Ended the season today with the running of the 32nd annual Rocky's Run at the University of Minnesota. This was my 4th consecutive year of running this race, but my first 6K Cross Country race. The distance in previous events have always been the 5 or 8K variety. So, no matter what time I ran, I was guaranteed a PR. Cross County races are difficult, especially for someone who runs exclusively on the road and races the same. This course starts out fast with about a half mile or so of wide open flat, smooth grass. However, after that easy beginning it is constant up and down, back and forth with some fairly sharp turns thrown in for good measure. Its difficult if not impossible to hold your normal 5 or 10k pace, but I did my best. Legs are feeling pretty much recovered from the marathon, but nothing prepares them for the beating they take on these hills. I'm happy with my 23:40 (6:14 pace) finish. I don't think there were any old guys in front of me, but have not seen the official results yet.
This also marks the end of the MDRA Grand Prix series. Looks like I will finish 5th overall and 2nd in my age group. I beat the guy ahead of me today, but it won't be enough to make up the deficit I had going into the race. So, no prize this year, but that's okay. I'm on the fence as to whether I will do the series again next year. Its a lot of fun and gets to run races and distances that I maybe would not normally do, but sometime the races get in the way of other things.
I still have not decided what is next on the agenda. I usually take a few weeks after a big event to get back into things mentally. Long term goals (5 years) are to run the Boston Marathon and to run a sub 37 10k. I'm kinda looking forward to applying some this mental and physical energy to other pursuits, hobbies or endeavors. Not exactly sure what those are yet, but I feel lucky that I am feeling as good as I do and have the options to chase them.
Happy Running!
Rick
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