I'm amazed at how well Toad Suck went today. At the start I felt kinda blah, but I settled into a comfortable pace which was quicker than I expected. Staci and Joel let me know they were there early, and I responded by dropping them. Then, at about 4 miles, I realized I felt pretty good and had more to give, and I got faster. Could I have run a PR? Maybe not quite, but I could have gotten a lot closer than 51 seconds, which is what I did. I'm home now, about 11 hours after the race, after driving to Newport from Conway and then all way back to the Casa, and I'm feeling more aftereffects from the drive than the race. (Very good visit in Newport, by the way, but that's a little off the subject here). Started out with a 7:27 split per Garmin; girl with stopwatch said 7:38, I think. Second mile was 7:32 per Garmin, then 7:42, which was the hilliest mile, and 7:44. That's when I realized I had more in the tank and accelerated. Fifth mile and sixth mile were both in 7:18 per Garmin. I know the girl with the stopwatch at 5 miles said 38:07, so I ran the last 1.21 in 8:44 if she was accurate. Per Garmin, the last 0.27 were at sub-7 pace. Total chip time was 46:51. My watch read 46:54 when I stopped it just over the mat. Anyway it goes, I'm pretty happy. Especially six days after a marathon. It wasn't that I felt fast today. I didn't. But I felt strong. That pace didn't bother me, and I could have run faster. And I don't owe Staci dinner -- yet. Somebody said she was upset after the race. I know she wants to beat me. I made her the challenge to motivate her -- and motivate myself. I'm not gonna give up that free dinner without a fight. Now if she wants to go out with me, that's another issue -- but that ain't gonna happen. Which is fine. I have other fish to catch. Today gives me a load of confidence going to Bayshore. If I felt this strong at 7:32 average pace, it's an indicator I can hold 7:59 for 3.5 hours. | 