Race Recap: Central Park Conservancy Run

I normally don’t recap short races because everything is a blur, but this race was not a blur.  First, it was the largest Agony turn out ever!  Second, this little 4-miler is always harder than it seems because it’s in middle of July. Third, I got a blessing from the Princess Warrior!

Sorry, but I complain like a child told to eat her peas when it comes to summer runs.  So naturally, I had complained to just about every one that would listen about my Saturday workout.  I declared it a 3H training day:  Hot, Humid, Horrible.  The morning started out at with an “easy” 5M run.  By the time I had finished, my stupid-ass Garmin was already freaking out from the sweat.  Ugh.  “Jean Paul” (my Garmin Virtual Partner has a name, Garmin is French, right??) is such a wuss. 

I make my way to the corral, and I stand near the red-yellow border because I just don’t want to be in the red-red or blue-red.  This is a Team Points race and there are lots of mean people here.  It’s safer in the corner…  I see bunch of Agony folks, Lunch Lady, Maharaja, Capt. Chris, Xena and her Fans.  Xena is pumped because this weather is perfect for her.  I start to complain again while I tie up my singlet into a mid-drift tank.  At this point, I don’t give a crap about my gut.  I just want to be comfortable.  As the corrals are mushed into one big bulk, Xena comes over and gives my drum (aka tummy) a slap.  I take that as her blessing, she’s sharing me her hot-weather mojo.  It's called Kiai in Japanese, by the way.  OK.  I can do this. I've got Xena Mojo in me!

As I speed down the start and up the Cat Hill, I see Capt. Chris take off.  Dude runs fast when he wants to.  I should remind him that messes with his perfectly styled hair…maybe that’ll slow him down so I can pass him.  hehehe

I power through mile 1, recording 7:17.  I tell myself to slow down because I know I’m going to die over the “First Hill”.  This is the first hill after Harlem Hills going south bound on West Drive, right off the 102^nd Transverse.  It’s long, it’s pretty steep and it’s a twofer.  It starts at 102^nd with a mild incline, then after a few feet of flat, it takes a sharp up turn.  You’re not given sufficient downhill recovery and boom!  You’re in hill #2.  I hate this First Hill.

Sure, enough, by the time I hit First Hill, I’ve become that annoying runner.  I’m breathing loudly.  I’m annoying people left and right!  Then I notice some other chick breathing loudly.  Louder than me!  Ha!  So now I try to out-breathe her because she’s screwing with my rhythm.  We annoy each other and every body around us through the Second Hill, and after that, I decide to put my booster on the go.  Good bye Annoying Lady!

After the Third Hill, I almost lose focus on the big, long, comfortable down hill by Delacorte Theater.  This down hill always gets me.  Sometimes I forget to breathe and I end up with a stitch.  Sometimes I let my effort down and end up paying for it.  Had it not been for Capt Chris and his glowing white counterfeit Chinatown singlet and his now disheveled hair in front of me, I probably would have lost concentration!  I snap back in, and tell myself it’s about 800m from here.  800m!  It’s a simple 800m repeat you do in track!  You’ve done it in hotter weather!  I count my cadence and finally finish.

I really wanted to hang with the team after the race, but I just couldn’t.  I had more workout to do that day, and Jean Paul was just being an annoying prick.  He kept on telling me to keep on moving…”Go Faster!” for my second half of the training.  Ugh. 

We did really well in this race, with a strong showing and a strong finish.  The ladies ranked in top 10 for the team and we all look sexy here!! 

Next up is our Team Championship race on August 4.  We still need ONE MORE girl to run.  If you haven’t ran with us before, this is your chance.  Join us and make history! Contact Mr. Tom right away!!!  Just like how Capt Chris pulled me through a rough patch, let your fellow Agonite take you through this amazing race!  This is what a team is for, guys!