The first thing we found out when we arrived for the second race is that the times for some of us were not recorded at the first race. This is significant because we were supposed to start based on our finishing times from the previous race. Everyone who was new to the series and those of us whose times didn't record had to start at 7:15. I think all of us that pre-registered for the series didn't have a timed result from the first race.
Even though I hadn't worked out much since the first race of the series 2 weeks prior my goal was to beat my previous time. The weather was cool for Bakersfield, a balmy 91 at the start so everyone went out fast. My first mile was a 6:50, backed up by a 7:24 and a 7:36 for a finish time of 22:36. I did beat the time I posted for the first race that didn't count so I was happy. It wasn't long before Trevor, Andrea, and Robin finished. We all had a cold post-race adult beverage and headed out for some food.
Post race sandwich and fries.
The third race of the series was held on July 3rd, and Trevor and Andrea weren't there as they had headed out of town. Robin and I got there about an hour before the start so I could get in a warm-up, some strides, and hit the bathroom multiple times. I have found that I tend to drink too much water when it's hot out and this leads to my added incontinence when running. I guess I would rather be hydrated and wear a pad for the time being until I get everything figured out. This week was even cooler than the last race, albeit only by a degree. No one in Bakersfield in July complains about 90 degrees when it comes to running. It feels cool compared to most of the summer.
I went out a little faster than last time. My first mile was a 6:38. Somewhere ahead of me Robin was having fun in the sun since she got a head start. The second mile with the hill I slowed down to a 7:06. I finished the race covering the third mile in 6:58 and catching Robin before the finish line. My time was a 21:30, and Robin finished in 39:35. We both improved on our times from the previous race and went out to celebrate with some sushi after we were done.
I went out a little faster than last time. My first mile was a 6:38. Somewhere ahead of me Robin was having fun in the sun since she got a head start. The second mile with the hill I slowed down to a 7:06. I finished the race covering the third mile in 6:58 and catching Robin before the finish line. My time was a 21:30, and Robin finished in 39:35. We both improved on our times from the previous race and went out to celebrate with some sushi after we were done.
Robin and I had some awesome food at Shoyu Sushi on Mt. Vernon in Bakersfield
Race number 4 for the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series was held on July 17th, and the cool weather we had enjoyed the previous races was nowhere to be found. Trevor and Andrea were back, and so was the heat. It was a nice 102 degrees at race time. Robin, Andrea, and Trevor took off early to just walk the course because of the heat. I did my usual warm-ups and strides but took the race out a little slower because of the heat. I wore a hat I had soaked in cold water and carried a frozen water bottle that I sprayed down the back of my neck throughout the race. My conservative start resulted in a slow 6:54 first mile. My second and third miles were just a little bit quicker than the last race so I finished with a time of 21:40. Not bad for 102 out. Robin, Trevor, and Andrea came in with a time of 51:40. We all quickly changed and headed down the road to Ethel's for a quick bite and home to air conditioning.
Burger and fries at Ethel's after a blistering hot race.
July 31st was the final race in the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series and the race day weather was hot and smokey. The temperature was 100 even and there was quite a bit of smoke in the air from California's wildfires that were burning everywhere. We got there on time and I went through my paces to get ready for the race. I elected to wear the wet hat, bandana, and carry the frozen water bottle again. Due to my finishing time in previous races I was one of the last runners to start in the handicap system. I knew I would be starting close to Shane Goslin so I decided to try to hang with him at the start. We didn't push it too much, my first mile was only a 6:56. When we got to the hill I felt really good so I pushed it a little and dropped Shane, and my mile two split was 6:52, my best ever. I continued to push the pace, hoping to keep Shane behind me. My third mile was 6:42 and I finished the race with a personal best time of 21:14. I actually negative split the race in smokey 100-degree weather. Shane was next across the line in 21:41. Trevor finished in 30:53, Andrea in 37:31, and Robin in 49:09. We quickly changed into some clean clothes and headed to the Loma Linda Mexican Restaraunt in Bakersfield for our post-run nourishment.
Running with Shane early in Race #5 of the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series.
Robin went all in with some spicy Chili Verde.
I stuck with a more mild meal, opposite of how we usually do things.
There is a sixth night for the Bakersfield Summer Series, but it consists of a fun run, volleyball, and awards. I did the run and none of us won any awards outside of our series shirts. I'm still not sure how the event was scored but we all had a great time. The series is inexpensive and fun outside of the heat. I give the series a 6 lager rating this year and I'm looking forward to the 2019 Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series.
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