I was able to get this race in before flying out to Orlando later today. Not sure about the exact finish time (not posted yet).
The weather was perfect. Below are my splits (this course sucks)! Mile
1: 6:03. Nice hill to start up with. The leaders were taken it easy
and warming up for the tough course to come. I started in about 10th
place. I specifically looked for a few runners that I knew would be
close to my time and just tried to stay close, but run easy. Mile 2: 5:28. Big downhill. Too bad you have to come back up it. Still a lot of younger runners screaming down this part. Mile
3: 6:06. More challenging with a good climb. The race order really
began to take shape. I move up into 6th. This is the same course as
the 10K, so I know whats coming. 5K split: 18:16. I was 18:15 a couple of weeks ago at the 10K. It did not feel fast, so I was comfortable with it. Mile 4: 6:14. Start the long process upwards. Just trying to keep #4 and #5 in my sights.
Mile
5: 7:02. The first of two big hills. This is what makes this course
so tough. If you plow up the hill then you run the risk of not having
the fast turnover needed for the last 5K. I just ran it comfortable
knowing another big hill was coming. There was a younger guy in 4th and
he let out some sort of scream...weird.
Mile 6: 7:01. Made
it to the top of #1 hill and now getting ready for #2 hill. I think I
will try to beat the screaming younger guy... 2nd 5K split: 21:16. So, a little slower than my 10K a couple of weeks ago (39:XX vs. 38:40), but close to 4 miles to go! Mile 7: 7:28. OK, this hill was brutal, but I passed one person going up it, then the screamer at the top. Mile 8: 5:38. Good downhill. I was glad to get some fast turnover after those 2 big lactic acid hills. Mile 9: 5:58. I can still hear the screamer guy muttering things to himself, not really a mantra but more "running angry." Mile
10: 5:42. One more climb to the finish. Felt good coming in.
Finished 4th, got a some chocolate milk, coffee and a massage...nice! I
talked a little with the younger guy that was screaming. Its how he
stays motivated..OK. He beat me at the 10K, so I was glad I was able to
hold him off. Another great job by the Striders people!
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