I was excited for this race six weeks ago but I think my body wanted a break and so I didn't do any preparation for the race like I had intended. I still got in some good long runs but I haven't done anything in the threshold range until Wednesday's 3 mile primer. Then with the weather predictions turning I no longer had any real desire to do the race. I think in the future I will make sure that November and December are truly an off season. I am going to treat the next six weeks this way other than taking what comes in terms of the weekend long runs.
I met Mickey on the warm up and he said he'd go my pace for a bit. Warm up was about 3.1. I worked with Mickey for the first 5 miles and they were the best miles. 5:47, 5:47, 5:46, 5:47 and 5:51. My breathing and legs felt great so I was encouraged by this at this pace.
When it became apparent that I was no longer going to run in the 5:40s, Mickey was gone. So, on my own for the rest of the race. The weather got worse as we ran with varying cross winds, head winds and precipitation. Sort of a cross between rain and sleet. I was not enjoying it at all but I fought the urge to give in altogether and coast. Next 5 were 5:57, 6:01, 6:09, 6:09, 6:10.
During the 11th mile, my legs got really numb and together with a soaked shirt I was freezing. I really let up on this mile - 6:33. The weather improved slightly going southwest back to saltair for the last 2.1 and I felt pretty good so I was able to stop the downward spiral. 6:16, 6:02 and 5:48 pace for the last .1. Little did I know that Walter had taken a bathroom break and was gaining ground on me. I held him off by not checking out luckily.
So a forgettable race. Cooled down alone 3.1 and I was so wet and cold. At the awards ceremony, I didn't get anything because my time didn't record. It was a $10 check and some goodies so not a big deal, but now I have to self report my time which is annoying. After being accused of covering my bib, he said it must've been the wet rain that did it. Oh well.
Now to settle down for a long winter's nap.
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