Notes
I ran 10:28 2 weeks ago in a 3k, and was mostly pleased with my performance. Except I had run the first mile in 5:43 and the second one closer to 5:22 pace, which indicated I had been too conservative.
Things were bustling at the BU Mini meet, large numbers of HS and college teams had descended on the facility, making each event have many more heats than normal. Each heat had been filled to the brim with athletes. The 3k had 21 runners, on a 6 lane indoor track this could lead to some congestion. I resolved to get to lane one, stay there untill things opened up, and avoid the crowds. I was hoping to hit the mile in 5:35 and hopefully knock 5-6 seconds off my previous result
I went right for the rail at the gun and took over last place in my heat. Staying as relaxed as possible the 400 went by in 1:24, right on schedule. I slowly started to pick off individuals 1 or 2 at a time. I focused a bit more between 400-1600 and hit them all in 1:22, passing the mile in 5:32. It is at the halfway point in race where I allow myself to run with my heart, ignore splits and pacing and let it all hang out. I started passing more athletes with, I was unclear where in the heat I was, just focused on the next runner to catch.
I looked up and saw Terry McNatt ahead, he is someone I've never beaten, never even been in front of at any point in a race, he's soundly defeated me by large margins for my whole club running life. Now I find myself on his shoulder, and am afraid to pass him. Do I just stay and hold on? Or do I push ahead and see what happens? With 800 to go I pass him and am starting to feel the beginnings of the blackout phase where, the O2 in your brain is in short supply. I try to keep my form together and my arms relaxed. Amazingly the next runner up the track is Dave Dunham...Dave is a running legend in New England, multiple time winner of Mt Washington, multiple time winner of the road racing Grand Prix. He was, as an open runner, the equivalent of Kasie Enman today, and he's 10 yards ahead of me on the track, with 600 to go. My addled brain with lack of oxygen is having trouble analyzing the territory I'm in. I'm battling Terry McNatt, and chasing Dave Dunham? That can't be right.
I'm holding pace, but it is not enough. Terry comes back around with 400 to go, and I can't match his kick, I've spent it all getting to this point, a few more pass in the last 200 and I have no response. Still I close in even pace, just with no acceleration left. 10:19 reads on the clock and I'm happy. I've battled Terry down to the last 400, and came within smelling distance of Dave. All while running very even splits, nearly every 400 in the 1:22 range.
The last time I ran this fast for 3k was 2002 9:55, 14 years ago. I think this is better.