Well, I woke up this morning and decided to run the race anyways... I've been nursing a couple injuries, so my original goal of 1:21-ish was out the window. Instead I just wanted to get throught it without getting hurt and having to walk. My new pre-race plan was to go out easy and evaluate on the go. Perfect weather, 46 degrees, sunny and a light breeze. Not a PR by any means, but pretty good considering where I was a year ago.... 1:25:36.
Mile 1. 6:32. I went by feel. The pace seemed very easy. No pains so far.
Mile 2. 6:08. Pretty significant downhill mile. I'm starting to pick off runners who went out a little quick.
Mile 3. 6:30. Climbing again. I'm pretty shocked about how good I feel, but I'm concerned that my calves or hip will flare up at any time.
Mile 4. 6:16. Downhill again. Still feeling good. I'm chasing down a couple of guys in front of me. They ended up running 1:21.
Mile 5. 6:22. Flat dirt road. Still doing OK.
Mile 6. 6:34. My right calf cramped up pretty bad. I was not expecting this. Recently my left hip flexor and calf have been the issue. I had to back off quite a bit for a minute or two. I was actually pretty worried I may need to walk/jog the rest of the race. I let the two guys in front of me go... I was in no-man's-land for the rest of the race.
Mile 7. 6:25. Miraculously the calf pain has subsided a bit, but I can't push much harder than this pace or it becomes painful.
Mile 8. 6:23. Steady as she goes.... I'm just trying to keep it together and not do any more damage to my calves or hips. I'm a little bummed because I'm not taxed at all cardio-wise. I can definitely run faster if healthy.
Mile 9. 6:51. Right calf pain back with a vengence. Now I'm really thinking about walk/jogging the rest of the way.
Mile 10. 6:47. Climbing again. Nursing my calf big time!
Mile 11. 6:27. Downhill mile. I know I can make it from here, but I have one more big uphill mile.
Mile 12. 7:01. Big uphill and my calf is cramped up horribly and now my left hip flexor pain has returned, but running is still managable if I do not flex my ankle.
Mile 13. 6:25. Flat final mile. I pick it up a little with a wonky running form since I'm trying to keep my right ankle fixed. I just want to finish well and not get passed since my pace slowed over the last few miles.
.11. 0:56 ish. GPS was off a couple hundreths... I held it together though the finish line.
Overall, I'm happy. I've been looking forward to this race since compartment syndrome surgery last November. I've come a long ways and feel I can get much faster, especially if I can keep the nagging little injuries under control. Time to rest and get healthy through the New England winter.
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