Rain, + wind, + running, equals PR for me today. haha. I'm not pleased to say that I didn't come close to the 2:40 I had planned, but all things considered I'll take 2:48. I felt good until about 23 when my calves cramped up and I really had to focus just to take another step. I feel good that I came through the toughest SGM without any major injuries, and was able to follow my race plan almost exactly the way I had planned.(except those last 3.2 miles. Here are the splits:
1-6:17--Running comfortably
2-6:34--Up the first hill and taking it easy
3-6:07--Leveling out and just trying to be really smooth
4-6:04--Same
5-6:12--Same
6-5:55--Heading down into Veyo, Hooked up with some other bloggers.
7-6:00--Into Veyo
8-7:18--Up Veyo, not putting in too much effort
9-6:47--Raining pretty hard all the way through Dammeron Valley
10-6:46
11-6:53
12-6:38--Ave pace was 6:24 My goal was to be under 6:34 Feeling good about things
13-6:16--1:24:50 at the half
14-6:16--Starting to push the pace a bit
15-6:00--Feeling that I could still hit my goal
16-5:54--Stayed in control and mentally ready to the through Winchester Hills
17-6:05
18-6:06
19-6:50--Coming out of Winchester. Really windy and rainy.
20-6:27--Still ok
21-6:09--Heading down hill but not getting the leg turn over I wanted.
22-6:32--Still pushing, but not feeling it. My calves start to tighten up
23-6:22--Trying to relax and let it flow.
24-6:39--realizing that I need to focus on form. Tired legs
25-7:02--Focused on every step. Don't stop. Mike passes me.
26-7:03--Counting blocks to the finish
.2-1:35-6:33 ave.--Decided to push, and passed the 2 guys that had been ahead of me. I finished at about 5:35 pace, but couldn't hardly walk after crossing the line.
Cold, wet, tired, cramped, and glad it was over. Sore right knee, but no real injury. | 