Splits: 7:54-8:07-8:01(25:07ish first 5k)-7:59-8:12-8:00-7:25 (.28) (25:16ish second 5k)
I was pretty pumped about this one. The precipitation was nice enough to hold off for us, but there was still a formidable wind that we had to deal with on the way back. Based on conditions and recent performances, I'd guesstimated my top-end ability level to be at about 52 minutes, so obviously I was excited with how things went and how perfectly the race was executed. Even though I was about 10-12 secs slower coming back, it was definitely a negative split effort with the wind (other reports that I've read have shown about a 1-2 min positive split for most people.) It was just one of those weird days where everything seemed to click. Despite the wind, I felt strong all the way through. I got through most of the second half by trying to dart between groups of tall guys (which isn't easy when you're six feet), sticking with a group for a minute or two, then pushing ahead to find another group. I guess it worked pretty well, as I passed about 15-20 folks in the second half and only got passed once or twice myself. The Garmin had it at 6.28, so now I just need to work on my tangents to get that sub 50 :) When I look back historically at my races, the cool/overcast/rainy/windy mix seems to be when I've really been able to throw down (the last time it happened was during Hurricane Ogden last May). Maybe I should move to Seattle.
"I have HOW LONG till my pedicure appointment?"
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