Third Annual Northampton Running Company Four on the Fourth (benefit for the Center for New Americans) July 4, 2008 8:30 AM overcast and threatening skies, 68F, humid The chief sponsor of this race, The Running Company, is the kind of running shoe store that’s operated by runners and really nice folks at that. I am always happy to support them and their races. This race is also a great place to see friends and most of the local speedsters. The beneficiary organization is wonderful and offers language classes, family support services and a whole range of legal services for immigrants and new citizens. There were several new citizens in the race today, including my Nigerian born neighbor and his mother who became American citizens yesterday. Now that I am deeper into the marathon training cycle, I know my leg speed is diminished somewhat. This race is good for keeping my speed work sharp while piling the miles onto my legs. I did want to beat my time from last year---a 29:04 (7:16 pace and 4th in my age group). Hmmmm…. I went to Dr. J’s house since she lives right in town and wanted to jog to the race from her house. Her kids didn’t want to join her---cross country and track daughter broke her toe while life-guarding and her warrior runner twin son is till three weeks away from activity as he recovers from surgery. So off we went to the registration and start area. This race starts off around the corner from the Running Company store and loops up main street Northampton and then up Elm Street by Smith College (the climb is gradual at first). Just after the mile 1 mark we turn up Round Hill Road (somewhat steep). The rest of the race is pretty flat and takes us around Childs Park and back to the finish A good portion of the race follows the Hot Chocolate 5k course and that reminded me of Dark Horse since I met him and his son at that race in December 2007. It’s a good day to remember him---hello out there wherever you are and thank you for your service! Goals: * Beat last year’s 29:04 * Unleash a decent kick and make mile 4 the best mile Results: 28:32/ 35th overall out of 148/3rd woman overall/2nd in the 40-49 age group Overall winner: Erik Nedeau in 20:23 (he has won this race all three years) and first overall woman was his wife, Amy Nedeau in 5th in 22:38. She has won this twice---took last year off to have a baby. Ah to be in your early thirties! My splits: Mile 1--- 7:05----I felt awful---arms all tingly, light headed, whine, whine, whine…. Mile 2--- 7:11 (14:16) ----climbing up Elm Street and hitting Round Hill Road here---steady now----look ahead, straighten up---power up and over---passed 4 people here Mile 3---7:14 (21:30)----Residual hill stuff and feeling sorry for myself---Snap out of it---the legendary Nancy Conz is reading the 3 mile splits---look sharp (she yells to me that I am third woman…I am? Cool!) Mile 4---7:02 (28:32)----Roar! I am kicking this mile and I am happy The post-race gathering was great fun as many of the local running club members gathered around the pancake griddle and were treated to pancakes made to order, doughnuts, cookies, water, Gatorade and coffee. The race is very low key---only $10---and the spirit is always upbeat. Dr. J. is still building back from ITB issues and wanted to go under 30 minutes if her leg let her. She hit her goal just about on the head and didn’t have any pain in her leg. All good. We chatted for a while and then ran back to her house the long way for 8 miles total on the day. All the local fireworks have been cancelled because of thunderstorm forecasts, so this was a great way to celebrate. Thanks for reading! MTA: black shorts, hot pink singlet, white socks and hot pink racing flats.

So you ran 7:08's, and you nailed a terrific final mile. Here are the two key points as I saw them. First is that I agree with you that during marathon training it takes the sharpness off your speed, so if you were looking at say, 7:15's, it almost always feels like a hard slog and you never have that spring in your step. It's very difficult to race during that phase. But on the other hand, once warmed up and in race mode, you are able to push and do so with confidence. I imagine that fourth mile was very tough, but what made it achievable is the confidence you have from the training. I really admire a tough final mile in a short race like this. Very well done. After your goal marathon I think you might want to consider working toward some sub-7 efforts as it is all there for you. Well done. Spareribs

Huge race, Karin! Very impressive...although judging from the workouts you've posted, I'm not surprised...I have a tee shirt picked out for you that I saw in Atlanta...I'll post it in a couple days. DickyG

Terrific race!! Congrats on third overall!! Did you win something for that? I sure hope so. What an inspiration you are.....

CNY, what marathon are you training for? Have you heard of the Pioneer Valley Women's Running club. Since youre local I would make quick pitch for them/us. Its a great club. We run Whiting every Sat AM and have lots of social things too. What marathon are you training for? Laurie

Nice splits Karin Especially the last one! You are a very talented runner and one of the many on RA that I love to follow. I learn from every post and most of all from every RR. Thank you for sharing. Larry

Karin, you are faaaast!!!!!!! Great going and have fun on vacation! Francesca

Wow, another great run! But no fireworks? So nice that you did the race with one of the running J's too!