Dash for Donation at Sugarhouse Park. We do this race every year because it's for a good cause and Jake helps to organize it. I think we were both dreading the race a bit because it's been a long time since we have tried to run faster than easy pace. Gotta start somewhere though!
We ran a 2.6 mile warm-up then got started. Within the first quarter mile is the steep hill. By the time I got to the top I already felt exhausted. My legs felt fatigued and I was breathing way too hard. A new girl to the area (Kat) took the lead ahead of me and I remained about 10 ft behind her until about 2.5 miles. I maintained a pretty consistent pace with 6:14 and 6:18 through the first two miles. On the very last hill of the race, the girl started slowing so I took over the lead. Last mile was 5:55 (more downhill) with :40 for the last 0.1. I honestly didn't think I was going to catch Cat, but I think the altitude finally got to her.
I ran pretty much the same time as I did last year. There are some key differences though - last year I was only running 3-5 miles/day, was completely rested, and Jake ran with me (= pushed me to run fast). The past couple months I have been consistently around 50 mpw (except for the honeymoon which I would argue was harder and more exercise). Basically, I'm running on tired legs and with no speed at all. So I'm taking this result as a huge positive. With a little more time, a little speedwork, and some rest, I should be able to run sub-18.
Jake and I ran a 3 mile cooldown with Kat. She just moved here a few days ago - ran at Eastern Kentucky. New running buddy :)
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