It was two days after this (disastrous last year) race when I partially tore my achiiles tendon in my right leg last year. It was a hard go. all those months in a freakin boot wondering if I would ever even be able to run a pain free step again in my life....coming to terms with that...This year I've realized that I've been truly blessed. Does it matter that I only finished 28th? Does it matter that my new PR is a joke compared to the top level local talent? NO! It does not matter. For today, I hit my goal and broke 16:00 minutes in the 5K and that means something to me personally in fulfilling part of my potential in life. Fitting really at this race since it was my last race before my injury last year.
This course was very flat and I was very well rested for this race, having taken a down week in mileage and doing some anaerobic work Wednesday in the mile. Right before the race George told me to take it easy at first since I still have patience issues going out too fast and such. Well....I was really excited and I felt great. Of course I went out too fast. I ran a 4:51 first mile (if the marker was correct)....I felt good but I immediately slowed it down (although I wonder what would have happened had I ignored splits). Still went through 2 in 10:03...so many people with/ahead of me. I didn't know how much I should push at this point. Yes, it was painful and yes, I was trying hard but I believe I held back a little too much in the third mile. I paid attention to my form and tried to relax. I crossed the finish line and it said 16:00 but I knew my chip time was under..15:58....and I even took some of those GRC guys down along the way.
This was a great step in the right direction. I know I can go even faster if I did more specific 5Ktraining but my attention will now be focused on the half marathon in September and the 10K in October/November.
I'm happy with this result and I'm looking forward to more personal bests to come and who knows, I may even win a few races this fall.
Results. When was the last time a 15:58 only took 28th at your local 5K?
Article on the race
 A small army of Pacers-New Balance and GRC runners. Our neighborhood 5K is faster than yours!
Ouch! This hurts. Did I make it?
| 