Miami calling Miami calling


Well we did the 'Tropical 5K' today and decided to have a real shot at the race because we'll be taking it relatively easy tomorrow.

It was perfect conditions for those of us who don't run well in the cold. It was mild enough to feel comfortable in just racing vest and shorts without being too hot.

We started quite far back because we'd got one of the last shuttles to the start so we were storming past runners well into the first mile. I felt quite happy with the pace but Rich began to struggle in the 2nd mile. I bargained with him that we could ease off in the middle mile so long as we picked the pace back up in the 3rd and final mile.

Then Rich grabbed a drink from the drink station and I lost him...I could still hear his watch beeping so I guessed he wasn't too far behind and would catch up soon.

When he didn't I decided that I would carry on and stop just before the finish line to wait for him so we could finish together as planned.

So, about a few feet before the line I stopped. I waited a few seconds and then stopped my watch so I'd know what time I would have finished in if I'd have carried on (23.30).

It was just over 2 minutes before Rich appeared and we finished the race together. Then we went to the post race party being held on South Beach. It was amazing...as much free food and drink as you want, live music and free Shiatsu massage. It was a great atmosphere.

Then they had the prize giving and Rich went off to look at the results. He came back full of apologies...apparently I was 7th in my category but if I hadn't have waited I would have picked up a prize for 2nd place.

I have to confess I was pretty fed up for a couple of hours after finding that out but we have both just about come to terms with it. Sure it was my decision to wait, but I didn't realise Rich was so far behind... c'est la vie

And, if I had have picked up a prize, the lady who picked up 5th today wouldn't have so I hope I made her day...even if she doesn't know it


Anyway, my legs feel ok, and ready to tackle tomorrows 'race'. I'll be back tomorrow to let you know how it went

Well done, Trinity. 2nd or 7th - its WOW in my books anyway. I think it's great to stop for your mate, and that camaraderie has more lasting importance than a placing in a little 5K race. As for how you're doing in the marathon at the moment? Well, it's 3.5 hours after the start time, so I'm sure you'll keep us posted. I hope you're keeping the injury in check. Good luck!

... (waiting and hoping) ...

Sorry for the delay in reporting in…I composed this post earlier but we lost the wireless connection so had to save and come back coz we were starving! Anyway…

Would you believe it... came all the way out here to run a marathon in the sunshine and looked out the window this morning and there was a tropical storm goin on!

Suffice to say that by the time we started running everybody was drenched to the skin...it was still warm though.

Just before the race I considered dropping my 11 min/mile pace to 10.30's because my legs felt so good yesterday. I am so glad I decided against that and stuck with the original plan.

It all started off really well and during the run part I felt quite strong. Rich began to struggle with the run pace from about mile 14 and began to drop back. I stayed with the pace until my injury slowed me in mile 17. From then on it was a struggle but I adopted a stride-shuffle technique, which enabled me to 'run' in short bursts throughout each mile so still managing to maintain the 11 minute thing.

It was great weather for me to run in...warm and humid but with cloud cover so no burning sun.

The crowd support was absolutely fantastic...loads of encouragement, which is something the Americans are really good at!

The running numbers had our names printed on them so everyone just shouted your name with words of support.

The last few miles I was constantly recalculating mile times at mile markers to make sure I was ok for sub 5.

I finished in 4.44.06 and my gun time was also under 5 (4.55ish) so not the disaster it might have been. I'm fairly content with that.

I was wearing my RunnersForum vest too... very comfy, thanks Dan

Rich came in just behind me in 4.51 so he's happy as well.

Now we're off to eat

…We’re back now but you’re all in bed I guess. We just had a lush meal in Hard Rock Café, wearing our marathon shirts and huge bling medal…well, it has to be done

Whoopee! Well done. What a story-line and climax to this thread. Thanks for sharing all the pain and the triumph with us all. I'm ever so pleased for you.

Thanks Karen...and thanx for waiting up for the news... you can go to bed now

Hi everyone . . just wanted to call in after our marathon today here in Miami. As you know I've not posted much in this thread but I've been there in the background encouraging Trin at home as much as you all have in here.

I know that Trin has appreciated all your encouragement very much and indeed there have been times when she would have been lost without you.

To say it was a shame how the 5k worked out would be an understatement and I was devastated when I realised that if I'd been more positive Trin would have "medalled". I know what a difference that would have made to her self esteem as a runner after so many months of struggle.

But we put it behind us, partly thanks to a second day of retail therapy at the Expo, and looked ahead to today's marathon.

Of course today I was determined not to let anything happen that might jeopardise Trin's race and I managed to banish the negative thoughts I could have struggled with during the race. Our run/walk strategy worked well although even as early as 8 miles I was struggling to keep up during the run, whilst my long legs gave me an advantage during the walks. Inevitably this led to Trin pushing ahead with definite instructions NOT to wait just short of the finish line!!

As the race went on I amended the strategy to accomodate my increasing tiredness but ran/walked every single mile. I never expected to enjoy a marathon that took more than 4 hours but I can honestly say that I enjoyed this one.

I was able to push hard for the final half mile and enjoyed the finishing straight . . and when I found Trin waiting for me a few yards beyond the finish line, I was overcome with emotion. It had been a long and difficult journey but we had completed it despite all those obstacles we had to overcome.

Thanks again everyone . . you've been wonderful

As promised, we've posted a few photographs from the weekend - including Trin in her smart new Runners Forum vest - and you'll find them at http://www.richk.co.uk/Miami07/Miami.htm

Well done Trin and Rich!

And photos up already???

And 4 hours?!

4 hours?!

4 hours?!

4 hours?!

4 hours?!

You spent 4 hours shopping in the expo??????

I feel all emotional - well done both of you.

Fantastic........Well done to you both.

Congratulations to both of you, running can be a real trial anyway but you have done so well, bask in your glory.

Great news! Glad you both got round as planned....time to rest before the next adventure!!

Your welcome and well done Trinity - a great acheivement!

__________________
(Previously known as username "admin")

Start your training blog here

I own RunnersForum but I don't admin it. Please direct queries to bairy or richardsimkiss

Yeah I know... we were in a bit of a rush... that's why we went back for another two hours the following day... I forgot to get socks

(runnin socks are sooooo cheap out here.. between $6 & $8 which is just £3 or £4!)