PM: 11.25 miles. 8k Race in 28:08.
This was a 2:00 PM race, which was different. Warmed up 3.25, did some dynamic stretching, and strides. Goal was to run to win unless the pace was far beyond my ability, which I decided meant sub-5:20 for the first mile. Guy got out in front and we were moving fast. I didn't expect him to hold it, so I waited for everything to settle. Said screw it. Pace feels sort of slow. Took the lead maybe a third mile in. Young guy behind me looked okay but I decided to see if he was sandbagging me. I dropped a 5:28 for mile 1, was just over 11:00 at 2 miles and 17:31 for 5k.
I checked on the kid behind me a few times and beat him by 32 seconds. I tried to get some room for the first two miles before grinding back after the turn around and 5k crowds.
So, a bit aggressive but I was racing to win. Adjusted paces were pretty consistently low-5:40s and I felt my effort was fairly even.
I got to stand on an actual podium for the first time. That was kind of neat.
5:28, 5:35, 5:52, 5:52, 5:44 (adjusted for full mile)
The hills weren't bad but I was getting tired and a bit too complacent. A good effort though. Flat 5:40s for a half are doable without a hard start and a solid taper I think. 70 miles on the week going into this one with a hard workout on Wednesday.
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