AM: Roxborough YMCA 5k - 10 miles total
Tough to pass up a 5k just 2 miles from our place. I knew it wouldn't be super competitive, but thought maybe I could get someone to push me a bit and race for 1st. Warmed up 5 miles and did some strides in the middle. Got lined up and a little girl jumped out in front of me at the start. I wish parents wouldn't allow children to do that. I realize it's a family event, but being in the very front of the starting line for a 5-6 year-old is dangerous.
Let the young cross country guy go out while his friends mocked him. I am guessing he was sub-5 through the half mile. I asked them "how fast can he run?" They informed me "not that fast; he's slowing." I smelled blood and went for it. Went through their mile mark in 5:27-5:28, which has a decent stretch of light uphill. My auto split hit later at 5:36. My legs felt tight at this point but they loosened up and I tried to push because I was feeling good and my pace was okay. Hit the turnaround to see an older guy but figured I had him unless I died or he was sandbagging me. Tried to keep pushing, but despite that I went through mile 2 very slow. Got a decent pickup into the finish, but should have pressed harder sooner.
Cooled down 2 miles before awards. Got a 3 month membership to the Y, which I likely won't be able to use. I decided to walk 2+ miles home because I had a goody bag (and let's face it, I race for those handy reusable bags). I was satisfied with 10 miles on the morning a an indication that I am getting fit and still improving, so I didn't cool down further and I'll get my miles in this afternoon. I did run 22 second PR, which is good. Course measured a bit short, but all 5ks do in my experience. Might have to get at least one more 5k this fall to see if I can get on the edge of the 17-minute mark.
5:36, 5:53, 5:44, (4:49 pace for the partial)
PM: Wyndmoor - 4.25 miles. Found a huge fountain/statue in the middle of a small rotary/cul de sac thing. It's a small suburban area so I didn't expect it. There was also a statue of Posidon (I think) on a pedestal. Very interesting considering it's basically the woods.
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