Jingle All The Way 8k - Race Recap

THE KWIATKOWSKI-BRANNIGAN DUO CLEAN UP, AGAIN

Race recap:

Chris K and Jeff B shared the lead with several others from the gun.  Their first mile was a casual 5:05. Miles two and three were slightly faster thanks to random surges from local Africans.  Classic Yo-Yo racing.  At the 3 mile mark, Chris K had enough of their games and surged to the lead.  Teammate Jeff Brannigan came along for the ride, but Chris would eventually gap Jeff by about 20 seconds. Chris K had a finishing time of 24:01 and Jeff Brannigan finished 2nd in 24:23. The top 5 finishers all broke the 25 minute barrier.

Local elite road-racers are becoming all too familiar with Chris' racing technique, but there's not much they can do about it.  Chris is extremely fit right now.

Edmund Burke had another great race, running 26:36.  Good for 13th place.

Another great Pacers Event.

GALLAGHER ADDS ANOTHER WIN TO 2012

Kerri's race recap:

Lining up behind Santa, I knew it was going to be a good day!

It had rained pretty heavily that morning, but lightened up by race start.  Although there was some windy stretches, I thought the weather was pretty solid for December 9th.  The race went out quickly from the gun, but I was able to keep a pretty even 5:30 until the 4th mile.  The course had a lot of turns which wasn't ideal for time but ended up being helpful in other ways.  The crowd was electric and bursting with holiday spirit!  It was a lot of fun to run with elves, reindeer, the Holy Family and (my favorite) the Christmas Story bunny pajama group!  Despite the cheery atmosphere I managed to slow down by about 15 seconds in the fourth mile, but pulled it together for an 8k personal best!

Other members of the Pacers New Balance squad finish 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 12th.

Erin Koch and Barbara Fallon Wallace worked together most of the race running times of  28:30 and 28:35 respectively. Erin was instructed by Coach Centrowitz to treat this race like a workout.

Lauren Centrowitz averaged 5:57's for the 8 kilometers, running 29:34.

And Kristi Markowicz was the first Female Master's runner in a time of 31:05.

A great all around day for the Ladies on Pacers New Balance Racing Team.

Results Here
Photos Courtesy of SWIM BIKE RUN PHOTO

Runner Profile - Edmund Burke

Meet Edmund Burke

Born: July 17, 1969

HS: Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana, CA, 1987

College: College of Notre Dame, Belmont, CA, 1991; San Francisco State University,
1995

PRs:
5 miles: 24:19 (2003)
10 miles: 49:18 (1998)
½ Marathon: 1:06:23 (2003)
Marathon: 2:21:47 (2003)

Favorite Local Races: GW Parkway 10-Miler; Alexandria Turkey Trot 5-Miler.

Favorite Local Trail: Capitol Crescent Trail

Edmund’s Story:
30 years ago, all 70 of my classmates and I (at an all-boys school in Ireland) had to run a 3-mile cross country race. Amazingly, I won. I wasn't a very good student or athlete, so when I discovered I was a halfway decent runner…I kept running! (I had never trained until a few days before the race, but after the race I ran for 120 days in a row!) That race changed my life.

Running is a generous sport. I've had the pleasure of running for Coach Centrowitz for the past 18 years (and running for Pacers for half of those years), and calling hundreds of teammates “friends.” Some highlights have been winning a Conference 10,000m in college, running a PR at the 1998 Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, and racing in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

I’m looking forward to competing in local races this winter and tackling a marathon in the spring. The first 30 years have been fantastic – so I’m going to keep running!

Runner Profile - Kristi Markowicz

Meet Kristi Markowicz

Born:  April 23, 1970

HS:  University of San Diego High School, 1988

College:  UCLA, 1992

PRs:
800m--2:13 1988
1500m--4:31 1988
5K (road)--17:25  2003
10K (road)--36:08 2003
10mile--60:50  2010
1/2 marathon--1:20.42  2010
Marathon--3:07.16  2003

Favorite Local Race Course:  Veteran's Day 10K
Favorite Local Trail:  Capital Crescent

Kristi's Story:
I have been a runner ever since I can remember.  I come from a running family--my dad was a member of World Cross Country teams and qualified for the Olympic Trials in events from the 5K to marathon.  I spent a lot of my childhood at road races and tracks in Southern California and Northern Virginia and ran my first 10K when I was 6 years old (62 minutes!)

My real passion for running was as a track runner.  When I was 12, I ran a 2:23 800m and 4:48 1500m.  In high school, I was nationally ranked in the 800 and 1500 (5th--1988) and placed 6th in the CA Track and Field State Meet in the 800m (1988).  I also ran cross country but didn't like it as much as the track!  I attended UCLA where I ran for 2 years.  My first year went well.  I ran in the NCAA Cross Country Meet and made the PAC-10 final in the 1500.  But after a second year that wasn't as successful, I stopped competing for UCLA.

My love of running never really stopped though.  I continued to run for fitness for several years but focused on having a career (elementary school teacher), getting married and starting a family.  After my first son was born in 1999, I started road racing.  Since I had never really focused on road races, it was like a new sport for me!  And I found that I hadn't lost my speed nor competitive spirit.  So I started running longer races that in my youth I never thought I would do.  I now have four children--three boys and a girl--ranging in ages from 13 to 4.  I am fortunate to be able to stay home with them, which gives me a little more freedom and time to run than if I had to work.  My husband is a 20 year US Naval Officer, so I have been able to run on teams in Honolulu, San Diego, and now Pacers.

After spending the last year injured, I am finally getting back into racing shape.  I hope to keep racing and running as long as my body will tolerate it!  I still have the long term goal of a sub 3 hour marathon in mind, but only if my body will take it!

Runner Profile - Erin Swain Taylor

Meet Erin Taylor

Born: April 5, 1982

HS: Lake Braddock High School Burke, VA 2000

College: North Carolina State University 2004 & 2005

PRS:
10 mile –59:52 2006
½ marathon –1:21:17 2007
Marathon –2:52:46 2011

Favorite Local Race Course: Vets Day and Jingle All The Way 10Ks

Favorite Local Trail: Georgetown Trails

Erin’s Story:
I started running as a freshman in H.S. and immediately fell in love with the sport. I ran throughout all of H.S. in all the distance events and my senior year finally really hit the national scene with a trip to Cross Country Footlocker Nationals. I ran at NC State during college for 5 years where I definitely had some injuries keep me out of the sport over the years. After college I moved back to the DC area to start working for the federal government. I found myself wanting to be back racing and started at some local road races.

So here I am post-college enjoying racing and now focusing on marathons (2 down so far). My goal is to get back into shape post-baby (My husband Kent and I recently had our son Cameron in May 2012) and qualify for the Olympic Marathon trials in 2016! First big race will be the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in April 2013.

Breaking 30

By Frank DeVar

You’re going to get into a fight with someone. You know what day, and time it will take place, and you’ve known for awhile. It’s always the night before where the reality of your coming plight sinks in. Particularly when you know, deep in your soul, that your opponent is a little stronger and a little quicker. You try to convince yourself that maybe you have a few tricks he has not seen and victory is not such a far-fetched idea. Your reward with this logic is a few stressful hours of sleep before the battle takes place.

This past Sunday, I was able to live this sequence after finding out I would be lining up against Chris Kwiatowski at the Veterans Day 10k. We had never raced, or even worked out together(even though we are technically on the same racing team), but with his recent 49:06 Army ten mile time, I knew it would take something miraculous to win.

Races, particularly those that go exactly to plan, are the hardest to remember. Looking back at Veterans Day, I can remember the first mile going out very quickly, and becoming increasingly concerned that Chris and Jeff Brannigan, did not look like the pace was very taxing. The next four miles were hazy. When I think about those miles now, it was almost like a dream where you try move faster or have a clear thought, but an invisible force is holding you back. Only at the fifth mile, where my coach Dustin Sweeney was standing, did my head clear. All he really said was, “24:13.” Initially a good sign as that was a 5 mile PR, but when I tried to do quick math, it became apparent that hitting under 30 minutes would be an impossible feat.

An unknown runner was between Chris and I. He had a great stride but was coming back to me quickly. He proved to be the better man as he beat me by two seconds, but I was not distraught as I crossed the line at 29:59. We covered the last 1.25 miles at 4:35 mile pace. Chris beat me by 12 seconds in a convincing win.

Veterans Day 10k - Race Recap

PACERS-NB RACING TEAM

(From right to left, men: Matthew Barresi, Jeff Brannigan, Chris Kwiatkowski, Edmund Burke, Tripp Southerland, Frank DeVar, Derik Thomas... Women: Erin Taylor, Barbara Fallon Wallace, Kristi Markowicz, Kelly Devine, Kerri Gallagher)

November 11th, 2012

Weather - Ideal

Competition - There

Excuses - Unavailable

The Men's Race:

Chris Kwiatkowski took the race out hard.  He strung along fellow teammates Jeff Brannigan and Frank DeVar as well as two Africans, two Georgetown Running Company guys, and recent UNC-Greensboro graduate Joey Thompson. Close behind Tripp Southerland led a tight chase pack of 6 or 7 guys through the mile in 4:53. The two packs stay fairly intact for the first 5k out along Hains Point. The real race was run in the final 5 kilometers....

Chris K is the first to make a move just after the turn around. He maintained his lead all the way to the line. Winning in 29:47.

Not ten seconds behind Chris, Joey Thompson and Frank DeVar were battling it out for the second spot. While the two both broke 30 minutes, 29:56 and 29:58, Thompson was rewarded the runner-up spot.

Jeff Brannigan had fallen another 30 seconds back and finished 4th, in 30:26.  A well-deserved personal best.

Matt Barresi and Tripp Southerland, worked together for the majority of the race, taking the 6th and 7th spots in 31:36 and 31:41, respectively.

Quick PacersNB Recap:
Chris K - 1st, 29:47  (Road PR, 5-6 seconds off track PB)
Frank D - 3rd, 29:59 (PB, first time under 30)
Jeff B - 4th, 30:26 (Big PB)
Matt B - 6th, 31:36 (Solid first race of the season, #comeback)
Tripp S - 7th, 31:41 (Big PB)
Edmund Burke - 20th, 33:00 (1st Male Masters Runner)
Derik Thomas - 32nd, 34:25 (Big PB)


The other local elite team, Georgetown Running Club, was in attendance and took second place in the team standings. PacersNB was able to put 5 men in front of GRC's first.

The Women's Race:

Kerri Gallagher - 2nd, 35:16
Barbara Fallon Wallace - 5th, 36:21
Erin Taylor - 13th, 38:14
Kristi Markowicz - 16th, 39:02 (1st Female Masters Runner)
Kelly Devine - 23rd, 41:22

Carmen Hussar from Birmingham, AL, ran a very impressive 33:45 for first overall female. Kerri Gallagher, from PacersNB, led our women's team to a second place finish, running just off her personal best. Carmen extinguished Kerri's "on fire" status, but at the same time lit a fire under Kerri.

Barbara Fallon Wallace ran a very impressive race, averaging 5:51 pace.

Erin Taylor ran a great personal best.

Kristi Markowicz continues a successful comeback taking the first masters position in 39:02.

Kelly Devine knows one gear; 6:40 pace.  Marathon or a 10k two weeks later, she's running 6:40s. 

A very successful day all around for the Pacers-New Balance racing team.

"If you can't run fast on a day like today, you'll never run fast."

- Frank DeVar minutes before learning he had broke 30 minutes in the 10K

Results Here
Team Results Here
Photos by SwimBikeRun

Runner Profile - Matthew Barresi

Meet Matt Barresi

Born: Washington, DC February 8, 1983
HS: Atholton High School, Columbia, MD
College: American University, Washington, DC 2005 & 2011

PRs:
5K - 14:32
10K - 30:59
Half Marathon -  1:08:38
Marathon - 2:25:11

Favorite Local Race Course - Parkway Classic 10-Miler
Favorite Local Trail: W&OD

Matt's Story:
I started running as a freshman in high school and left my life as a competitive gymnast to become "just a runner" when I was 16.  After completing my high school career as a distance runner and pole vaulter, I walked on to the American University team.  I ended my college experience as a member of AU's Patriot League Champion, NCAA qualifying XC team and with a 3rd place finish in the Patriot League Championship 10,000m race. I continued training under AU's Matt Centrowitz after graduation with eyes on qualifying for the Marathon Olympic Trials.

I originally studied visual communication, but after 3 years in the workforce came back to AU for graduate school and a full-time position coordinating the University's faculty and staff wellness program. My wife, Joy, who I met running on the W&OD trail, and my one year old daughter, Vienna, are my biggest supporters.

My goals for this year are to get fully healthy so that I can get back on the line representing Pacers and to run a fast spring marathon.

Veterans Day 10k - Race Preview

FLAT, FAST, & BORING

Details:

Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012

Location: West Potomac Park (Aka Hains Point) - Washington, DC
Start Time: 8AM
Distance: 10K Race

Register Here.

More Important Details:

Who's running it from Pacers? 

Men:

• Frank DeVar - Defending Champ, Coached by Dustin Sweeney
• Chris Kwiatkowski - Fresh off a 49:06 Ten Miler, Coached by Matthew Centrowitz Sr.
• Tripp Southerland - PR'ing left n right, Coached by Dustin Sweeney
• Jeff Brannigan - Always in shape, Coached by Matthew Centrowitz Sr.
• Charles Bowles - Ponytail and all, self coached.

Women:

• Kerri Gallagher - Hasn't lost a race since Vietnam, Coached by Matthew Centrowitz Sr.
• Erin Koch - Gets faster with every race, Coached by Matthew Centrowitz Sr.
• Kelly Devine - Only two weeks removed from MCM, Coached by Dustin Sweeney
• Erin Swain Taylor - Sub 60 Ten Miler and 2:52 'thoner is coming back from having a baby, currently self-coached.
• Barbara Fallon Wallace - The 38 year old has at least 3 wins in 2012, currently self-coached.
• Kristi Markowicz - 42 and mother of 4, on the comeback trail from a long injury but has some solid times under her belt over the past 2 years, currently self-coached. 

Others, that are on the fence:

• Derik Thomas
• Lisa Thomas
• Kelly Swain - Sister of Erin Swain.
• Shannon Miller - DNS at INGNYC12, if she can't get into Richmond she'll be out there Sunday. Coached by Dustin Sweeney.

Here's what you'll think is happening on November 11th:
On the men's side, we have four young guns that all race for Pacers New Balance and are looking to sweep the field.  They will all work together hoping to secure the top four spots.

On the women's side, Kerri and Erin are looking to go 1, 2 and set personal bests along the way. Erin Swain and Barbara Fallon Wallace will definitely be up front as well. The two marathoners, Kelly and Shannon, will likely take it out a bit slower and hope to close the gap over the last 5 kilometers.

Here's the skinny on November 11th:
What we have here is four teammates running under two different coaches with very different coaching styles. While the Pacers boys are all friendly to each other and fine, they actually like each other, they're also extremely competitive. Chris K wants the "W" just as bad as Frank D wants to defend last year's victory.  Jeff B wants to close the gap on the two talented front runners just as bad as Tripp S wants revenge from his second place finish at Clarendon Day 5k (JB dropped TS over the last mile).


"Oh, it's a grudge match.  There's no doubt about it."
- Coach Dustin Sweeney

"No comment."
- Coach Matthew Centrowitz


As far as the ladies go, Kerri will be tough to beat.  She's currently ON FIRE with three back to back to back wins.  But you can't write off Erin. With a few fall races under her belt, Erin keeps improving and she's tough as nails. No doubt she'll make things interesting.  Look for the women to hug and kiss each other at the starting line and then come swinging when the gun goes off.

The NYC cancellation is probably the best thing that could have happened to Shannon Miller as she's still on the comeback trail from a recent injury.  If she doesn't get into the Richmond half marathon, she'll be out there.  She's in good marathon shape. So how will that translate to a flat 10k for her?

Speaking of marathons and 10k's, also coached by D Sweeney, Kelly Devine is going to be out there. Her nickname is "slow twitch" so we expected a fast recovery from MCM.  She claims she's not racing Sunday, but we all know how that goes...




As with any Washington DC race, you never know who might show up on race day. Local red-shirt collegiate runners, money-hungry Africans, or the always competitive George Town Running Company. We welcome them, because we all know: Better competition = faster times. And isn't that what we are all trying to do here?  RUN FAST.

The Course

As the title of this blog indicates, this course is flat, fast, and boring. While flat and boring are certain, fast is often dependent on weather. (reader thinking:  How does this differ from any other race?  I'm always worried about the weather)

Well reader, have you ever run Hains Point before?  Kelly Devine has, in the 2012 Marine Corp Marathon, during Hurricane Sandy. (Read her blog here)   Hains Point runs along the Potomac River.  If it's even the slightest bit windy on November 11th, you'll be exposed, just like you were in that dream where you showed up to school in your underwear.

However, man-made Hains Point is as flat as a pancake. So, if the wind keeps calm both you and your grandmother will run a personal best. It's an out and back course from the polo fields near Lincoln Memorial.  At the turn around you'll see who is in front of you and who is behind you and you'll know what to expect over the last 5k... More of the same.  Stay focused and (personal) victory is yours.

Weather

0% Chance of rain. Low Wind. No Excuses.

Dinero


Overall M/F
First Place: $100
Second Place: $90
Third Place: $80
Fourth Place: $70
Fifth Place: $60


Pride and money are on the line. Come watch this nail bitter.  
We promise to make the race less boring than the course.

Runner Profile - Jeff Brannigan

Meet Jeff Brannigan

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY. Date of birth: may 1st, 1989.
High school: Curtis high school
College: American University

Pb's:
1500- 3:49
3000- 8:13
5000- 14:14

Favorite local trails: rock creek/ capital crescent trail

Jeff's Story:
I played soccer and baseball for most of my childhood and knew I wanted to try out for some kind of team when I got to high school. A friend suggested I give the cross country team a try ....and I've been running ever since.

I was fortunate enough to meet Coach Matt Centrowitz my senior year in high school and decided that I wanted to come to DC and attended American University while to train and compete under Coach Centrowitz.

Throughout my college career Centrowitz helped me to make great improvements as a runner and as a person, which is why I have decided to stay put in DC and continue my running career in hopes to reach my true potential.

The ultimate goal for this year is to qualify for USA national outdoor track and field championships in the 5000 meters.

The 48 Hour Rule

By Frank DeVar

For anyone who has competed in a collegiate sport, you have probably heard of the infamous, “48 Hour Rule.” I remember my first team meeting at Mary Washington, this mythical rule was spoken about in hushed voices by upperclassmen before it was beaten into my head by coach. For those not familiar with this rule, an athlete is not permitted do drink alcohol or engage in sexual activity, 48 hours before competing.

My freshman year I was religious about following this rule. There was a time I was out on a date before a race with a girl who wanted the night to live on, and I steadfastly refused any advances under the unquestioned belief that such actions would be detrimental to team and myself. The next day I had a Facebook message from her with an attached article stating that the illicit actions outlined in the 48 hour rule may actually help with sleep and ease nerves. My sophomore year, following a stressful week, I had the opportunity to go carousing on a Thursday night. With a race Saturday, I would be breaking the “Rule!” I went out anyways, and ended up running a PR in the 3000 meters and winning the race. The next day I got in a shouting match with a senior captain who questioned my discipline (he, in the same race ran a near identical time to his girlfriend and finished near the end). Needless to say, our relationship was never the same.

Since that 3000 meter race, I have decided that this rule, is in fact, for the undisciplined, and unmotivated. If your biggest concern is your actions in the 48 hours before a race, and not in the weeks and months leading up to it, then your priorities are out of line. For those of you still unsure about the proper way to deal with the night before a race, follow this simple rule:

Do whatever will keep you relaxed. If this means a beer, or a little romance, do it. The worst thing you can do is over-think the race, which is exactly what happens all too often with those who follow, The 48 Hour Rule.

Kelly Devine's MCM Race Recap

Pre-Race Training Thoughts:
Training for Marine Corps went very well. I had not completed a marathon since January of 2008. A stress fracture in the fall of 2008 then took me away from running for 6 months, and defeated a bit of my mental racing state. I knew in the spring that I wanted to again race my favorite distance. While training, much of my workouts consisted of long runs at marathon pace (6:40) which had me feeling confident and comfortable as the race approached.

Forecast, Oh the Forecast:
The forecast for Sunday was less than ideal. With Hurricane Sandy approaching, the forecast predicted a change of rain and wind up to 20 mph. Certainly not ideal weather in which to race a marathon but I knew I would put my best out there and take it on one mile at a time.

The Race:
The Marine Corps Marathon offers its rolling hills in the first 8 miles of the course. I was able to approach this well, keeping pace when the course was flat, adding a bit of time on the hills, and taking off a bit on the down hills. I was exactly where I needed to be coming into Georgetown and approaching mile 9. The crowd support was amazing, offering so many familiar faces cheering. I ran through mile 10 in 66:40 and headed into Haines Point.

On our way to Haines Point, the wind gusts became noticeable and I knew the battle with the wind had begun, one I was willing to fight with everything I had. Still strong and pushing on, I crossed the half in 1:27:10. Normally Marine Corps is a good marathon for negative splitting, however the increasing winds as the morning went on made this goal a challenge. The backside of Haines Point brought stronger wind gusts and I found my struggle increasing. I continued to work hard, trying to work with other runners when I
could and maximize moments of more calm air.

Miles 15-22 brought on a greater challenge yet as the course took us around the capital and back towards the 14th Street Bridge. The winds in this section were so strong and the race seemed surreal. Again, I was determined to continue the battle and fought to keep my pace, still on target, beginning to notice the fatigue that came with the miles and the battle against the conditions.

Between miles 22 and 23 was when I started to feel my body exhaust. It had fought a long and hard battle and with 3.5 miles to go I could tell it was running out of steam and strength to continue the journey. My quads began to ache and my overall body began to feel worn. The extra energy exerted to battle the wind took more than I had to give. My pace slowed from 6:30-6:45 and I began to see some 7:30-8:00 minute mile splits. Thankfully, I still had support cheering in Crystal City and the last stretch of route 110. After struggling through the last chunk of the marathon, I crossed the line in 3:01, a few minutes shy of my 2:55 goal, finishing in 12th place.

Post-Race Thoughts:
Though my time was not what I had hoped it would be, the race was everything I could have asked for. I was reminded of why I love this distance, the marathon, which brings such an unpredictable experience as it challenges us to extremes.



Results Here

Runner Profile - Kelly Devine

Meet Kelly Devine


Born:  York, Pennsylvania   March 22, 1984

High School:  Eastern York High School
College:  York College of Pennsylvania
PBs:
Marathon - 2:55:29       
Half Marathon - 1:23:01       
Ten Miler - 62:29
5k - 18:52





Kelly's Story:

I grew up mostly playing basketball and started running as a freshman in high school.  At that point, running was for fun, a way to be with my friends and be active but I didn't really get into racing or running beyond comfort.  Throughout my high school years, I ran cross country and track and played basketball.

When I went to college I knew I wanted to work with children identified with exceptionalities and began working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism.  This wonderful opportunity meant that running would have to be on my own.  To keep myself motivated, I decided to train for my first marathon in the spring of my junior year of college.  After a few marathons with some huge personal bests (3:36, 3:17, 3:07), I finally broke the 3 hour mark and ran a 2:55:29 in New York City in November of 2006.  It was training for marathons and seeing my efforts pay off ignited the fire within me to love more than just running, I began to love pushing my body's limits.  I ran New York City while student teaching in York, PA and decided to move to teach in DC after graduating and joined the Pacer's Racing Team in the fall of 2007.

For me, the longer the race the better.  My strength is in distance and endurance and my favorite races to compete in are 10 milers to marathons (and maybe one day beyond...)

After an injury in the fall of 2008, I took a break from the marathon, coming back to run Marine Corps this year.  Training for and racing the marathon again reminded me of my love for this distance.  Over the next year, my goals are to race better my times in shorter distances in the spring and come back next fall with a marathon personal best.

Erin Koch's Army 10 Race Recap

Going into the race I was not sure what to expect.  I had an easy summer, taking some time off to deal with a hip and plantar issue.  I knew I was rounding into shape, but had not raced much or very far for that matter.  The Clarendon 5k was all I had done in last few months.  I wanted to start conservative, but had an end goal of besting my previous year’s time (57.48).  I decided that even though I may not currently be as fit, I would have experience on my side this time around having done a ten miler before.   I wanted to find a rhythm and let my muscle memory and body take over from there.

Heading towards the starting line was a little hectic to say the least.  Kerri Gallagher and I jogged over from Pentagon Row Pacer’s Store and found that the starting waves were already backed up.  We had to hop a median and run up the outside.  We squeezed in about 15-20 rows back from the start, and so we really had no idea where the other female runners were when the gun went off.  

The first mile Kerri and I found ourselves dodging in and out of people.  We hit the first mile at 5.40 and I felt really good.  All of the dodging kept my mind occupied. 

The next two miles were all about looking for female runners ahead of me and picking off as many as I could while maintaining my rhythm.  It was a weird feeling not to know how many female runners were ahead of me or where they were. Mile 2 was another 5.40 and Mile 3 was a 5.33.

During Mile 4- 5, I see two female runners ahead of me and slowly try to cut down the distance between them and I.  I can see myself getting closer and closer, and have to remind myself to be patient.  Part of me wants to sprint up to them, but I know that a burst would come back to bite me.  I clock  a 5.39 and a 5.42.  At the start of Mile 6 I pass both females.  One tries to stick on, but I seems as though I have finally dropped her.  I refuse to turn around and check.  Mile 6 I clock another 5.42.  Mile 7 I find myself in “no man’s land”.  I have no idea how in such a large race I am without a pack to chase down or run with, so I begin focusing on random individuals.  Mile 7 I clock another 5.42.

Mile 8-9:  I let myself relax. Too much!  I know I am at a point where I am not going to catch the lead women and I believe I have lost the two females I passed in Mile 6.   Mentally I checked out.   I clock a much slower Mile 8 around 5.50.  I let this aggravate me and run another slow 9^th mile (around 5.55), not feeling very good.  Coach always says “mind leads the body”.  I mentally checked out which caused me to physically shut down.

I remember that I am a miler, 

and that I have closing speed on my side.

Mile 10:  Right before we reach the final mile, the two females that I had passed in Mile 6 pass me and start to gap me.  I was shocked.  I had no idea they were still there.  I almost let them go, but then my competitive drive kicks in.  I remember that I am a miler, and that I have closing speed on my side.  I pull up behind them.  One of the women starts to go early only for us to reel her back in.  With a half a mile to go, I start opening up and make a hard move.   I pass both women and knowI have to carry this to the line.  

Coming down the final stretch I can hear the top three women being announced.  I take note that my training partner Kerri Gallagher has won!  I use that excitement to dig even deeper as the finish line comes into view.  I close in 5.30 mile, finishing 5^th. 

It is a good starting point, but I have a lot of work to do!  I hope to improve upon this performance in upcoming road races this Fall.  

Results 1 - 10 of 21956	Results Per Page:   10  25  50  100
2012 Army Ten-Miler

Bib	First Name	Last Name	Age	Gender	10k Split	Clock Time	Net Time	City	State	Country	Place	Div Place	Gender Place	Division
129	KERRI	GALLAGHER	23	F	0:34:59	0:56:09	0:56:09	WASHINGTON	DC		80	1	1	****WOMEN -- OPEN****	certificate
20	AZIZA	ALIYA-ABATE	27	F	0:35:02	0:56:10	0:56:10	ELLICOTT CITY	MD	ETHIOPIA	83	2	2	****WOMEN -- OPEN****	certificate
25	TEZATA	DENGERSA	32	F		0:56:26	0:56:26	ELLICOTT CITY	MD	ETHIOPIA	88	3	3	****WOMEN -- OPEN****	certificate
14	KELLY	CALWAY	28	F	0:35:09	0:56:39	0:56:39	MANITOU SPRINGS	CO		93	1	4	WOMEN -- 25 THROUGH 29	certificate
139	ERIN	KOCH	24	F	0:35:20	0:57:18	0:57:12	CHEVY CHASE	MD		115	1	5	WOMEN -- 20 THROUGH 24	certificate
36	MEAGAN	NEDLO	29	F	0:35:23	0:57:24	0:57:21	SALEM	MA		119	2	6	WOMEN -- 25 THROUGH 29	certificate
522	CHELSEA	PRAHL	22	F	0:35:28	0:57:26	0:57:25	GREENVILLE	MI		126	2	7	WOMEN -- 20 THROUGH 24	certificate
867	ANGIE	ZEIDAN	31	F		0:58:05	0:57:41	FALLS CHURCH	VA		134	1	8	WOMEN -- 30 THROUGH 34	certificate
30815	GINA	SLABY	31	F	0:35:59	0:58:09	0:58:05	TUCSON	AZ		143	2	9	WOMEN -- 30 THROUGH 34	certificate
23	GABRIELA	TRANA	32	F	0:35:59	0:58:27	0:58:25	ELLICOTT CITY	MD	COSTA RICA	154	3	10	WOMEN -- 30 THROUGH 34	certificate