It felt good to get back to racing this week. I have to admit that going into the first race on such little mileage had me a little worried. I had visions of me running out of gas around mile 4 and coasting in for the final mile. So, today it was the Irish Run 8k which is the USATF 8k Championships, which means all the truly speedy old guys show up. I had no delusions of placing, but I did want to make a good showing for my team. It was cold today, about 20 degrees, which means a couple of layers, gloves, hat and tights. Not ideal, but there were a few crazies out there in shorts and singlets. Not this guy. After a warm up, I was ready to go and pretty nervous. This low mileage experiment was just that, an experiment. The first mile was flat and sheltered, I went out too fast, but reined it in and hit the first marker in 6 flat. Mile 2 had a tailwind, but has a gradual uphill, so I slowed to a 6:10 pace. Mile 3 continued with the tailwind, but with some downhill, which felt good and I cruised at 5:57. After mile 3 we make the turnaround and the wind really sucked. I worked like hell to stay close to 6 pace, but it dropped to 6:13. The hill peaks with about a half mile to go, so runners get to finish strong. At one point I hit 5:45 and finished strong with a time of 30:15. About 20 seconds slower than last year, but my mileage is down by almost a third compared to last year. Plus I am a year older and it was windy. Enough excuses???!!!
Anyway, very happy with my fitness level at this mileage. As thing start getting more intense, I see nothing but upside. Good to be back out there, now if we can just get to some weather when we all can be wearing shorts again. Please?!
Happy Running!
Rick
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