REDBUD MUSINGS:
April 6, 2008 marked the 26th running of the REDBUD CLASSIC, a true mainstay in Oklahoma City road racing lore. It means spring in Nichols Hills has arrived; this ritual having become a “must-do” by the community each year. Having hosted a variety of cycling events the day before, Sunday’s Redbud lineup offered the 2-mile walk, 5K and 10K runs, and wheelchair 5K event…with youngsters, strollers, dogs and the young at heart all taking to Pennsylvania Ave. for the 2pm start, there truly is ‘something for everyone’ on this day which celebrates fitness, community, and the advent of spring in Oklahoma.
For me, the Redbud Classic takes on multi-dimensional meaning. I’ve run Redbud more than any other race (some 22 times) but 2008 takes on new meaning. It’s my fourth race since hip replacement May 1st of last year, and the longest (two 5K’s and an 8K previously.) We all, when coming back from an injury, procedure, or prolonged time away from running, have a hesitancy linked to internal questions, doubts we have. Is it really ready? How hard should I push?
So when I started the race, I knew it would be more a “mental” exercise than physical. I kept reiterating to myself that word that I emphasize to my clients more than any other: PATIENCE. Through the 1st mile mark at 7-minute pace (a little quicker than expected) my goal was set: even though I felt super, I told myself, stay here throughout the race; no faster.
Redbud is such a welcoming event; no presumption that everyone entered is a year-round runner. The fact that you may be running by folks entered in the 2-mile walk over the latter stage of the race can be a bit daunting to some, but I urge them to relax and smoothly navigate those few spots that may get a little tight. This is what it’s all about; everyone out to “be the best they can be.”
Crossing the 5K (3.1 mile) mark just under 22 minutes, I was still batting 7-minute miles on the nose, and feeling good. A little tightness had crept to the left quad muscle (hip-replacement side) but I took a breath, looked for the inner-confidence and it was fairly easy to judge this as simply “working” the hip more (at faster pace) than I’ve done virtually since surgery. After all, more than the clock, what I wanted to take from this race was that I could work pretty hard, and not have fallout.
My next “litmus test” would be how I feel at 7K; it’s the spot in the Redbud Classic where I can usually assess just how well the race will play out. This was the point where I began greeting many walkers, and they were most accommodating when noticing us to make sure they left ample space on Grand Blvd. to run through without weaving and bobbing, which could waste extra energy at a critical point.
As I was good and intact at 7K, I knew now the effort would be strong enough to be in the 43-44 minute range, or right at 7-minute pace, as long as the hip/quad didn’t talk much to me. You tend to know though if you’re ready for what you embark upon, and I had a quiet confidence all was well. I had passed on running a half-marathon in Austin in February, as I felt it wasn’t advisable to work the leg as much as I would ask of it at that time. Also, got to run 7 miles with a great friend who now lives in Austin, Dick Beardsley, of Boston Marathon “Duel in the Sun” fame, and at 51, still a sub 2:50 marathoner. Good decision; while I’ve run 10-13 miles (half-marathon distance) a handful of times, waiting and instead running a 10K was the ticket! It’s about “mini-victories” along the way to the prize, and right now, my short-term goal is to race a half.
After the biggest hill encountered at Redbud came and went at 8K (I like hills; build character!) I turned it into a 2-part focus to the finish (kilometers 9 and 10.) When I passed 9K, it was time to relax, clear the breathing, and dig from the “core” to finish the final kilometer, the real reward as the crowd becomes more and more impactful with a half-kilometer left, and one can literally be “carried” home.
Finishing in 43:18 was most gratifying, however the camaraderie that followed-as the day offered perfect weather-put the signature on the day, sharing efforts, reflections, and catching up with some you only see the first Sunday in April.
A great way to ring in the month, and a natural procession to the biggest road racing gathering our state has ever known…..the 8th Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
The Redbud Classic is unique, aligned with long-standing road races around the country that have a reputation built from 25 years of history, not only as an athletic feat, but also as a community-wide social event. Inclusive in its’ nature, the multi-faceted offerings even include a Kids’ run, and this nurtures a camaraderie that also brings throngs on onlookers to the streets of Nichols Hills Sunday afternoon.
I love this aspect of the Redbud, as it certainly helps my effort to see-and HEAR- friends and others exhorting me on. What I really relish is though, is that great examples are being set by parents and others who show by example that there’s little better you can do to insure a happy, healthy, productive
life than to get out and move!