Bix 7 Summary: The Value of Setting Goals

This time last year, I decided that I was going to win my age group at the Bix 7.

That was a rather ballsy proclamation. The Bix 7 is a huge race that attracts thousands of talented runners - including world class ones - to take on the hills, heat and humidity in Davenport, Iowa on the last Saturday in July. I’m not bad. But those runners are seriously good and many are way out of my league.

What was wrong with me?

My motivation stemmed from a “decent but not great” performance at Bix in 2019 where I'd "wilted" in the heat after pushing my pace early on. I had looked forward to atoning for that sin in 2020. Unfortunately, a little thing called “covid 19” curtailed that noble intention. Two years of virtual participation further fueled my delusions.

If I was going to set such a lofty goal, then I knew I’d best establish other goals. A review of past results indicated that there were years where winning my age group was a slim possibility - assuming all the stars, planets, moons, comets and quasars were in total alignment. Other years made it vividly clear that I couldn’t do it if I had rocket-powered Nike’s.

However, I had placed fifth in my age group in 2019, along with as having my best time on that course and being the first Iowa runner in my age group. Based on that, in ascending order, I decided on the following goals.

4. Be the first Iowa runner in my age group (Men's 60-64)

3. Place in the Top 5 for my age group (Men's 60-64)

2. Set a PR for this course

1. Win my age group (Men's 60-64)

Then came the necessary work. Keeping free of injury was paramount. As was maintaining a good base. Another “must” was a steady diet of hill work - both up and down -in order to keep a good pace and avoid any issues with my IT band. Tim Ives, my coach from The Body Project, incorporated steady states, tempo runs, one-mile or 2K intervals into my workouts - all outside between 11am and 1 pm to help me acclimate to the heat and humidity. Tim also recommended a strategy for the race that would prevent my impatience from pushing myself too soon.

How did it go?

While I always have butterflies before a race, the huge ones fluttering inside my stomach last Saturday continually reminded me that twelve months of talking were now over, and it was time to deliver. However, as an unexpected plus, the weather gods were merciful, blessing us with temps in the high 60’s and minimal humidity under stunning blue skies.

Those kinder and gentler temps aided Tim’s strategy, allowing me a strong finish. That was enough for a personal best of 48:02 (6:50 pace) on this course - 30 seconds faster than my previous best. One goal down. And the others? I ended up placing third in the Men’s 60-64 and being the second Iowa runner in that age group. Thanks to the near perfect conditions, a number of age group records were broken and mine was no exception. The top runner for the Male 60-64 group ran an outstanding 44:07 (6:18). The second-place finisher (and first Iowa runner in my age group) finished nearly two minutes ahead of me at an impressive 46:17 (6:37).

This race underscored that “Run with the Best” is apropos when it comes to the Bix 7 Coming in 3rd in my age group on a record-breaking day is fine with me. I prefer a 3rd place finish when competing with runners of that talent over a higher finish in a down year. I gave it my best shot and am proud to have placed where I did. Even better, I had the pleasure of talking with several friends and making a few new ones - courtesy of my wife who did the two-mile race.

A key takeaway from this race is the value in establishing clear goals that help focus both the training for a race as well as the strategy in running it. These goals helped me prepare for the hills and competition. I also believe I would have been prepared for the heat and humidity had the weather been like most other years.

I know many of you set goals going for yourself with races and workouts. I’d like to hear your thoughts as well. You can respond on the comments below or post them on FB.