- Distance: 5K (3.1 Miles)
- Time: 22 min 19 sec
- Place: 3 out of 14 in age group; 9 out of 34 men; 11 out of 72 overall
- Weather: Sunny, 5-10 mph winds, temps in the mid to upper 60's
This year's race had a few less people participating than last year, but overall was fairly well attended. I made sure to get an early start on my warm-ups so that I could stretch and feel as loose as possible. Based on the configuration of the start and finish lines the beginning of the race would start on the greenway towards th
e bottom of the hill, and the finish would be a little further back at the top of the hill. With the greenway path only about 8 feet wide, the start was pretty congested but everyone spread out quickly within the first quarter mile of the race. I could tell I was running a faster pace than I should, but I've gotten used to the fact that I always get caught up in the initial surge at the start of a race. Once I reached the first mile marker, I looked at my watch and saw a time of 6:41. I was expecting between 7:00 and 7:15 so I knew my pace would start to drop in the next two miles. As I made the turn-around at the half way point I was able to see everyone that was behind me, and was a little surprised to see so many people that were within 30 seconds of me. I knew I had to maintain a steady pace to hold them off from passing me. I ran the second mile at a 7:28 pace so I definitely paid for the fast start, but was still within the 7:00 to 7:15 average pace that I wanted to maintain throughout the race. Within the last half mile I could hear two girls running together that were about 5 seconds behind me and gaining. I've always had confidence in knowing that I usually finish a race wi
th a strong sprint and look to pass someone rather than keep someone from passing me. However, with this race finishing on an uphill that tends to negate any substantial sprint I might have left. With a quarter mile to go one of the two girls passed me and began to pull away while the other one stayed back. I wasn't able to quite catch up to her at the end but was able to hold off her friend from passing me. I guess I've out grown a situation like this from being a hit to my ego. Besides, she finished second overall for the women so I don't have too much room to complain. On another note, my calf muscle seems to be fully recovered (knock on wood), so everything should be back to normal on the training schedule.
e bottom of the hill, and the finish would be a little further back at the top of the hill. With the greenway path only about 8 feet wide, the start was pretty congested but everyone spread out quickly within the first quarter mile of the race. I could tell I was running a faster pace than I should, but I've gotten used to the fact that I always get caught up in the initial surge at the start of a race. Once I reached the first mile marker, I looked at my watch and saw a time of 6:41. I was expecting between 7:00 and 7:15 so I knew my pace would start to drop in the next two miles. As I made the turn-around at the half way point I was able to see everyone that was behind me, and was a little surprised to see so many people that were within 30 seconds of me. I knew I had to maintain a steady pace to hold them off from passing me. I ran the second mile at a 7:28 pace so I definitely paid for the fast start, but was still within the 7:00 to 7:15 average pace that I wanted to maintain throughout the race. Within the last half mile I could hear two girls running together that were about 5 seconds behind me and gaining. I've always had confidence in knowing that I usually finish a race wi
th a strong sprint and look to pass someone rather than keep someone from passing me. However, with this race finishing on an uphill that tends to negate any substantial sprint I might have left. With a quarter mile to go one of the two girls passed me and began to pull away while the other one stayed back. I wasn't able to quite catch up to her at the end but was able to hold off her friend from passing me. I guess I've out grown a situation like this from being a hit to my ego. Besides, she finished second overall for the women so I don't have too much room to complain. On another note, my calf muscle seems to be fully recovered (knock on wood), so everything should be back to normal on the training schedule.
I am so impressed Alan! Good luck tomorrow! I will be thinking and praying for you. I am sure you will do amazingly well.
ReplyDeleteMy Alan is running a 5K on April 17th to hopefully raise money for Shining Hope Farms, a horse farm that provides horseback riding therapy for handicapped people. (I used to work there.) If he places, he can really bring in big money for them. But Alan's best time so far is 28:34. Be proud of how far you have come! I am just blown away. Swim! Run! Pedal your heart out! Love, Cherie