University Heights Memorial Day 5 Miler
I pushed the pace hard in the first mile, running about 6:00. I figured the only chance I had at placing in the top ten was to try to hang with the lead pack (which was just one guy, who was talking about doing a sub 6:00 pace at the start line). I stayed on his tail for about the first mile. I obviously couldn't hold that pace very long and faded fast, as I finished with a time of 34:00 a 6:48 pace.
While this is a good time for being somewhat of a 'beginner' at competitive running, I can honestly say I'm a little disappointed in my preparation, result and tactics. Here's why:
Preparation:
First, planning a race on the third day of a holiday weekend with 2 sets of siblings and my mother-in-law visiting on that weekend and staying up late to watch the Cavs lose to the Magic, was not wise. I was just worn down by the time Monday rolled around.
Second, doing a 52 mile bike ride on Saturday morning was not a good way to taper for this race. Especially since a) I don't have many bike miles in yet this year, b) I didn't eat or hydrate properly for a ride of that distance.
Third, doing a race only 8 days following my first half-marathon might not have been a great plan either. I'm just not sure I was fully recovered from that effort.
Result:
Given that my pace for the half-marathon was 7:18, I believe I should have been able to endure a 6:15-6:30 pace for "only" 5 miles.
Tactics:
I should not have tried to stay with the race leader at a sub 6:00 pace at the start. I should have ran my race...a 6:30 or so pace for the first 2 miles, then pour it on for the last 3 miles. Arrr!
Anyway, now that I've given all the excuses I can think of for why I didn't hit my goal time of 31:15, I need to go for a run.
A couple positives I can take away from this race is that a) I have improved greatly on my downhill running, b) I placed 3rd in my age group 30-34 m, c) I had a 7 person cheering section that included my wife, daughter, brother, father, mother and aunt and uncle. | 