So close to my sub 20:00 goal....Ahhh...!!!!
The race was a small local event that raises money for the area fire department. Since the race was only 15 miles from my house I decided to ride my bike there instead of driving. I got up and left at 7:00 am and arrived at the race a little before 8:00. I believe there were a total of 60 entries in the race when I signed up. The weather was great at 60 degrees and no wind. The course was an out and back with some rolling hills along the way.
As the race began, I lined up right on the starting line as if I were some sort of elite runner, toe to toe with a couple of high school boys and another young runner who all looked fast. The starting line was very narrow so we were the only ones on the starting line. Behind us were a few others who acted like they were planning on a fast race but I didn't give up my spot for any of them.
As the gun went off the four of us took off and within 50 yards had establisted the running order that would be held throughout the race. The first mile has about an 80 drop on the second half of the mile. As I hit the slowly sloping downhill I realized I was run this mile a little faster than planned but thought, "this is okay, I feel pretty good". I didn't realize that the second mile started with a 100' climb through the first half of the mile and at the end of that climb I wished I had concerved a little more energy on the first mile. Nedless to say I had to slow down after the turn to somewhat catch my breath. The turn-around is the highest point on the course (elevation) so I was hoping to be able to pick up a little time at the end of mile 2 but never really could. The last mile had the 80 climb and with that I just couldn't muster the energy to make up the few seconds needed. The final sprint was very short as you had to turn a 90 degree turn about 40 yards from the finish line. As I rounded the turn I saw the clock and it still read 19:--- . I though I was going to make it under 20:00 but saw the timer click to 20:-- just as I entered the finish chute. I stopped my Garmin right on the finish line and looked down. It read 20:05 and a distance of 3.12 miles.
The finish placing was: high shool boy, 30 something track coach, high school boy then me. Fourth overall, no PR but I lived to race another day! Thank you Lord for giving me the ability to do this.
Rode my bike home 15 miles and spend the rest of the day with Kirby (my son), what a great day!
I'm wondering now, as I look at my times and HR, if I left a little on the course. I ran the entire race by myself with no one pushing me. My HR only maxed at 174 and I know I can get it to 180. I was also wondering how long it takes to run an extra .02 miles :-) ...maybe I really did run a sub 20:00 :-)
| Fall Fiesta River Run - Fentress 5K |
| 10/20/2012 |
| Mile |
Time |
Heart Rate |
Max HR |
| 1 |
6:19:00 |
152 |
|
| 2 |
6:35:00 |
165 |
|
| 3 |
6:33:00 |
171 |
|
| 0.2 |
0:39:00 |
174 |
174 |
| Total |
20:06:00 |
163 |
|
| Pace |
6:26:00 |
|
|
| Fentress |
| 60Âș |
Goal:
Sub - 20:00 (6:25 Pace)
Notes:
1st in Age Group, 4th Overall (60).
Rode my bike 15 miles to the race and then 15 miles back home.
|
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. | 