The Striders winter racing circuit started today with the 5k. I got to the start in plenty of time to get my number, warm up for a mile and visit with Cody, Dan, and Russell Bennett for a few minutes. The weather was perfect, and I was glad because these races aren't known for being on days with good weather. Although it was nice, I still didn't think it was quite warm enough to strip down to my nothins, like a lot of people did.
I didn't really know what the course was like until everyone started to talk about the 10% grades and that sort of stuff. I wasn't too concerned because I wasn't going for the win today or even run a fast time, I just want to have fun and get back into shape for bigger and better things this year. I was surprised by the amount of hot-shot runners that shhowed up today, it was one the most quality fields of runners that I have seen in in a 5k in the last 10 years.
I took off pretty easy, not wanting to gas myself in the first mile. I ran hard (for me right now), but still kept a steady, semi-comfortable pace. I went through the first mile in 6:31 and knew that the next one would be a little slower. It was (6:45), as the second mile had some pretty good climbs in it. When the down hill came I felt alright so I just relaxed and let gravity do it's job. I caught up with Dan with about .4 to go and told him to come with me, and he seemed to for the most part (he was only about five seconds back at the finish). I cruised in and finished around 19:28. I missed the 3 mile split, so my last 1.1 was 6:11. I didn't have any one pass me the whole race, and I bet I caught about 25 people over the course. It was fun being back where I shouldn't be and knowing it, and having those around me wondering why I would eventually fly by them.
I was happy with my run, considering my conditioning. I just wanted to run under 20 minutes, and I did that on a tougher course. I was pleased with how all my Del Sol team (Dan, Cody, Sasha, and Paul) did today, I thought that everyone ran well. I was especially impressed with Paul. I know he is a modest guy who doesn't like the spotlight, but he kicked some serious asphalt today! ( I hope that is family friendly enough)
I ended up 7th in the age, 23rd overall, with a 19:28.5
I ran a mile warm-up and a mile cool down with my race for a total of 5.1 today. 31 miles for the week, one mile better than what I had scheduled. 35 is on my schedule for next week.
I also played a full court Basketball game this afternoon with two 20 minute halves (played the whole 40 min. myself), we won 70 to 55, and are now 8 and 1on the season. | 