Ethan Cannon

Victory race. I pulled away from (although I wouldn't say drop) everyone right from the beginning. I was going conservatively, as I always do, especially when I'm leading. But it seems like everyone else in the lead pack did too. At the halfway, several guys were close. Then the person in 2nd hung around and closed the gap. He passed me convincingly with maybe 0.1 miles to go. So yes, I got 2nd place (again! and to a new winner, again) This was a very slow time for me. I took my watch off so I didn't get splits, which was probably a good thing since they wouldn't have been impressive. Obviously with the move to Labor day, it was much warmer, about 70 degrees this time. How much did the weather / wind slow me? Maybe a little, but not that much. 

Do I have a problem? I've taken 2nd place in 6 out of 7 major 10Ks in MPLS, not to mention my Freedom run results. Taking a look back at those results, let's say that a 10 second gap is something that can legitimately be negotiated by mental willpower, rather than just fitness. In 2 races, I beat someone by 10 seconds or less. In 3 races, someone beat me by 10 seconds or less. I don't think that statistically there is enough evidence that I have a weak mind, even though that's a narrative I have sometimes wondered about. 

The cooldown along the river was something I haven't done before at this race and was nice. On the way home, I was merging onto the highway when I realized my singlet was still draped over my side mirror. Thankfully I was able to roll down the window and snatch it!!

6:57 pace, Res woods via como. Had a little bit of rain, which was nice. 

7 flat pace, Farmers Fields. I recalculated mileage and found that from the start until you get to Cleveland ave after crossing the soccer field is just over 2 miles, which makes sense given how long it takes, and the fact that it feels like a significant chunk of the run (which is a good thing). 

6:56 pace, east river flats

6:34 pace, ERR. Why so fast? That included 6:11 pace on the way back after 6:58 pace going out. When I got to the top of the St Thomas jut on the way back, I checked my watch to make sure I would be home in time to talk to the school bus. Turns out time had slipped by due to my foolishness, and I started to cook on the way back. I did get back right on time at 8:59, thanks in part to the lights going almost perfectly, thankfully.

The construction on Pelham was as bad as it has been, so I had to take the complete detour. Still, I'm seeing plenty of signs of things looking up. Also, my surprising hot take is that I may at least temporarily rate ERR higher than ER flats from my new place.