Mike Schubert

The Chic-Fil-A Santa Cow
Originally uploaded by Iron Mike Schubert

Happy 2k10 to ya! This year has started off in much the same tradition as the past 5, with a 10k run at high noon.

This year's Atlanta Track Club Resolution Run marked a major departure from years past. This used to be a low-key event where you registered only on race day, it was free to members ($5 to non-members) and maybe 400 people or so ran it. This year, pre-registration was mandatory, it was chip timed, and around 1700 people signed up between the 5k and 10k.

The temperature at race start was somewhere between 35 and 40, with 10mph winds. It was very difficult to dress for this event. There were times I felt overdressed (no wind and in the sun) and times that I froze my ass off (shade and wind). I simply couldn't win. In the end, I ran my best for the day and turned in a reasonable 56 minute time. That's a full minute per mile slower than when I turned in a 49:xx time in 2008. Most importantly, I had a good time and started the new year off right.

In previous years, the Atlanta Track Club has hosted a 5k / 10k "Resolution Run" at high noon on New Years Day. It was a no-frills event where you walked up, paid $5, registered, got a t-shirt, and ran. That's it. This has changed for the 2010 event.

For 2010, you will be required to register before 11:59 pm on December 29th. And it will no longer be $5, but between $22 - 25 depending on when you sign up. Long sleeve technical shirts will be given out this year instead of the cotton ones from years past. Rumor has it that it will be chip timed using those D-tags, though I can't find anything to back that up at the moment. I'll gladly pay $25 for a chip timed 10k. 

Here are the links to the Resolution Run event information page and the event registration page.

2009 Boo Run
Originally uploaded by Iron Mike Schubert

Happy Halloween! Today marked the 11th running of the Boo Run in Flowery Branch, GA. The race is well organized and provides a good mix between fun and serious running.

The race starts at 9am for some strange reason. Beware of that if you choose to run. I say that mainly because it requires a little bit of mental preparation if you're used to having a post race snack by then. Today was a rainy, 60 degrees. You can see in the picture that the rain held off for most of the event, but those taking 35 minutes or longer were drenched.

The course itself is best described as rolling and crowded. The race start is on a very narrow road by the police station. It was a VERY congested start as 300-400 people were crammed into this tiny area. I was quickly able to get into my own lane but slower runners probably were in packs for much longer.  There is 1 hill around the 1.8 mile mark that can be a bit challenging if you are really pouring it on.

The finish is a long, flat straight away that runs parallel to the train tracks. It's great terrain for giving it that final kick. There was plenty of water, oranges and bananas to go around at the finish. Last year there was more of a party at the finish - but festivities were moved indoors today due to the rain.

In all, it's a great little 5k to do in the foothills of North Georgia. I highly recommend you put it on your schedule.

Here is the elevation profile and map as captured by my watch:

Sunrise over vineyards at Chateau Elan
Originally uploaded by Iron Mike Schubert

October 10th marked the first annual running of the Run The Vineyard 5k. This race took place at the beautiful Chateau Elan resort in Braselton, Ga. It was a simple out and back course across the rolling hills of northeast Georgia. 

The race was well organized and went off without a hitch - a great feat for a first effort. There were somewhere between 100-200 participants on an overcast day. The race profile is below and speaks for itself. A downhill start translates into an uphill finish. The course was relentless all the way through and provided a great test of fitness. My plan was to test run a mile somewhere between a 7 minute and a 7 1/2 minute pace. At mile one, I was 7:15 on the nose. Then an uphill came and I decided to back it down and take it easy the rest of the way.

The shirts were good quality and there was ample food and beverages at the finish line. 

Pros:

• well organized
• nice plaques for age group awards
• good quality t-shirts

Cons:

• gathered by the pub for registration & awards. Smelled like stale beer
• t-shirt didn't have date or distance. And was purple w/ flowers. Like I can wear that!

Good race. Great venue. I recommend adding it to your 5k schedule next time this comes around.

Bonus Material: Elevation profile