Notes
Seven months after New Year's, I finally got my second win of the year. Weather conditions were much more favorable this year (last year I think the temps were in the 90's, sunny, and humid) and was able to drop 50 seconds in my finishing time from one year ago. To be fair, last year's winner (Ian Nurse of BAA) won the race in 28:00 so goes to show it's a matter of luck who is there on race day). The course is by no means flat, with lots of rollers for the first 4 miles, but then levels out pretty flat for the last 1+. Hills arent particularly steep or long but enough of them to keep you honest.
With Carver just one week prior, I wanted to at least match that pace (5:26 / mile) if not beat it (5:20 would have been nice). First mile had a few turns that slowed things down slightly, but quickly found myself in a lead pack of four of us, which once you take me out, the average age must have been around 20. I knew one of them was a pretty good college runner but wasnt sure about the other two. Nonetheless, the pace was somewhat conservative gong out compared to last week's USATF race.
First mile was run more of a pack with some minimal shifting around. As we approached the second mile mark, I was just behind in second but noticed that we were slightly off pace. At that point I figured I just wanted to make the move to try to keep the pace closer to my goal, even if it potentially blows up in my face. Made a move approaching a water stop and slid into the lead spot.
The third mile probably has the most hills on the entire course and could hear the rest of the pack on my heals as we hit each hill. Changed up my routine slightly and pushed a little harder on some of the downhills as I could tell the rest of the pack was taking them a little more slowly. Felt comfortable but was questioning whether I could hold off the young guys in the long run.
Made the turn around the 3.5 mile mark towards the flatter part of the course and felt like the rest of the pack couldnt be too far behind. Began to stop looking at my watch and just focussing on just pushing through to the finsh. Picked things up slightly over the last mile to give a little fight for the top spot. Definitely began feeling fatigue and when I hit the final turn with just over 1/4 mile to go, I wouldnt have been surprised if I were to be passed and be unable to counter. As the finish line got closer and I hadnt been passed yet, I put in a pretty good kick to help see if I could keep the gap open just enough. Couldnt tell what the crowds on the side were saying as some seemed to know the person in 2nd or 3rd and I just assumed they were right on my tail.
Crossed the tape just a hair under 28:30. Second place ended up being about 8 seconds back with third even further away. I really thought it was going to be a lot closer but wont complain at all.
Walked away with a first place age group medal (despite winning the race they feel like reminding me that I am now a submaster) plus $100 in cash. I think this may be the first time I've ever walked away with cash in a race.
Overall happy with the win. Tough to ever complain about a first place finish, but definitely would like to get my pace down a little further for this distance. Weather was pretty favorable for the race, so wonder if I just didnt push hard enough during those middle 3 miles, especially the fourth where we start to exit the hills. Since I controlled the pace, noobody to blame but myself. Still though, was feeling good about the day and then enjoyed several post race beers while listening to the live band. Not a bad Saturday.
Overall Place
First Name
Last Name
City
State
Bib Number
Division
Age
Gender
Age Group
Age Group Place
Time
Pace
1
Christopher
Klucznik
Somerville
MA
397
5.25 Miles
30
M
M 30-39
1
28:29
5:26/M
2
John
Lobo
Baltimore
MD
251
5.25 Miles
21
M
M 19-29
1
28:37
5:27/M
3
David
O'gara Jr.
Glenview
IL
235
5.25 Miles
17
M
M 15-18
1
28:50
5:30/M