Hermes 10miler

[jetlink]

Well, it was nice to see so many CTC members out and ready to run this past Saturday for the Hermes 10miler. The weather was much improved from last year's snow storm as the temps were in the 50's with no significant wind and a nice, light mist/fog that sort of sat atop the roads at different parts of the race course. The Hermes gang had a nice turnout for the 10miler with around 900 or so participants and once again, some CTC members came and showed their skills. Most notably, Lou Dregely and Joanne Collins really kicked some rear-end with some very nice times. Out of the 900, Lou took 6th overall and Joanne was the 4th fastest woman with a 71st overall finish - also winning her age group. As for me, well I ran a stupid race and paid for it at the end but I learned some valuable lessons although I have this feeling that I tried to teach myself these lessons on earlier races. Anyhow, the race course was very nice, passing by all of the very nice and scenic Cleveland landmarks - although, most of these were hard to distinguish to the fog. The course is relatively flat with a few bridges which offer nice grades both up and down. I highly suggest this race for those of you looking for a mid-distance challenge. It is a fine course with lots of participants.

[JenCollister]

I also enjoyed this race. Last year, I raced through the snow and finished in just under 1:33, but paid for it with an injured knee that took a couple of months to heal. I blame the injury more on the wind than on me being too stupid, but I could have slowed down when the knee started hurting. Anyway, this year, I intended the run to just be a training run. My coach assigned me a 90-minute run later in the afternoon, so I knew that I couldn't try to beat my PR from last year. But, you know how it goes. Race day adrenaline and all of the people around me, pushed the pace higher than it probably should have been. Sam and I were averaging 9:30 miles until that last mile where we pushed ourselves to finish strong. The last mile was 9:00 minutes flat. It felt good to have that much kick left. And, no I didn't do better than last year, but wasn't too far off (1:34:32). The afternoon run wasn't too bad either with a nap and lots of food in me before it. ;D

It was great to see so many CTC members out there. I enjoyed cheering for you as we passed on N. Marginal! Great job every body!

[Angie]

Cheers to all the CTC members out at the race. I enjoyed the race... and was very close to my goal time also. I set a goal for 1:16 and did 1:16:38. I took the advice of my experienced training partners... Joanne Collins and Joan Ellis. Joanne said- take the first 5 miles medium pace and the race starts in the last five. I think that strategy worked. I was able to pick it up at the end and finish strong. Although that E. 9th hill at mile 9 was fairly unpleasant. Thanks for all the encouragement that I received on the course. If I was zoned out.. I apologize. I pretty much ignore my surroundings when I race.
We had quite a strong showing at the race... kudos also to Michelle Mead... a new member who really did well with a 1:11:34.
ANGIE

[Janet E]

Despite the eerie fog, it felt like a great day for a race! Kudos to all the CTC members out there who put in some impressive performances.

I had hoped to finish under an 8 min mile pace and was happy to finish in 1:17:18 at a 7:44 pace. I started off a little fast and slowed a bit in miles 8 & 9, which probably had something to do with the fact I had missed the 8 mile marker and started to feel as though it was the longest mile ever! I also did not enjoy the East 9th hill much either. All in all, this pace for this distance was a significant improvement for me relative to my prior runs. Perhaps all this tri cross-training is helping!

[Jack Carney]

Ditto to all the comments on the nice course, weather and seeing all the CTC members. It is always nice to hear and give encouragement on the course. I was happy with my 1:21:33 time and had a good time after I hooked up with one of the couch potatoes on the first bridge and ran the whole way with him. He was very entertaining.

[MarkD]

Nice work folks. I didn't participate this year, but I was happy to see they changed the 5K course this year... Last year I hit mile 1 and mile 2 at my expected pace (even in the slush). My final time, though, was 2 minutes slower than what it should have been and I had a strong finish... I had a feeling last year's course was long - now I'm sure of it !!