Auburn Turkey Trot to Stock the Closet

Auburn Turkey Trot to Stock the Closet

Date/Location:	11/22/18 Auburn Square, Auburn
Distances:	5k run
Time:	Ariel: 28:17 Anna:n 21:46 Robin: 24:13 Troy: 21:57
Place:	Ariel: ? Anna: 1st (tie w/Leah) Robin: ? Troy: 3rd

TROY Thanksgiving Day.  The rain has let up.  Our whole family is going to do (attempt) the 5k.  We gather at our downtown square. Robin & I, Anna & Ariel, Dad and Oscar.  Nice volunteers take our donations to “Stock the Closet” and give Oscar a dog treat in return. We catch up with some friends and Oscar meets some other dogs.  We a lap around downtown to warm up.  Oscar probably needs another 5 mi to get the anxiety out of him.  He’s very excited.  It’s a big turn-out with many dogs.  Go! I’m nervous of Oscar tripping anyone so keep a close eye at the start.  In doing so, I barely avoid hitting the photographer standing in the middle. Whew.  Up Lincoln Ave, I see Anna and her friend, Leah, leading the race.  Then Bailey.  Then Oscar and I. We had Dad start 20 min early.  I see him just beyond the Cherry Ave turn and call to him to insure he knows the course.  Good, he’s going the right direction.  Up the steep hill.  Oscar isn’t following the plan of staying beside me so I pull-over to “re-emphasize” the importance of that.  In the process, he gets out of his collar and now we have to put it back on.  This sets us back in the race but we push hard and regain our position at the top of the hill.  I’m huffing and puffing but that’s ok, only makes me stronger.  Bailey looks at me very calmly.  She just got back from the National College Cross-Country Championships.  She’s not even breathing, the exact opposite of me. Long downhill on Finley. Oscar still hasn’t calmed down and twice runs to the opposite side of a pole so both of us get pulled to a halt by the leash.  Back on High St, Bailey and the girls lead on the rt side of the street while about 4 of us follow on the left side.  This is a “free” race so it’s up to everone to monitor traffic themselves and watch for cars.  We did pray at the start that no one would get hurt.  I hope my concerns always lead me to reliance on God. Mile 1: 7:02. We start up Pleasant Ave climb and, after stopping again for Oscar, I make it a goal to catch up to Baily and the girls.  We cross the train tracks, go by Overlook Park and then by Railhead Park. Mile 2: 7:01. They’re still 20 steps ahead as we start down Sacramento st.  Oscar is getting into the running groove now, calming down probably because there aren’t many other runners around.  It’s fun running through our town.  We’re careful going through the intersections.  I’ve been keeping an eye on Anna and Leah to help insure their safe running.  They wanted to do 6:40 pace, which is pretty fast, and I’m impressed with their smart running. As we approach the Courthouse and a Rt turn on Lincoln Ave, I make a move and sprint up to them.  In front of the police station we’re all running abreast on the street and sidewalk.  Anna says something nice encouraging me.  She may think I’m going to win, but I’m pretty sure her sprint at the end is no match.  Mile 3: 6:32.  At the top, crossing Oakwood Dr., Bailey tell the girls to go for it.  Sure enough they both put on a sprint that Oscar and I can’t keep up with.. actually Oscar could, but he’s forced to stay back with me. Anna & Leah finish first, holding hands.  Bailey continues on to do the course again.  And Oscar and I are glad to finish right behind them.  Robin came in soon after and then Ariel came in with a surprising PR of almost 28 min!  My Dad did almost a mile of the course and had a good time. Thank you, Lord, for a good time had by all.  ROBIN This is the first time that Pappy/Al has joined us on one of our racing adventures.  We send him off before the race starts onto the course.  This is a really low key setting and there are a lot of people.  Fun! We line up on an imaginary start line.  Ready, set, go!  Up Lincoln Way and past Victory Velo bike shop. This is my first race since July 4th and my body feels unaccustomed to it.  Anna and Leah have taken off.  I can still see Troy and Oscar. We turn and head up steep Cherry Ave. I look to my right and see Ariel keeping pace with me.  “Great job, Ariel!  Pace yourself”.  I expect her to slow down on the way up but she keeps pace with me! I push down Finley and past the track. I pull away from Ariel and shout back “free speed down the hill”.  I’m averaging about 7:41 pace at the first mile as I pass Taco Tree.  Another climb up Pleasant along the edge of the fairgrounds.  Hope to head there tomorrow to get our tree.  I can no longer see Anna, Leah or Troy.  I lament a bit about Anna growing up so fast, and to be as fast.  Maybe I can still take her in a marathon. There are some young boys probably about Ariel’s age ahead of me.  I work to catch them.  I pass Overlook Park and pass one of the boys.  On to Railhead.  Mile 2, yay, almost done!  I’m averaging 7:45.  The hills are pretty much done so I try to push all the way home. I catch up to the last 2 boys ahead of me and pass them.  I tell them less than a mile and they are surprised. “Really? Cool!”.  I have a feeling they will come back strong once we are closer to the finish.  At the final turn back onto Lincoln Way, the boys are back.  I encourage them to run their hardest down the hill to the Christmas Tree/Finish.  I push, too, and see Anna and Leah cheering.  I finish with a 7:35 average.  Not my best but I’ll take it! I tell the boys “I hope you guys run cross country because you are fast!”  They say they do.  Great! Here comes Ariel!  She’s smiling and proud.  Fun day for the Soares family! ANNA Go!!! Leah and I take off. We try to stay an even pace. We start to run up to where Victory Velo is. There are young kids in front of us, but I know we will catch up to them. Once we get to Victory Velo we turn to run up Cherry Street. While running up Cherry Street, I try to go easy to keep my legs fresh. A guy catches up to Leah and I on Cherry. I don’t mind. When we got to the top we start running downhill. I notice that my shoe lace is untied. I hand Leah my gloves I’m wearing and stop to tie my shoe. I tell Leah to keep the pace. I run after her and reunite with her. Leah and I are now leading the race all by ourselves. I am glad my dad had told me the race course so that we don’t lead everybody the wrong way. As we turn on to High Street I hear Bailey Cossentine start to run up behind us. We stay ahead of her all the way to Railhead Park. She is doing the 10k, so she isn’t our competition. We run together and she helps us out. We are just about to turn on to Sacramento Street, when I hear my Dad and Oscar catching up. He runs behind us as we run towards 7-11. We pass 7-11 and start to run right by the Barnhart Museum. As we are running by the white fence, I see a guy taking photos. I later find out it was the newspaper guy taking photos. We keep running. I see up in the distance the courthouse building. As we run past the building, my Dad starts to pass us. It’s the long uphill which then leads to the downhill into downtown. Leah and I start to pick it up. My legs hurt really bad. I know that I won’t be upset if my Dad beats me. As we near the top of the hill I can see the downhill. I know I have a good sprint. Leah and I start to sprint down the hill passing my Dad. My Dad says to cross the road and we cross over and finish. I finish hand in hand with Leah. God let that race be great. I do know that it was difficult for my Dad to run with Oscar in a race. So he could have gone faster. But at least I am glad I beat him in this race. ARIEL 1st mile 3, 2, 1, go! There are a lot of people. I start running. I am able to catch up with my Mom. We pass Victory Velo bike shop and turn by Monkey Cat Restaurant. Up ahead my Dad is calling to my Grandfather (Pappy) where to go. Then my Mom does the same. “Pappy this way! Follow the runners!” yells my Mom. I am staying with my Mom. Then we start up a hill. “go Ariel don’t waste your energy! Good job! You’re doing great! Your doing so well” called Mom. I pass one girl that looks my age. I get up the hill. I start going down the hill. My Mom is getting farther and farther away. A girl with a dog passes me. I want to stay with her. In my head I make a new goal. The goal is to stay close to her or stay ahead of her. We run the way that Mommy, Anna, and I would drive to track. Then we get to the main street and pass Placer High. We run some more. 2nd mile We turn by State Farm on Pleasant Ave. We run straight and uphill. I am still behind the girl with the dog. I pass a boy that looks my age. We run straight for a long time. I pass the fair grounds. Then across the train tracks. Then more straight roads. It is nice that there aren’t a lot of hills. I’m enjoying the straightness. We start up another hill and it isn’t so bad. I pass a girl that looks a little older than me. We pass the Overlook Park. I’m trying to pass that girl. Finally, I pass her. I run down the hill I start smelling smoke. It goes away and then comes back. There is a soccer game going on. 3rd mile I’m running past Railhead Park. I turn then I run past the new homes. I keep running straight. Then I cross railroad tracks. I keep running straight then I turn. Across the street. Past 7-11 and then past the Fairgrounds opening and the Barnhart Museum. Across the street again. I’m running straight and I’m starting to hurt a lot. I hear a dog leash behind me. Oh no, hope its not the girl who I’m trying to stay ahead I’m thinking in my head.  The sound isn’t loud. I look behind me and see her coming. I run faster. I turn, go uphill a little, and, as I go down, I hear something that sounds like someone is running in flipflops. I look behind me fast and all I see is a blur. I think it’s a boy. He is trying to pass me. I see the finish. I sprint in to the finish. All done!

Good Dog/Dirty Dog 5K

Date/Location:	8/26/18 Granite Bay Beach
Distances:	5k run
Time:	Troy/Oscar - 19:52 Anna – 20:18
Place:	Troy/Oscar - 1st o/a, 1st Large Dogs Anna – 2nd O/A, 1st No Dog

We adopted Oscar, a German Shepherd / Hound mix, from the late Carl Johnson who was a great ultra-runner.  Oscar is good dog who loves to run as a result of the many training outings with Carl. We’ve been taking him on more runs with other people to calm him down in a crowd.  A few months ago Anna ran a 5k here with Oscar but all he wanted to do was catch up to the leaders.  So we’ve been training him to stay back and run as a team, not as a lone wolf.  Hopefully today he’ll hang back and remember we aren’t as fast as him. It’s a great group with all shapes and sizes of dogs.  This is really fun.  Dogs are sniffing each other and getting some great social time.  But now it’s time to run.  Anna and I pray beforehand.  Racing is a privilege granted by God and we want to glorify Him with it. Go!  Owners and dogs sprinting down the beach access road.  One lady, ahead of us in 2nd, flying along with her short little dog suddenly has to pull over and drop back.  Her dog just had to go, race or no race.  I hope Oscar waits till after the race.. So now we’re near the front, running through the trails.  Mile 1: 6:55. Oscar is being pretty good but I have to call “heal!” a number of times.  A few times I have to reach down to pinch him to remind him to run together, not out in front. Anna was right with us but has dropped back a little bit.  It’s a fast pace and everything is going well.  No wrong turns, no obstructions, no tripping over each other.  Oscar is having a great time as he jogs along effortlessly while my heart rate is sky-high. At the farthest point there is a kiddie pool for dogs to drink and an aid station for humans.  We grab water but Oscar is only concerned about getting to the finish first. Mile 2: 6:43. We run through some sandy areas.  Around 1 turn, the leash knocks over the marking cone.  I stop and look back as Anna picks it up for us. “Thanks, Anna!” We’re still a few steps ahead of Anna and close to the finish.  There are still some dogs we are passing from the earlier 10k race.  But now we’re at the finish and Oscar calmly strides across as I feel a great relief to be done (and that the course was a little short).  Mile 3: 6:54 pace. Thanks Oscar for getting me to run a fast 5k.  Good dog!

I stand at the race ready to start. As the announcer counts down, I get ready to run. He says go and I take off. I am running with my Dad and we are close to the front. In front of us is a girl and her dog. As we are running the girl’s dog, in front of us, all of the sudden starts going to the bathroom while running about 6:00 min pace. He’s leaving a line of turds behind him. My dad, Oscar and I keep running to the trails. We run zigzags up and down for about .2 miles then hit the road. We start to run up the road and then turn onto a levee. As we run across it, I can see the finish area and the parking lot. When we get to the end of the levee, I grab some water at the aid station. We hit another trail and I can’t believe my dad is keeping this pace. I try to stay with him. We run over sticks and sand, it isn’t wet like the last time I ran here. We run to a road and run down it for about .1 miles. There is an aid station at the very end of the road but my Dad and I both don’t grab any water because we were over half way there. The only problem is that my hamstrings are tight and I can feel them as I run. Also, my nose is really runny which makes me have to wipe my nose a lot.I follow my dad up in front of as we approach a turn. As my Dad turns up ahead of me, he knocks down a cone. I pick it up for him and keep running. When going up the hill, it is hard with the sand. I try to run flat footed but that doesn’t help much. Plus, my hamstrings are hurting like crazy. I don’t walk but I slow down a little bit. I almost want to cry but smile and keep a good attitude for my Dad and God. As I am running down the hill, my hamstrings still hurt but not as much as going upward. I run around a bend and my Dad encourages me from up ahead. He has a good lead and is going strong. I know I’m not going to catch him but I don’t slow down. I get to a flat spot and see a guy with his dog up ahead. I pass him and keep running on the trails. I turn the bend and see my Dad up ahead turning the bend. My Mom and sister cheer me on as I get closer to them. By the time I reach them, my dad has already finished. I turn the last bend and the announcer is at the corner ahead and he thinks my name is Ariel and I give him a friendly stink eye and he says Anna. I nod my head to let him know he’s correct. I turn the bend and the finish line is right there I sprint in and get my medal. I give dad a hug. God blessed the race even though my hamstrings hurt. Praise the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

Tri for Kids #3 - Anna

Date/Location:	8/12/18, Rancho Seco Park, Herald, Ca.
Distances:	150m S – 4mi B – 1mi R
Time:	Anna 21:58 PR!  - Last Year 24:46
Place:	Anna – 1st Age 13 Girls; 1st Overall Girl

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Go! I start swimming and try to get way out front so I won’t get bumped. I’m feeling good. I can see the ground below me which is nice. One person keeps hitting my foot. It is annoying. I try to kick faster. When I get to the first buoy, I am happy to get there. I swim to the next buoy and see a lot of kids in front of me. Once I pass the second buoy, it’s to the shore for me. I start swimming until my hands almost touch the ground. I stand up and start to run. I pull off my cap and goggles and run to transition. I grab my helmet and glasses and run out with my bike.

I jump on my bike and start pedaling. I slip my feet into my bike shoes that are attached to the bike. Once my feet are in the shoes, I am to the bridge. I can see bikers up ahead and am determined to catch them. I slowly catch up to one of the girls and then go for the next girl. I pass the next girl who is my friend from the Pleasanton California Tri. She encourages me. As I reached the end of the bridge, we start going downhill. I hear her say something and see a turnaround sign. I slow down thinking she said this is the turnaround spot. But she then yells for me to go to the next turn around. I say thanks. That turn around was for my dad’s run course. I hit the turn around and start to bike up hill. I get to the top and see Ruth. I cheer her on and bike across the bridge. I make a few mistakes on the way back. I draft a little, but I’m not going to make that mistake again. When I am coming off the bridge, I get ready for the run. I start to slip my feet out of my bike shoes and see my friend doing the same. Once my feet are out, I try to speed ahead to get to transition first. I get into transition and quickly get into my shoes and am off.

My friend starts the run a little bit before me, but is only 2 second ahead. I pass her on the way out knowing that I am stronger on the run. I pass the aid station and don’t grab anything. I drank on the bike so I feel good. I hit the dirt and keep my eyes on a boy in front of me. I pass him and then start going up a hill. I see another boy in front of me and know I won’t catch him since he’s going strong and has been in the lead for most of the time. But I keep running not slowing down. I hit the turn around and turn around. I start running down. I cheer on my friend and keep running. I run down the hill and cheer on more people. I am feeling tired and the finish is not far away. As I run off the dirt I can hear my mom cheering while she waits to see Ruth come off the bike. I hit the grass and quickly look behind than run to the finish. Half way down the chute I sprint in. I finish! At the end I really admired my friend’s spirit. At Pleasanton she won and was nice about it and then I won here and she was the same. I want to be just like her.

Praise The Lord For He Is Good His Love Endures Forever.

TBF Tri-for-Real (Troy)

Date/Location:	8/12/18 Rancho Seco Park
Distances:	1.5 kmS, 40 kmB, 10 kmR
Time:	2:17:33 (25:29 - 01:09:25 - 42:39)
Place:	2nd / 10th o/a

Our annual trip to Rancho Seco for kids races and Olympic Distance Triathlon.  After I warm up on the bike a little, I get to watch Anna and her friend, Ruth, race the Kid’s Triathlon.  It’s Ruth’s first tri and she seems to be enjoying it a lot.  I see Anna take off on the bike about 6 back. 

I warm up running, use the far restroom which is always less busy and put my wetsuit on. 

Then I get to see Anna transition to the run at the same time as the girl that won the race last year.  Very exciting!

My race is about to start but from the lake area I can see Anna in the distance in 1st place coming down the final stretch with last year’s winner a ways back.  I see her pointing and looking to God, giving Him the glory for the fortunate race.  I’m cheering but she can’t hear me from here.  Would love to give her a hug at the finish line but I have to race and remember to give God the glory for my results as well!

The water is very warm.  I get a little warm-up in.  Friends, Keith Hansen and Dave Campbell are in my 40-and-over wave.

I think about my pace.  I haven’t swam much so I’ll need to be smart and look for drafts.  I have a new bike setup which I like so that should be good.  My running training has been inconsistent  which has causes some achilles pain so I’ll try to run shorter/quicker steps.  But the biggest advantage will be to listen to God, give Him 100% effort and give Him the glory.

Swim

Go!  It’s always a wide straight shot to the first buoy and easy sighting.  I find the a draft (thank you, Lord).  Around the buoy and now the sun is in our eyes.  Little chaotic for a while but I settle in and try to keep my breathing controlled.  I think about feeling myself move through the water.  My draft slows down so I go side-to-side.  Now I take the challenge to get to the final turn first.

After the final buoy it’s a long straight shot in and I’m working hard to stay ahead of the guy that was my draft.  We go back and forth.  Getting close to shore, lungs pounding, I try to gather my thoughs about transition…

Stand up, find zipper, rip, 1 arm, 2 arms, down, down, kick, kick.  Suit is off, stop Garmin, goggles, cap, and run to my bike.

It’s great seeing my family cheering for me.  I tell Anna I saw her win.  I have a good transition and am off on the bike.

Bike

Everything goes well heading out of the park.  I wonder where Keith and Dave are.  On the main road I know I need to get into a comfortable groove.  The wind is slightly at our back. The road is good.  It’s smooth sailing and I shift into a faster gear.  When my legs start burning a little I know I have to shift up and find just the right gear.  But my shifter is loose and keeps shifting down to a harder gear.

Everything else on the bike is working, although my seat is a little too low.  But, surprisingly, this new “auto-shifting” situation is really impeding my ability to go fast.  I feel strong enough but the guys around me are pulling ahead.  One-by-one they get by me and move out-of-reach.  I stay positive, hoping I’ll have a good ride back and catch them. 

But the shifting gets worse.  It shifts unexpectantly which causes me to not push so hard in fear of slipping a gear. I ride in the small chainring and 2nd cog which seems to stick.  Everything else is iffy.

At the turn-around, I see Dave Campbell a 1/2 mi behind me.  He’s riding well.  The wind is in our face now which makes everything harder.  It’s a struggle but I keep optimistic, forever in search of the perfect gear combination and seat position to make my tires hum and gain ground and those ahead.

I’m so glad to see the turn at the old nuclear towers which means I’m almost done and my burning legs can do something different.  I see my family at the corner and smile calmly but Ariel is yelling something at me that seems important. 

As I get ready to dismount at transition, Dave flies by, jumps off his bike and gets to T2 first.  Wow, this race just go really interesting!

I also jump off and do my fastest change, loosing a bike shoe in the process.  As I put on my running shoes, I tell Dave, right next to me, “good job”.  But he’s out in a flash.  Thanks to stretch laces.  While I yank my strings and squeeze lace-locks.  I hear the announcer say, “Troy’s slow transition is really giving Dave a lead”.  But quickly I’m bolting onto the run course, knowing I’ve got serious work to do.

Run

Dave is 7 secs ahead!  And he’s a faster runner than me.  But anything is possible.  The Lord has shown me that many times.  Always have hope.  This is a blessing in the sense that Dave & I enjoy racing each other and it pushes us so well because we know each others’ strengths.  Whatever I would’ve clocked on the run, it’s going to be faster now.  I’m going to do everything I can to catch him and Dave knows it. 

One of Dave’s strong points is downhills.  His long legs really fly.  And there’s a lot of rollers on this hot dirt road.  I’ve also learned the benefits of the downhill and I focus on letting myself fall forward on each one.  It hurts the quads but they can take the punishment.. it’s really mental. 

Mile 1: 6:46. I see my friend, Cliff, working the aid station and he gives me 2 cups.  I need to drink a lot and eat Bloks as well. 

I’m running fast, hamstrings and achilles are holding up, it’s very tiring but it’s also very fun.  I talk to the Lord and He puts a smile on my face.  If I can give Him 100% and be joyful, I will win His race for me… and then I’ll see how my race turns out.

Mile 2: 6:48. A benefit of having someone fast that you really want to catch is that it pulls you past other runners as well.  I’m pushing every downhill and “rev’ing” up my cadence on the uphill.  But Dave is pulling ahead.

Mile 3: 6:45. He’s about 45secs ahead at the turn-around!  That’s ok, anything can happen, just keep pushing.

When we get to the single-track section I feel I have an advantage.  It’s twisty, hot, mentally tough.. but I remind myself that I love this part. 

Mile 4: 7:04. Despite my legs hurting now, I push harder.  Each bridge crossing I hope is the last one, but they keep coming. 

Mile 5: 6:59. Finally, I’m back on the fireroad and I can see Dave 150 yds ahead.  Gotta push.  Maybe he’s finally getting tired.

The last climb I give it all I’ve got and race into the park area.  I don’t even see Dave, it may be that me eyes aren’t even open, I’m just trying to give my best.  I see friends cheering and I smile. 

Mile 6: 7:06.  I sprint all the way to the finish.  Perhaps Dave slowed a little at the end because surprisingly I finish only 6 secs behind him!  Gaining 1 sec on him in 6.2 miles   

Wow, it was such a good race and I thank my friend, Dave, for pushing me to the best run I could do that day.  I thank the Lord for creating scenarios that push me.  He is the best coach and allows me to have such great memories like this.

Crown City Classic 12K–Troy-2018

Date/Location:	July 4, 2018 – Coronado, Ca
Distances:	12km (actually 6.9mi)
Time:	49:37
Place:	5th/63
Others:	5K: Anna & Ariel Soares;  Cousins & Jan Heidt; 12K: Dan Cadriel, Troy Soares, Sierra Snyder

This race is a tradition since 2011. The 4 of us, plus the Heidt family – Robin’s mom, nephew & niece, meet at Coronado Island each 4th of July.

The start is in a beautiful park. Always great weather. Robin, Anna, Ariel & I do some warm-ups, strides and stretching.

My concern is my right heel and hamstring. It’s been bothering me.  We all gather and pray. I know each race for me is much more than a personal hobby or goal, rather it’s a chance to test my faith and a chance to be an example for others.  If it was about what I wanted – I would want to sleep-in and catch up on rest that I need.  But God always uses each race and He’ll use this one somehow and it will be a blessing.

We see our FCA friend, Dan Cadriel, a regular here, and also, Sierra Snyder, who we haven’t seen for a long time.  Great to catch up.

Robin & I, next to each other, look to the flag for the National Anthem.  Then a patriotic speech by the director.  And then we’re off!  Under the flag and out of the park.

My goal pace is set for 7:00.  Heading out of the park surprisingly I’m already behind.  I feel like I’m going fast.  i patiently wait for the mile marker as we go along the beautiful golf course.  It’s a perfectly flat and fast course.

Mile 1: 7:30.  Yep, I’m behind. Maybe my legs are tight, or fatigued. But the real goal is always to do my best and I’m happy I’m doing that.

Mile 2: 7:19. Our friend, Sierra was just ahead but now she’s about a minute and gaining.  I hope she does well.  We go along the Navy Base and I think of our hard-working military.

Mile 3: 7:16. Almost to the 1/2 way!  I pass our friend, Dan. We both comment about how this gets harder each year. I see the leaders going back.  I see Sierra and cheer for her.  I’m trying to have good form & efficiency.  Heel is tender.  I make the turn and am glad to head back.  I’m so happy when I see Robin and tell her “God is with you”.

Mile 4: 7:18. I’m tired and can’t wait to be done but I know this is where it counts & I pray for strength and know God is with me.

Mile 5: 7:15.  Ok, the pace has steadily improved which is great even though it is 15 secs off the goal pace.  Just 2 miles.  Pick it up.  There’s a runner ahead I’ve been focusing on. I finally pass and encourage them.  In a big race there’s always someone ahead to aim for.

Mile 6: 7:12. Along the golf course.  Mile and a half to go.  Legs are hurting.  I have to focus on my steps so I don’t make any sudden moves.. could easily strain something.  I pick it up along the bike path.  Just got to give it all I’ve got..

Mile 7: ??  Under the bridge, into the park.  People are BBQ’ing but I just want to finish.

 

Thank you, Lord, for strength and allowing the heel to hold up.  I see Anna & Ariel, and then their cousins!  The final run across the grass is tough.. but I’m done!  49:37. 5th place.  We all reunite and then go watch Robin finish and then her mom, too.

It’s good to see everyone in our family congratulating each other and happy about pushing themselves.  I hope we can be an encouragement for working hard, not for rewards, but just to show God we’re willing to.  He’ll give us the best reward yet... Joy.

After the race I discovered my Garmin wasn’t set right and I actually was running my goal pace, even under it.  A 6:40 average.  An added bonus to an already great day.

Crown City Classic 12K–Robin- 2018

Date/Location:	July 4, 2018 – Coronado, Ca
Distances:	12km
Time:	53:17 PR for 12K Course (2017, 53:37)
Place:	3rd/54
Others:	5K: Anna & Ariel Soares; Cousins; Jan Heidt; 12K: Dan Cadriel, Troy Soares, Sierra Snyder

Keeping the tradition alive, we are back at the 4th of July races on Coronado!  We’ve been coming here since 2011! 
We get to the start and actually find a parking spot up close!  We pick up our packets and get warmed up.  It’s humid!
We have some FCA teammates racing today: Sierra Snyder and Dan Cadriel.  Great to see them again!
Heading over to the start and wondering where our cousins are at.  They’re racing the 5K with Anna, Ariel and Grammie. Fortunately the 5K doesn’t start for another 10 minutes.  We pray with Anna, Ariel and Grammie and then head off.
As Troy and I are about to start the 12K, we see the cousins!  Just in time! 
Ready, set go!  We take off under the American flag.  I have to duck a bit as I run under…volunteers are holding it tight so it’s pushing down.  I hope to run the same pace as last year about 7:11 pace.  It’s a bit of a long shot since I haven’t been training as hard this summer.  Last year I was getting ready to do the last Ironman Coeur d’Alene. 
Dan, Sierra and Troy pull away.  I’m feeling good so far.  I forgot to bring Clif Bloks for energy so hoping just a lot of water will be enough.
Mile 1 is 7:19.  I can see a young girl around Anna’s age ahead of me.  I’m surprised and impressed!  There are some other ladies ahead of me that I’ll try to pass later on.
Mile 2 is a 7:11 average.  Wow, I’m surprised that I’m at pace.  I still feel good. Thanks God! 
Heading out to “the Strand”.  Here a bunch of families are setting up to watch the fire works.  They get here early to get the best spots.  I’m catching up to that young girl and some other gals.  I grab some water and try to drink the whole cup.
Mile 3 is a 7:14 average.  A bit slower but still close!
I start to see the top runners coming back.  I wonder where Troy, Sierra and Dan are at.  The first guys look so fast and strong.  The first woman looks like a pro and she’s way ahead of the next girls.  Soon I see Sierra.  She’s way up there too!  I tell her good job!  A few minutes later there’s Troy!  I give him a high five and tell him good job.  Close behind is Dan.  I cheer him on too.
I make it to the turn around finally and head back.
Mile 4 is a 7:12!  Yeah! 
I pass that young girl and tell her good job.  I also manage to pass a few more ladies. I’m tired but not loosing energy.  Thank you Lord!
MIle 5 is a 7:13 average.  I grab some water for the last time.  Energy is good.  Thank you Lord for sustaining me!
Mile 6 is a 7:13 again!  Keep going!  I can see the Coronado bridge so I know I’m close.  I’m actually able to pick up the pace!  I continue to have energy!
Mile 7 is a 7:11!  Wow, thank you Jesus! This is a gift to keep this pace!  Just less than a half mile to go!  I pass my Mom doing the 5k and cheer her on!
 
Almost to the finish!  I round the corner and start heading in!  Suddenly a woman sprints by.  I try to pick it up but I’m maxed out.  I push hard all the way through as I see my family cheering.  Done!  Thank you Lord!

I shake the hand of the girl that passed me and tell her good job.  I wait for my Mom and congratulate her as she crosses the line.  Good day! 

Crown City Classic 5K–Ariel-2018

Date/Location:	July 4, 2018 – Coronado, Ca (Racing here since 2015)
Distances:	5 km
Time:	29:09 PR! (2017 - 30:18)
Place:	18th (72 Total), 1- 14 Girls
Others:	5K: Cousins & Jan Heidt; 12K: Dan Cadriel, Robin  & Troy Soares, Sierra Snyder

The Race director says 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, Go!!! I run under the American Flag. I hit the sidewalk. Next to me is a stroller with a little girl inside. I hear her say “Go Daddy! Go Daddy!” We go under a bridge and then I can’t catch up with them. They start to get farther and farther away. It’s a very narrow path and there’s a lot of people running or walking so it’s hard to pass people. Finally, we get to the road. There’s a boy behind me. He and his dad are trying to catch me. Oh good, there’s an aid station. I get a drink of water and then off I go running again. There’s the 1^st mile sign. I see Anna and Detrik. I run fast so the boy won’t catch me but he catches up to me and passes me. I stop to tie my shoe then start running again. I keep my eye out for Anika and her cousin. Then I see them. I yell to them but they can’t hear me. I see the 2^nd mile sign. I see Grammie. I wave and she waves back. I’m back to the aid station. Finally, I get back on to the very narrow path and there’s some people. Back under the bridge. I pick it up and sprint into the finish line. Done!