Local race today. Many different options, and many were enticing, but I decided on this one because it was close and the winner got a free pair of shoes (gift card). Last year's winning time was 23:17 so I figured I'd have a shot. I was shooting for a 22:40 or better, and that was my mindset going in. Morning was perfect, low 60s and light humidity, been having great racing weather this spring/summer. Warmed up 2 miles, normal pre-race routine. The guy who won it last year got out really quick and I hoped he'd come back to me. He never did (he went on to run 21:XX). I hit the first mile in 5:42, was all by myself the entire race and so that was tough to keep good turnover. 2nd mile was 5:52, I knew I was in trouble by mile 3, my legs just had no pop in them and I think the accumulated work of a 6.5 month training cycle finally hit me. 6:00 mile 3 and 5:44 mile 4. 23:19, 2nd place overall. Not a bad race, just nothing super special. I had no zing left in my legs and I felt them go rubbery midway through the race. Definitely time for a few weeks off before restarting a new training cycle. Its been a great cycle and I am proud of what I've done thus far. Even this race wasn't bad - it was a great way to start of the 4th of july.
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