Lutz Independence Day 5k
Well, it was a pretty good race. Not a step in the direction toward sub-21:00 that I wanted, and a break in the streak of races where all mile splits were under 7:00 pace, but overall average under 7:00 at least, and a new fastest split within a 5k in recent history - 6:41
Weather - hot and humid of course. Warmup pretty good, 1.4 miles with strides where I could accelarate and exceed 5k pace. Lined up at the start, saw Tommy B and Ryan and earlier saw Jacki W out warming up. Plan was to go out too fast and try to hang on. Race was sold out at 400.
First mile good, 6:41, then I seemed to be locked in around 6:55 during the next mile but it slipped a little and ended up being 6:58.
Then a huge slip , watch said about 7:30-7:33. The people in front of me were slowing down. A teenager stopped to retch at the side of the road. I had to set my sights ahead and try and catch someone. Slowly clawed my pace back and managed 7:12. I'd lost the streak of hitting splits under 7:00 (RAP River was a close call but made it).
Maybe that first mile did me in at the end but still glad I tried.
Jogged a cool down of about 1.6 miles and then waited for awards. I did not get one, but that's ok. I can do better. Age groups were 10 year increments. Ryan just managed third place with his 19:47. I think fastest 50-59 year old man was in 18:30ish range. Overall winner was 15:50. Jacki won female masters.
This was the first time back at this race since 2018.
As I was walking back toward my car, a mom and daughter stopped me to look at my medal. The girl was bummed she couldn't run this year because the race had sold out. I missed this race last year too when trying to sign up two days before the race, I guess it's gotten pretty popular. Maybe I'll go back to the Dunedin midnight run next year.
| 