This was a fun race that finished inside Turner Stadium, sponsored by the Atlanta TrackClub, so lots of speedy folks there! It did not feel too hot at the start, but could really feel the effects of the humidity once we started running. I wanted to try to go sub 25, but realized pretty quickly with the hills & the fact that I have not run all week, an all out aerobic effort was going to be tough. Hit the Mile split at 6:16, right on target for my goal, but knew there was no way I would be able to hold that pace. Ran Mile 2 at 6:26 pace, but walked through water station just before marker, so officially ran it in 6:41 ... I was sweating buckets, so wanted to make sure I stayed hydrated! After that point, I did not have it in me to kick it back into high gear ... Mile 3 was 6:45 & Mile 4 was 6:49. At this point we were entering the stadium, so I threw in a big kick to pick a couple runners off just before the finish. My Garmin read 4.04 meter, ran the .04 (roughly 65 meters) in 7 seconds, a 3:25 pace ... sure would be nice to be able to hold onto that longer ... but it was all I had. Once I get through my marathon training cycle, I really want to work on my shorter distances. I hit my aerobic threshold too early when I push the pace hard, and once that happens I am spent. As long as I do not hit that threshold, I can hold a pretty good pace for a long time. I am sure consistent weekly track workouts will probably improve that immensely. All in all, I am pleased with my race, all things considered. May try to get some more miles in later today.
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