This morning was my return to racing. After the high of 2 weeks ago, I was sure I would not PR, but nevertheless this morning's performance left me a bit disappointed. I guess it is the competitor in me who wants to always do better.
Regardless of my own feelings, I had a solid run and finished only 20 seconds from my 10K best of 39.29 (official time was 39.50). The week after the marathon I only ran 7 miles and this week I finished with 28 miles (including the race). I realized that I lost some of the fitness gained and besides I sort of sabotaged my own performance by drinking quite a bit of alcohol and going to bed late the night before.
I need to start these shorter races much further in front in the corral. I found myself with a lot of people around me and my trying to pass them by zigzagging contributed to a slow start (6.52 and 6.39 mile pace for the first 2 miles). Only by mile 3 I was able to find my rhythm and posted sub-6.20 mile pace for the next 3 miles. Final mile came and I felt I had a chance, at least, to get a sub-40 minute race. I mustered all the strength I could gather and went for it. With the final 1.2 miles averaging 5.52 pace, I reached my objective with 10 seconds to spare. It felt great to finish strong and pass other runners right at the end of the race.
I have a 15K race in 2 weeks in which I hope to do much better and race a sub-1 hour PR. With that race I will close this calendar year's quite successful season
2 comments:
If those first 2 miles had been 6:20 each, you'd have finished in 38:59 - a P.R. and sub-39. If the crowds weren't slowing you down, 6:20's would have been no problem for you. And the zigzagging probably burned as much energy as running the faster miles would have. So, next time, when you line up closer to the front of the corral, you'll know that you're ready to beat the P.R.
Killer time Antonio!
I was out there w you guys but 'unofficially' and on the right of the path. I forgot how much I love running in the cold.
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