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.  

Run this morning around the city of Breda.  I stayed next to the canals for most of the run.  One of the canals lead through Stadspark Het Valkenberg which is now a park, but use to be the royal grounds for the ruling family in Holland.  Some of the structures such as the canal station and castle are over 500 years old.

Later today I will be working in Ermelo.

After a long day in a sales seminar, I got out for a 10K run through the forest of Ermelo, Holland.  It was cold and rainy, but the dark forest made for a fun run.  

Another run through the Ermelo forest area.  I did some wet and muddy trails today and found a look-out stand.  Up top you could see across the region and onto a Dutch army training field.  

Only time for a quick 4 miles down a new trail in Ermelo.  The first sunny day of the week!

Run around Sugar House Park.