It is the last race of the summer, before I start my marathon ramp-up for November. I've been having decent training recently, and my goal was a 5K PR (PR 17:43) and an AG award. Last year I lucked into two AG wins and I haven't had any this year - this was my last shot.
I took the day off before and was hoping for some fresh legs. They didn't feel bad actually. No aches and pains when warming up.
I snuck into the side if the 2nd row of guys and we were off. Immediately I had to pass a few kids and older fellows who I knew I was faster than, but other than that I passed maybe one or two guys in the first mile. There is a nice rise in the first 1/2 mile and then a good downhill. Then it flattens out. First mile -- 5:32. By that time I was breathing hard and was red lining it. I just hung on from that point forward, trying to keep my stride big and even bigger on the downhills. I played pass-and-get-passed with one of the high school guys for the rest of the way, but other than that I was on my own with my own doubts and fears. 2nd mile was 11:12 or something like that. I didn't lose too much time there. However, the third mile I was cashed and still had to face the return of the significant up and significant down from the first mile. I made the final pass of the kid on the hill and managed to hold him off for the "kick" to the end.
I finished but not with the PR I wanted. I struggled in the last mile big time. But I was happy with my effort and I got a 10 second PR for the course and 1st in my AG along with my 2nd sub 18.
Now I start my build up for the Chickamauga marathon on Nov 14th. I need to work now on my longer interval repeats and tempo runs. Maybe I'll take a crack at the neighborhood 5K in October and see what damage I can do after two months of marathon training.
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