Albany's Last Run (the extended version)

So I signed up to run a 5K and ended up running about 4.5 miles.
It started with a nightmare of a packet pick-up. I went to get my bib number and jacket and was told I was in the wrong line. I had to step to the right and then step to the left (big whoop!) The woman didn't have to yell at us! My smile vanished and now I was in a sour mood. I went with my wife to sit for the next hour and wait for the fireworks to start. The end of the fireworks were to signal the start of the race at 5:30.
The runners were lined up when the fireworks started. My goal was to run a sub 18 minute race. I started to do some sprint-outs in front of the starting line and when I was done, I tried to get myself behind the starting line that had swelled out about 10 feet in front of the line. The race director started to yell at us. The frieworks were popping and she was whining. "You have to get back runners! Runners, you have to move behind the starting line! Why aren't you moving back?" Because we can't!!!
The problem... they should have lined us up 10 feet behind the official starting line and then moved us up seconds before the race was to start. Another problem, the finishing chutes were set up behind the runners so the back of the pack could not move back to make room for the front runners.
So now this woman is screeching in our ears to move back when we physically can't. Most of the "stuck" runners are forced to move onto the sidewalks crowded with friends and families.
Now to the race. The gun goes off and I put that crap behind me. I'm looking forward to the lights in the park and a possible PR. The runners wind their way into the park and I have about 15-20 people ahead of me. I'm feeling strong and reeling in some of the lead pack. I take a tour around the lake and then pass by the 2 mile mark with 2 other runners. 1 is infront of me, the other just behind me. The runner infront of me puts his hands in the air at an intersection and asks a course monitor where to go. The monitor tells us to keep going around the lake. I immediately start to worry. We do 2 loops around the lake? Is this new? I regretfully follow the directions and soon realize we were directed to go the wrong way.
As beautiful as the lights were, I was too irritated to enjoy them and the race. After my second loop, I went the correct way as I was with the main portion of racers. I was still pushing my pace for the last mile, trying to make the most of this error filled event. As I passed runners, some had snide remarks for me, thinking that I was showing off or making them look bad.
So I crossed the finish line far off of my goal time. I cheered in my wife and some friends and then immediately left.
I guess what I'm left to wonder is: why do people signe-up or volunteer for these things if they are going to be miserable and make other people miserable?

Next up, HMRRC New Year Half Marathon.

An attempt at an Ironman

This is my attempt to keep myself focused on what will be my first 1/2 Ironman and, eventually, my first full Ironman race.
www.tupperlakeinfo.com/tinman/
www.ironmanusa.com

My eventual goal is to complete the Lake Placid Ironman in under 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Those that are unfamiliar with the Ironman and the distances involved:

First is the swim- 2.4 miles
Second is the bike- 112 miles
Third is the run- 26.2 miles (full marathon)

These are done in succession and the athlete has 17 hours to complete all three events. There are time cut-offs for all three, however, so the athlete must make sure that he/she makes each one in time.

My fear is the swim. I learned how to swim a few years ago. I am now very comfortable in water. This comfort does not extend itself to being in water with other people sardined in next to me. And it certainly does not include being comfortable with said people kicking their legs and swinging their arms in the ultimate effort of staying above the water's surface.
I become concerned when I feel the slightest nudge from someone else while in the water. The problem is, the start of the Lake Placid Ironman closely resembles what it would be like to jump into a washing machine when your clothes are being jostled around. Not only will I be "nudged," but I'll be kicked, smacked, kneed, elbowed, smothered, rinsed, spun... oops, sorry. I thought I was in a washing machine for a second. You get the idea, right?
I will overcome! I WILL overcome!! I WILL OVERCOME!!!
I am a very strong runner with experience from sprints through the marathon.

Some of my Personal Bests (Post college):

5K- 17:52
10K- 37:38
15K- 57:50
10 Mile- 1:03
1/2 Marathon- 1:25
Marathon- 3:09

I have no fear of the run. I know I can do it.
The bike will be a challenge, but I know I can get through that.
It's that swim. If I can stay focused in the swim and not get too worked up, I can make it.

The plan is to do the Tupper Lake Tinman in June, 2008 and possibly one more Half Iron distance in August, 2008. This will serve as a gauge to see what I need to work on and if I, indeed, will be able to make it. The Ironman that I will partake in is June, 2009. I will be watching the 2008 Ironman closely to pick up some ideas and tips.

My first step from this point is a half marathon on January 2'nd. Until then...