"The essential thing in life is not conquering, but to have fought well." -Baron de Coubertain
It's funny how you can hit each mile split as follows and still run 26:06:
5:04.3, 5:07.7, 5:11.9, 5:03.6, 5:12.6 = 25:40 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1177594349
I took all of the possible tangents but it still came out long, not just a little long either. But that was just the finishing touch to a frustrating day.
Yesterday was beautiful out, no wind, rain free. This morning it was raining so I was wet at the starting line. The first two mile markers were right on, then they started to drift from my watch. I was running with a bigger dude for the first 3.5 miles then I gunned it on one of the numerous 180 turns and was in second until .5 to go, well .5 to go according to my watch. Then Kevin McNab comes storming by me at like 4:40 pace or some shit then another dude passes me. I was satisfied with the fact that it would still be a fast time but then the finish line never came at 5 miles, quite unlike all of the races I've done which are almost always spot on with my watch. So no good time, and I finished 4th, right outside of the money, with the token Ethiopian getting second, and my racing buddy getting third.
Whatever, this whole season has been a wash. My feet were wet, the course was long, and I did not place well. Really frustrated. but then again I went through 4 miles in 20:28, a 1 sec. PR and I ran 25:40 but I can't count that as a PR because it's unofficial.
I did notice that I really need to work on my uphill running. I suck at running uphill. I can fly downhill, but when I'm racing someone they always pull away on the uphill. Secondly, I need to keep working on relaxing in the ladder stages of the race, which it would have probably done me some good if I went out a couple of seconds slower for the first two miles.
Running is frustrating when guys mow you down when you're trying your best. I refuse to believe genetics is the end all be all of running. If I need to run 100+ MPW to burn those guys so be it.
Results
PM: 5 easy in the rain. I always learn something after every race. I think this race is teaching me that I need to work on hill running, but more importantly, I think it's lesson is to check my ego at the door. I'm so worked up about my shitty time in the results, rather than my time that I know is right. Also I'm pissed about getting beaten badly, but what does any of that even matter? I couldn't even run at points in my life with my knee surgery and achilles tear. I still remember the knee doctor telling me it was possible I may never be able to run again depending on how my knee healed and now years later I'm pissed because I didn't get the time I wanted. wah wah. Life is about perspective I suppose, and an easy 5 miles in the rain can give you some.
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