Net Time, Changes, and the Secret to Productivity

PurpleStride 5K Run/Walk

   Washington, DC June 16, 2012
   ChronoTrack Timing and Scoring
    by Pacers Events
    Official 5k Results
Place Div/Tot   Num   Age Hometown                 Gun T Net T Pace
371   82/122    152    24 Silver Spring, MD       32:28 31:49 10:15

I didn’t know what the difference between Gun T and Net T were, so of course I googled it. Thank goodness I have google to teach me the ways of the running world.

“Chip time is another way of saying “net time,” or the actual amount of time it takes a runner to go from the starting line of a race to the finish line. This is usually what Age Group awards are based on.

But for the really fast guys that win the money they must abide by USATF rules (governing body). To win money they must be timed by “Gun time”, or the time from the start gun to the time the participant crosses the finish mat.” (championship-racing.com).

So my real time was my net time? Yaaay, that means I actually did better than I thought! I obviously still didn’t make my sub 30 goal, but 31:49 looks better than 32:28!

I’m actually slightly impressed with myself because I was closer to goal – AND I walked for 3 darn minutes. If only I hadn’t walked…

*****

I was daydreaming a bit today about all of the the positive effects that eating clean and running have had on my body and mind even in just a few short months.

Since I started clean eating and running at the end of January, I haven’t gotten sick. That’s a huge one.

Some other changes:

Physical Changes

Weight Loss
Clearer skin
Shinier hair
Better digestion
Easier time falling asleep
Sleep better
Less nail breakage
Nails and hair grow faster

(source)

Mental and Emotional Changes

More energy
Less stressed
Less mood swings

I should come back and look at this post when I feel like shoveling Domino’s in my face or when I’m sittin’ on the couch for the third night in a row to remind me how much better I feel when I’m living a healthy lifestyle.

*****

When I got home from work last night I was starving and exhausted. It was a running night though, so I really did want to get my butt to the gym.

I just needed something in my growling stomach, but didn’t want to eat anything that would give me stomach cramps during my run.

I settled for a plain whole grain waffle. Yes, I like plain shit. Leave me alone.

But I still needed something to wake me up. Then I remembered I bought shot bloks last week!

So shot bloks are usually used for intense long distance runners who are running long-ass races like half marathons or marathons. I.e.: not me. They’re gooey gummies with caffeine and other stuff inside of them.

I bought some anyway just to try them because they look so legit.

Last week when I had them out with my 5K gear, Tuna asked me if I was going to break out the shot bloks at mile 2 and tear in to them.

Ummm, no. I just think they’re cool, ok?

I’m going to use a few of them for my long run next week, but I figured why not try them last night. I was only planning on running 5 miles, but if I needed the extra boost of energy to even go to the gym, sure.

I chowed down on three bloks (the standard serving size) and drove to the gym.

I got through my 5 miler just fine. I didn’t really feel a difference, except that I had a little bit more energy for the last mile then I usually do. But I didn’t really know whether it was me or the shot bloks, and didn’t want to give all of the credit to the shot bloks.

However, after my post-gym shower, dinner, and some RHONYC, I frantically:

– Did laundry
– Dusted
– Swiffered
– Vacuumed
– Cleaned my shower
– Took out the trash
– Watered the plants
– Made my O.O. and lunch for today
– Blogged at bit
– Read 50 pages of my book club book