Ran the Striders 5K today. I thought I would run sub 17:45, but then I warmed up on the course...killer! After dying running the warm-up (in about 26 minutes!), I thought sub 20:00 would be good. Mile 1: 6:05. Started out conservative and knew this would be about power hill hiking. I was in the top ten and could see Albert and Ben up front. The first mile begins with a very short downhill then gradually uphill and finishes steeply uphill. By the first mile I had moved from 10th to 4th and could still easily see Albert and Ben (strange). I also saw I guy cut a corner off the course (i.e. run through a neighbors yard/grass instead of the left turn on the road). I reminded him to stay on the road/course.
Mile 2: 6:20. Big hill continues then some good downhill before hitting the second major uphill. I had moved to 3rd by this point and was feeling too comfortable. Once I saw my split, I could tell why! Mile 3: 5:36. Good downhill to the finish. As I made the turn into the events center, I could see a runner closing in. Was able to pick up the pace to 5:00 last 1/4. I feel like I could have run it faster, but was intimidated with the warm-up lap. Still, nice to place in top 3. Albert and Ben are elites, so the fact that I could see them the entire race was motivating. I estimated that I am probably in 17:45 flat 5K shape. After the race, Albert told me the 10k and 10 miler are harder...thanks! Something to look forward too! Did another loop on the course for a cool down and cheered in some walkers. Great weather today and a well organized event!
| 