my Garmin and I was averaging a mid 7 pace.

Oh, well, so much for attempting a training run.

Soon I saw Paul (pfriese). He was running strong and based on his training and today's performance he should have a great Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Splits:
Mile 1 - 7:52
Mile 2 - 7:36
Mile 3 - 7:29
Mile 4 - 7:17
Mile 5 - 7:27
Mile 6 - 7:28
Mile 6.2- 6:31

Today’s run was a blast: my finish time was OK: not up to par with my capabilities but none-the-less-OK. And my shin problem does not seem to be any worse that before the race: I hope. I knew better to think I could make this an Easy training run. I was pleased to feel strong on all the hills which was the case at the Beacon on the Bay 25K a few weeks ago. The hills were my alley.

Results:
Distance: 10K (6.2 miles)
Garmin measured distance: 6.34 miles
Finish Time: 47:26
Pace: 7:38
AG 55-59 (my age, 55): 7/35
Male Open: 7/35
Male Masters: 41/267
I would highly recommend is race.

And, above all, it was a pleasure to see Paul and Carl. Attending a race is always more special when you can share it with friends.

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