Notes
Cold and raw morning. Just feel pretty tired and while I would like to think I had a nice taper for the race by skipping Boston, the lack of sleep over the past week, including last night, took a pretty big toll.
Race started about 10 minutes late due to fire dept activity on the course. When it finally did start, moved into the front after about 1/4 mile and the few sprinters were out of energy. Part of me was hoping that a sub 16 may have been possible due to the extended rest, but at the same time I knew the lack of sleep would have a significant impact. Mile 1 on the garmin came in at 5:13, but was several seconds later before I hit the actual marker. Who knows if the course was actually measured accurately or certified. This was an alteration of the An Ras Mor course. Basically it started where the old An Ras Mor course began (but about 100 yards back), did the loop around the Asgard before heading down Mass Ave. Instead of heading out into Harvard Square at the Mass Ave split, instead the course turned left directly onto Putnam then finished the way the An Ras Mor course now does.
Being in the lead, I didnt want to obsess with the watch so after the mile 1 split, I dont think I looked at it again. I probably should have if I wanted to push towards the 16:00 but I wasnt really feeling it today, instead my focus was hanging onto the lead. I could hear one runner hanging off my shoulder the entire race, wondering when he would make his move. As we finally made the last turn towards the finish line, he hadnt yet kicked but I did into the finish. Far from a PR today, but I'll still take it. It's hard to feel bad when you get a win and who knows how many more of those I'll have in my future, I need to enjoy them while I can still get them.
Received a nice batch of flowers in the finishers chute, which I brought home to James. Did a quick cooldown and then bailed on the party so I could head home. Feel good about the win, wish it were faster but I'll still take it.