I’ve competed on the Allen Stone Run Swim Run a number of instances all through the years. From age 21 once I received, to age 22 once I DNFed with a stress fracture. Quick ahead a number of years and this yr I used to be third total. It was in all probability the most well liked and most humid time I’ve raced.
Alas, I now not reside in Virginia or the East Coast, so the Allen Stone Run Swim Run is a really lengthy commute. We had been on the town anyway for a retirement, so I used to be excited to compete once more (the final time being in 2021). I had some severe jet lag and wasn’t feeling the most effective, however hey, what are you able to do? Plus, it was on my birthday and I can’t actually complain with doing one among my favourite races on my birthday.
The Allen Stone Run Swim Run is a 1k run on the seashore, 1k swim within the ocean, and 5k run on the concrete boardwalk.
In regards to the race:
Initially referred to as the Braveheart Run-Swim-Run, it was renamed in honor of Allen Stone, an area Navy SEAL who competed in and received the occasion in 1999. Tragically, Allen handed away shortly after throughout a SEAL coaching train. Since then, the race has grow to be a means for the neighborhood to recollect his service, his spirit, and the power he delivered to every little thing he did.
Earlier than the Allen Stone Run Swim Run:
We arrived round 7 a.m. for the 8:15 Allen Stone Run Swim Run begin. The Allen Stone 5k goes off at 7:45. Earlier than that, they learn the names of fallen Navy SEALs. It’s at all times sobering. The parachuters come down with the American flag.
After that, I began my warm-up, and throughout the first mile, I used to be profusely sweating. I haven’t sweat that a lot in a very long time…I imply a very long time and it was simply mile 1 of a warmup. My physique additionally didn’t really feel nice, and I simply tried to deal with what did really feel good. After that, it was nearly time to begin. I made a decision to chill off within the ocean earlier than heading to the beginning line on the seashore.
Allen Stone Run Swim Run Race Recap:
We had been off proper at 8:15 for our 1k sand run. To be sincere, I didn’t have the most effective begin nor the most effective run. I felt very disjointed and I used to be actually fighting the sand. I suppose after working within the desert for thus a few years, the sand has taken a toll on me ha ha. The opposite factor about working on the seashore is you don’t use footwear, which might be fascinating. I’m normally advantageous, however I’ve heard of individuals getting PF because of the mushy sand and no cushion.
I averaged 7:53 tempo for the sandy run. I didn’t fall, fortunately, however I didn’t run effectively. I might have thought I may run a full minute sooner, however it was only a tough begin for me.
As we entered the swim, I knew this was the half that will get me. Whereas I swam in faculty, I’m not towards the entrance of swimming races. I’ve been swimming as soon as per week within the pool if I’m fortunate. I simply centered on one hand in entrance of the opposite. The water felt tremendous refreshing and I used to be glad to chill off earlier than the 5k. In all, my swim was advantageous. I feel I swam round 17 minutes, together with the run out and in of the water, which for the place I’m at now could be advantageous however it’s not aggressive. Lots of people that compete on this race are sturdy swimmers, so I knew I might lose a number of spots in that.
I got here out of the water because the eighth lady total. Regardless of not feeling nice, I knew I may make up a while within the run. I really grabbed my handheld with Tailwind as a result of it was so scorching.
Instantly on the run, I honed in on the girl in entrance of me. There was zero shade and I used to be roasting on the boardwalk, however one thing about having individuals to chase is motivating. Within the first mile, I handed two ladies. My first mile was 6:38 and I used to be barely disenchanted, regardless of understanding it was highly regarded. I stored telling myself to maintain pushing and onto the following.
I stored plugging alongside, and on the turnaround, I used to be instructed I used to be third lady total. I noticed the 2 ladies forward and so they had been undoubtedly out of attain, so I simply centered on sustaining third. I hit the second mile in 6:53.
The final mile felt tough. I handed a number of individuals, and some males handed me. It was motivating to be round individuals. I crossed the Allen Stone Run Swim Run end line as third lady total.
Allen Stone Run Swim Run Ideas:
I’m proud of third, and also you by no means know who will present up. I’ll say I used to be barely disenchanted with my run time of round 21 minutes as a result of I really ran sooner three years in the past. It’s foolish as a result of we all know the climate was a lot hotter and far worse. Regardless that I’ve wrote a dozen articles about working within the warmth, it may be exhausting to recollect if you end up within the thick of it. Plus, the following day I bought my interval, which is smart of why I used to be so low power and delicate to the warmth.Anyway, it was a good way to spend my birthday morning.
You possibly can see Strava right here and all race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever achieved a multisport race?
Have you ever ever run on the seashore?
