Running of the Green 7k 2009 (or: Best. Birthday. Ever.)

For our training race this session, Runner's Edge of the Rockies ran the Running of the Green Lucky 7k in downtown Denver. This is a fun and surprisingly challenging race that winds its way through the streets of LoDo and then climbs over I-25 to the Highlands neighborhood, before returning to LoDo. Each year the race seems to get bigger, and I'm not sure it isn't the second-largest road race in the state--or at least in the top 5.

Two days before the race, Coach emailed a great article from "Running Times" entitled "Go Zone Racing." The thesis of the article was (stated very plainly at the top) personal records and breakthrough performances...come only by getting out of your comfort zone and into your "Go Zone." After reading the article (several times), I was determined to do that at today's race.

I knew it would hurt. Obviously: I was going to be out of my comfort zone (get it?). But that's part of the reason I've been running so many smaller races this year. I want to get faster, and the only way that's going to happen is by pushing myself. I've had some solid 5k races, but no breakthrough times. This one, could be one. I just had to will it.

Before the race, we all congregated at the Runner's Edge tent (or, to start, a few yards away in the sunlight. MAN Wazee is cold in the shade). Coach led us on an easy warmup jog, combined with some plyometric moves and a half dozen pickups in (I think) Commons Park on the other side. To tell you the truth, I a little was worried after those pickups: I wasn't feeling especially strong during them, and feared I might have done too many. But I tried to banish that negative thinking on the easy jog back to the starting line. After a quick stretch, I inserted myself in the crowd about 15 feet back from the start line, ignoring the voice in my head that said "You're too close to the start." I focused all my energy on a strong race. I told myself I'd try to cover the first mile in 8:15, and pick it up from there. I figured if I thought of it as a mile-long warmup followed by a 5k, that would give me the right mind-set through the race. That, and my rock music. I had my iPod loaded up with Nickelback, Rage, Theory of a Deadman, BB King, "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm, and some White Zombie (I know, it's all over the place, but it all rocks pretty hard, and that's what works for me).

At 10:15 the race started (it just occurred to me, I don't remember hearing the National Anthem. It's possible I was just that focused). I settled into a quick pace just on the outer edge of my comfort zone, a pace I knew I could maintain for the whole race but easily pour more into if I wanted. As we turned onto 18th, the close call I'd been hoping to avoid finally came: a runner, making his way through the throng, cut right in front of me, missing me by inches and forcing me to lightly steady myself using the closest runner. Last year, when I ran this race, the exact same thing happened at the 1 mile mark, except that time, the runner cutting across me stepped on my foot and twisted my ankle. It is still the last time I had to drop out of a race (knock wood), and had been my biggest fear for today. Fortunately, this year he missed me, and I was able to keep running.

As the course turned onto 20th I faced the first climb, after easing into a nice downhill. I turned it up a little for the uphill. I don't know why, but I really seem to enjoy powering through hills (I blame RER speedwork and The Parker Run). I passed a number of runners, including some friends, as we climbed out and over the bridge over the highway. Shortly after that (at about 2.4), as I came into the Highlands area, was the water stop. I slowed to a walk as I got some water, and then picked up the pace again. Highlands is very hilly, by the way. I have a friend who lives in that area, so I've walked those streets a number of times. I pushed my pace along the uphill, wanting to make up a little time from my walk break, and looking forward to the downhill that Newton dictates must exist.

After that downhill and one last walk through the water station, it was back over the bridge and into LoDo. Thanks to my walk breaks, I leapfrogged with some friends during those mid-miles, but on the bridge crossing I was able to pass them once again. Then I had the two climbs along 20th, after which I knew it was smooth sailing and time to pick up my pace a little. I was feeling strong, and although I hadn't looked at my watch since turning over my first mile, I felt like I'd been staying on track. I'd run a good-but-still-comfortable pace for the first mile, and tried to pick it up a little until the halfway mark, at which point I pushed myself even more. I was now just outside of my comfort zone, running what felt like a pace I could force myself to maintain for the last 2 miles. Sure, it would hurt by then, but that was the point.

At this point I need to apologize to any friends who I may have passed during that return mile along Central and Blake. I dimly recall hearing people calling my name or saying "Go, Superman!" But I was so focused on pushing myself, I may not have acknowledged you. If that's the case, I am sorry.

I visualized the course in my head as we turned onto Wazee and then 19th: "Seven blocks to go...now six..." I was running out of steam, but knew I could have a strong finish. However, I had forgotten in my excitement that the course doesn't turn on 16th; it turns on 15th! Aargh! But when I passed the 4 mile mark and I hadn't thrown up yet, I knew I could pick up my pace even more. And then, turning back onto Wazee and seeing the finish banner, I dialed it up again for those last two blocks. I was so focused on pushing myself as hard as I could, I only remembered to throw my arms up in my finishing pose with about a half-stride to go!

My official time was 33:49, which is a 7:47 pace. That makes this the fastest race I have ever run (to date). Coach Dave called it a "huge breakthrough race." I tell you what, it was exactly the shot in the arm I needed. I've run some good races this year, but I've always thought I could do more. Now I know.

Official time: 33:49
Total races: 6
YTD race miles: 49.9
YTD total miles: 251.3
Prediction for my next 5k: 24:17