I wanted to get 10-12 miles in before the race, and try running hard on tired legs. Due to an alarm snafu, I only made it to 6, though. The field was very small, dominated by a high school runner who finished in 16:50. I managed to hold off his girlfriend at the end. It was a good race, and a decent effort. I definitely cost myself sub-20 by floating at times, but I knew there was nobody to catch, so why push?
After I finished, I ran back the course to find my daughter who ran on a whim. She finished up around 36 minutes, very proud of herself for "only walking two times on the hills, if you don't count the water break." (and the walking just before the final turn to the finish...I guess that doesn't count either) Still, I'm always glad to have her along. Older sister was coughing up a lung from a long bout of bronchitis, so we ppd her 2014 5k debut until Memorial Day.
Thus ends a weak of running. I should be peaking for UVM, instead I'm dragging my butt around for a mere 27 miles. My back is really sore, and I'm having some misgivings about this race. But the die is cast, the money is spent. I'll just do my best, and likely as not, be found wanting by a small margin. Hopefully I can shore things up for the next couple weeks and at least get to the starting line feeling healthy.
| 