Where to start. Jan 2010 I came down with some pain that
turned out to be related to a tear in my hip. Then essentially took 6 months
“off”. Started back only doing a few family “fun” races in August and a meeting
race. None of those were serious. So far this year has been off to a rocky
start with a busy work schedule. Despite all this I decided it was time to test
my legs again. I have to admit, I was scared. I am only running about 1/2-1/3
of what I was doing pre-injury. Also, my sleep has not been consistent. That
being said I went into this having very mixed expectations. I calculated my low
mileage and poor sleep against the fact that this is a crazy fast super aided
course. And figured I could be anywhere from an 18 min to a 16 min. My goals
were 17:30 and if I was feeling good 17 flat.
The start was cool (34F) and cold into the wind. Fortunately
it was a tailwind for the race. I saw a number of faces I hadn’t seen in awhile
and that was nice. I lined up near the front with the idea that I would not go
out too hard. The first mile was controlled.
5:20 HR 181 Ascent
94ft/Descent 128ft
After that I settled into my pace and just kept it easy. It
was very hard letting people pass but I did not want to break myself my first
race back. The next mile was hard but not painful.
5:32 HR 185 Ascent
39ft/Descent 205ft
The final mile was the hardest mentally. I really was
holding back but at the same time did not have the fighting spirit to go even
if I had wanted to. It will take a little while to get that edge back. I
coasted in to the finish around the track.
5:26 HR 186 Ascent
11ft/Descent 140ft
Last bit
0:31 HR 185
Overall, I have to say I am very happy with the effort. I’ve
only run faster on a non-aided course twice (both my final year in college track). This is my 9th fastest
5K. So all things being equal I think this is a good sign of things to come
this year. It was obvious that my mileage can start creeping back up (but I
will continue the slow increase). The best news is that now >24hr later my
knee still feels good. In fact I have no pain at all, not even muscle
soreness!!!
Did 2mi warmup to the start and 2mi cooldown. Then a
colleague from work had my family over for breakfast. She had talked her entire
lab into running. For many of them it was their first race so that was cool.
| 