"Mama Goes Masters" Virtual Race Report

Tonight I ran in MCM Mama's "Mama Goes Masters" Virtual Race. There were 3 race distance options all based on MCM Mama's 40th birthday - 4 miles, 8.25 miles (honor of the big day!), and for the really ambitious 40K. Being in the middle of 1/2 marathon training I signed up for the 8.25 miles distance.

The race didn't start until about 5:30 pm and I was glad for evening start because there aren't enough of them. For a late August evening the weather was a pleasant surprise - mid 70's with a nice breeze coming off the lake. The course was a simple out and back and started around .25 miles from my front door. There were plenty of others out running and biking and many didn't realize they were part of my race. I made sure to pass several runners and a couple who would have been in my age group had they known about the race ;)

I started off too fast like I tend to do because I am still incapable of properly pacing myself after 7 years of consistently running/racing. Prior to this race I had 2 days off (1 being an unscheduled rest day!) so the legs were ready to go. After the first mile I decided just to go with it and see how long the good feeling would last. At the turnaround along North Beach I realized I would be finishing into the wind... ruh roh. At least it wasn't too bad once the path turned from being right next to Lake Michigan. I lost some gas around mile 5 and backed off a lot until after mile 6. At this point I found some renewed energy after playing leap frog with another runner. I finally surged and passed her on the one small hill along the course. I ended up finishing strong in the neighborhood park.

Finish time:

1:13:24

an 8:54 average mile pace

Even though it was much cooler today I still enjoyed a post-race popsicle - YUM!

Happy Birthday MCM Mama! Thanks for putting together a fun virtual race in honor of your new age group!

And just because... here's a little more Maggie cuteness to fill your day

It's what we call her super kitty sleep.