Finally, I ran my final race of the season! It was four miles, something that I am typically not used to (usually 5k or 8k). The field this year was pretty good. There were five people that run 20 mins. or below. It was sooooo cold (about 20 degrees), so that was no good. After "warming" up I headed to the starting line and did a few strides. The gun went off and away we went. We cruised steady through the mile at 5:05. It was down to five already, and I felt pretty comfortable. I really think that is the main difference in early season fitness vs. late season fitness. In the early season, races feel very uncomfortable. In late season, you are "comfortable" being uncomfortable (if that made any sense!). Anyhow, we kept on moving at some solid pace, maybe picking it up a little. At mile three I knew that it was the last mile of my season, so I hit it hard (I don't know what I ran b/c I didn't wear a watch). I had trouble seeing at the end and it felt like my contacts were frozen to my eyes. I just tried to forgot about, and finished in 19:48. Wetmore came out to watch me, too!!! That was awesome. Before the race he gave me advice and a "race plan" if you will. I felt honored to know that he came out to see me race! He said I ran what he though I would, and that I should be happy with my effort. Yesss! Well, now it is time for rest. I am taking two weeks off before indoor track starts. The second week I will probably do some cross training every other day or so. I am excited to start with a clean slate next season! Who knows what it will bring... | 