Notes
First official attempt at a mile. Was aiming for something around 5:35-5:40 but didn't really know what to expect. Was a hot day and there was some headwind on the home stretch so conditions weren't ideal. Was placed in the slow heat with guys mostly aiming around 6:00 so knew I would be near the front from the start. After the gun went off I quickly slotted into second position on the rail. Went through the first lap in about 85 so a little on the fast side. Was itching to pass the leader on the backstretch but was worried about leading into the wind so stayed tucked in behind him. I was able to make a move coming don the homestretch as another guy moved into first so I slotted in behind him I should have been more aggressive on the second lap as it was closer to 90 seconds coming through 809 in about 2:55. Tried to up the pace a bit on the third lap but was having trouble staying with the new leader as we came down the homestretch. Third lap was about an 86 coming through in 4:21. Was still feeling timid at this point fearing blowing up as I let another guy come through and gap me pretty quickly. Only really started pushing hard the last 100m or so and finished 3rd with an 81 for a final time of 5:42. Definitely should have pushed sooner as my breathing really only accelerated in the last 150m maybe. Didn't feel destroyed after the race either so I knew I had a better time in me with better pacing and a more aggressive approach. Overall happy with the effort though as I was finally able to register a sub 6 mile.