I did a boy-thing last week — made a bet with Steve on the outcome of the Vets' 5000 metre race. If he managed to lap me, he'd win a beer. I thought I was safe. Surely Steve's tired ultra-running legs would struggle for track speed and he'd run about 20:30. Therefore I'd need to clock 22:15 — a time I was confident of running.
Now then, I'm very serious about track races — my PBs in this most universal of racing locations mean the most to me. I didn't think the beer-bet would come into play. So, it came as quite a shock when I heard Steve's pitter-pattering feet closing fast when I still had a lap and 150 metres to run. Steve was on his final lap, and he drew alongside as we entered the home straight. I sprinted as if the beer up for grabs would be my last! We ran shoulder-to-shoulder towards the 'finish', but the bastard got the better of me in the final metres. He'd run 20:10! Feeling sheepish and deflated, I then dragged a pair of protesting legs around my last lap for a time of 21:59. Although losing the beer, I was happy enough that running 30 seconds faster later in the season seems possible.
The above video is a day in the life of Jennifer Barnes, produced by her loving husband Zach. I've been reading Jen's blog for a couple of years (we have similar running PBs). She's raced the Boston Marathon, and is now an Ironman. A warning though — have some tissues handy, if like me, you're touched by emotional stories. Yes I admit it, there was moisture in my eyes.
Now then, I'm very serious about track races — my PBs in this most universal of racing locations mean the most to me. I didn't think the beer-bet would come into play. So, it came as quite a shock when I heard Steve's pitter-pattering feet closing fast when I still had a lap and 150 metres to run. Steve was on his final lap, and he drew alongside as we entered the home straight. I sprinted as if the beer up for grabs would be my last! We ran shoulder-to-shoulder towards the 'finish', but the bastard got the better of me in the final metres. He'd run 20:10! Feeling sheepish and deflated, I then dragged a pair of protesting legs around my last lap for a time of 21:59. Although losing the beer, I was happy enough that running 30 seconds faster later in the season seems possible.
The above video is a day in the life of Jennifer Barnes, produced by her loving husband Zach. I've been reading Jen's blog for a couple of years (we have similar running PBs). She's raced the Boston Marathon, and is now an Ironman. A warning though — have some tissues handy, if like me, you're touched by emotional stories. Yes I admit it, there was moisture in my eyes.
12 comments:
That video reminded me so much of watching CJ run the Foster Ironman - the atmosphere is just amazing - it must be such an incredible feeling crossing that finish line!
Woohoo Ewen, you beat your projected time like it was nuthin'!! Very excited for you, even if you did lose the bet. You're a racing machine these days, seems like you're out there every weekend just about. Congrats!
Great video and song. I see these ironman experiences and feel so inspired and think, imagine doing that ... wow ... then I think about what they actually do, how long they do it for and am speechless.
Wow, Ewen! Thanks for the shout out. :) Thanks for your support all along.
Awesome time at the track race. We don't have very similar PB's anymore... you're leaving me in the dust!
its a good time....woth the beer i reckon :)
Isn't it great how a little competition brings out the best in your racing times.
I hope you didn't sign up for anything you'll regret while your eyes were moist.
Well done, especially on that last lap, when you managed to maintain a pace marginally faster than the average pace in the preceding 11.5 laps, despite being forced to do a premature sprint along the home straight a lap early.
Don't you hate the pitter patter of feet as you near the finish? I can certainly help you find reserves you didn't think you had. Nice finish!
Thats a good 5km time and next time you win the bet!..
I hope i can so fast like you the 5km race?.
Rinus.
www.rinusrunning.nl
Ewen, we used to have another standing bet. The winner is the person who runs closest to their predicted finish time. By this measure you'd have won! Well done, great time too. Cheers, PB
Well done! Thats a great 5k effort. Pre would have been proud of your efforts to hold off Steve too., that would have been worth seeing.
Cool Vid! Ewen the racing machine just keeps on delivering top notch performance!
Hey Ewan - thanks for dropping by my blog! I can't wait to read more of yours! That video is great. So inspiring. See you next Monday!
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