There were huge thunderboomers that shook the house when they came through a 3am this morning, but fortunately the weather stayed cloudy but dry after that, with temps in the low 70s by the time this race started at 11:00. This race is part of our Seacoast Road Race Series, so I arrived at 9am to work at the Series table; answering questions, signing up new participants, confirming Series registration for others. (We registered quite a few people today, and now have over 1,000 people registered for the Series for the first time in our 5-year history - HERE is a recent, flattering column about the Series). I stayed at the table till about 10:30, when I left my partners to go warm up.

 

I lined up a short way back in the field of 2200. This is the 2nd largest 5K in New Hampshire, and it sold out 3 weeks before race day. The course is mostly flat, with just some long gentle inclines along the way. My first mile was fast at 9:53, but I just couldn't Buddy Hackett at that pace. In miles 2 and 3, I kept reminding myself to keep my turnover rate as high as I could but, again, I couldn't hold it, and was too far over 10:00 pace in both miles. I passed some runners, and heard the usual comments about being beaten by a walker (!), but I was trying to stay focused on my pace.

 

My goal for the race was to finish at or under 32:00, and I crossed the mats at 32:03 (10:19 pace) - very similar finish to last week's 5K. I was so close, but I just couldn't make these legs move any faster, at least not today. Maybe I went out too fast. Maybe I hung behind slightly slower runners a few seconds too long instead of passing them immediately. Maybe I did too much yard work yesterday. Maybe I need a racewalking coach - any volunteers?

 

Jay

Hi Jay--I think all the thunderstorms went north and south of us.  just enough to upset the dog.

 

Excellent race once again.  I'd vote for the yardwork.  Too bad it was so close, but you know it's there--you've got several races to go, right?

congrats, Coast, on a fine race!

Hmmmm, maybe an earlier start and more coffee will get that turnover higher.  Great job anyway, you will do it soon!