Notes
Bittersweet day. Last week at this time, I was going on day 7 of cross training unsure if I had a stress fracture, tendonitis, or something else that would keep me from running. Starting on Monday, I went right back into training on what was scheduled to be my highest mileage week before taper. Today capped off a 90 mile week (biggest ever), the day after a hard 22 mile course run. Yesterday was a big debate for me. Ultimately, I concluded that Boston would be more important and after missing a full week of running including my long run, I didn't want to sacrifice another long run for a 5K that looked like would be in miserable wet conditions. So I went hard for part of yesterday knowing that my chance at a 5K PR would likely be a casualty.
Today turned out to be a pretty wet morning. Woke up to terrible downpours and raw conditions. Got to Cambridge in heavy rain and got changed into my warmup clothes about 15 minutes before the women's start. Saw the start of the race with Larissa taking an early lead. At the same time, rain began to taper down to a light drizzle, but still cold. Opted for the arm sleeves and gloves to go with the singlet and shorts. Our race began minutes before the lead women were about to finish. Unfortunately didn't get to see Larissa come in to take the win for the women's race! Very excited for her.
My race was not as fun. Got off to a good start. About 0.5 miles in, saw Pick up again and began to close the gap. Mile one game in at 5:12, which signaled the initial concern. My main 5K goal is to break 16, starting off with a 5:12 isn't quite enough to get there (not far off though but after a hard day right before it would be a challenge to maintain). As we made the turn in Harvard Square, me and a Whirlaway guy began to lose the pack. I probably should have ditched him and went with the group, but I myself was feeling the pace. We turned to Putnam and Pick and the rest of the pack were stretching us out. Not too long after, Keefe came blowing by. Wasn't even a case of him pulling even and slowly gapping us, it was like I was standing still. Not a good sign.
Mile 2 came in at 5:22, the 16:00 5K was now completely lost. My legs were toast and now it was just time to hang on. Just after passing River Street Alex slipped by on the far left side of the road and 1/4 of a mile later, Robert came out of nowhere to pass. I tucked in with them (Alex now had a pretty good break on me) but just didn't have it in me to finish with a hard kick.
We turned onto Brookline and I stayed with Robert, slowly reeling Alex back in. I got trapped a couple of times, probably a signal I should have made a second wind move a little earlier but my confidence and energy were lost. Made the last turn and passed Robert. A BAA guy sprinted out of nowhere to pass and I made a kick to get back in front. Finished with a disappointing 16:33.
Not terrible a day after good long run and after being unsure of my health to run Boston, but not even in the ballpark of my 5K goal. Just not even close.
Finished 4th for SRR behind Pick, Keefe, and Alex. Not quite what I hoped for today, but my foot held up and got in a good run yesterday so cant complain too much. Without the week off, would have been more willing to go easy yesterday's long run but couldn't afford to lose another training week for this race. Starting to look like a 16:00 5K may just not be in the cards. Going back a few weeks, figured this would have been a great shot with at least a sub 16:20. Humbled once again today.