AM 5k series race as part of long run workout. Jogged out to the course from the house - about 10k, signed up and stayed loose with some more jogging/strides. Vowed to myself from the start of this 5k effort that I would go out relaxed and easier than I had been in the recent 5k's. Seemed to pay off. The course is aided, so it also lends itself to a pretty substantial negative split on the last 1.1mi. 5:45 first mile was feeling easy - me and highschooler are racing from mile 1 through to the finish. The first place guy is a solid 30 seconds ahead after 1.5 miles. I have to make the same comment about my continued surprise of the people who run alot of these races, that make the same mistake every race - there's no reason for these same 3 or 4 dudes who run 19-20 minutes every race to keep going out at 5:30-5:40 pace for the first 0.5 to 1 mile. So, predictably, after a half a mile, I was in about 10th.
Mile 2 got hard at 5:43, me and the high school kid trading back and forth. It always fun to race with these youngsters - they are noticably affected by every move you make.
Mile 3 the youngster takes control and shows off his downhill XC speed as he leaves me in the dust in the last half mile and kick. Looked like I was down around 4:20 pace, so I don't feel too bad
It was 5k PR - 5:45, 5:43, 5:30, and then the 4:20 pace in to finish for 17:28.
Took some time to relish the moment / recovery and shake the 14 year olds' hand, and then jog up the hill and back to the start line. Took a couple more loops around the course for 2x5k at MP w/ 5 minute recovery between - 20:13 and 20:06 - these felt easy after the 5k effort. hung around for 10 minutes for awards and jogged it back home.
23.8 miles total - about 3 hours total moving time
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