In search of old age PRs

Fun 5K race today in Breda, Netherlands.  I was little jet-lag and out of sorts due to a cancelled connection and a re-routing through Paris, but 20 hours later I made it to my hotel for a few hours of sleep  before race time. 

This was a company team race that consisted of the top 3 times in a 5K event, 10K event and 15K event.  Since I was worried about my jet-lag, I was entered into the 5K.  I was actually on a team with several teenagers whose families work for my company.  They were all very talented kids.  My boss and company owner put a little pressure on me to do well.  It was strange having your job future rely a little on your race performance!

The race started at 11:00 AM (3 AM MST) and I immediately hooked up with 15 year old Luc out toward the front.  There must have been about 10-15 runners in front of us.  Our goal was to be under 18 minutes.  On a flat, sea-level course I thought this would be easy to obtain even with the jet-lag. 

The course had many turns taking you along the canals of Breda.  I ran the course earlier in the morning and got some good photos and most of the village residents were at the race. 

Mile 1: 5:25.  I wanted to make sure my body would respond to the travel and I actually felt very relaxed.  The weather was cool with a little wind.

Mile 2: 5:47.  Right on pace.  Running with Luc, we settled into a nice groove running.  We passed several “rabbits” during this mile.

Mile 3: 5:42.  We picked the pace up the last 800 meters.

End: 0:38.  Total 17:32.  Luc pulled away from me the last 200 yards.  I could not keep up with his kick.  I was surprised how much the 15 year old had in the tank.  He did great and I was pleased with my time-a PR on a flat, true course.  At the finish, I really felt I should have run the entire race at a sub 5:30 pace, since I never felt winded or tired.  Usually, during all my races I get this urge to walk.  This urge lets me know I’ m running a good pace, but it did not happen today.  I actually felt a little disappointed at the finish…I wanted to keep going!

Our third runner was another teenager (Joris) and he came in around 19:30.  We finished 2nd overall and my company won a nice trophy and we received an additional medal.  For participating in the race, I got a nice reflective vest and all the beer, ham and cheese sandwiches I could eat or drink.  Our 10K and 15K teams did well and everyone was happy with their race times.   It would be fun to run the 15K course if I could arrange an earlier arrival to Breda to get acclimated to the time change.