26:03, 8:24 pace
Splits: 7:56, 8:16, 9:13
101 of 252 OA, 3rd of 8 in AG
 |
| Pre-race |
 |
| Start/finish |
There were some fast old farts this year! 23:47 and 23:54 were ahead of me in my AG! Maybe we need to check IDs or drug test.
Was hoping for under 26, but I learned I can still comfortably run a sub 8 pace...then tie up the last 3/4 miles.
Good day for racing, overcast mid 60s at race time. Course is the July 4th Parade route through Mollala. Nice crowd all along the course.
The first mile felt comfortable and in control. I was surprised when it showed up as 7:56. I knew I'd pay later but the pace didn't feel taxing. I did purposefully slow though in hopes of delaying the agony for a bit longer.
Passed mile two at 8:16 later. Still not hurting but knew it was coming and as I turned the corner for the long stretch back through town I could feel it beginning to take hold. This stretch the kids are on the side of the road with their hands out. I took advantage of the kids offering high, well really low 5s, to distract me from the pain of the last mile. It worked for a short while. 5ks hurt in a way other races don't, especially longer ones.
When I passed mile 3 with the grass stretch to the track and finish line, I had nothing left. No sprint finish, not even an attempt to pick up the pace. Legs and lungs were in full revolt. I settled for a relaxed last couple hundred yards finish, well as relaxed as you can when your body is screaming at you.
Though I didn't break the 26 minute goal, it was a good effort on a minimal distance base with no speed work. And I can still run a comfortable sub 8 mile!
 | |
| Post race, 3rd AG |
No comments:
Post a Comment