Notes
Didn't know what to expect coming in but thought 40:30 could be a possibility. There was about a 15 km/h headwind on the back off. Goal was to follow the 40 minute pace elf, keep relaxed in the first half with the slight tailwind and then just try to hold on in the second half. After about 500m I noticed my pace felt too slow and I was being passed regularly. Decided to pick it up a bit and try to maintain pace with a run crew (Pace & Mind) just ahead. Looked at watch after 1K which confirmed my suspicion; at this point only thought was to run hard at my own pace and not worry about the 40 minute pace elf. It turned out the run crew just ahead were targeting 40 minutes themselves so after a sluggish start I was able to reel them in between 3 and 5K. Was very happy to see my pace improving over these kms as I was still feeling within myself.
Hit the turnaround in 19:57 but still wasn't thinking at this point about a sub 40. I knew my Garmin had measured the first half a bit short so I was closer to 40:00 pace then my watch suggested (Garmin beeped just after turnaround, turns out it measured second half exactly right and first half short). The headwind in TT was noticeable (a lot of runners put up big positive splits) but I kept myself shielded behind the run crew. Luckily they were running pretty even and the times I felt the pace slowing I trusted them enough to not go out into the wind by myself. Legs were starting to feel a bit heavy so was excited to see my pace maintaining around 4:01-4:02. I knew if I could just hold on and save something for the end I might be able to pull out something special. Kms 7-9 actually went by pretty fast as I was just focused on following feet and not looking up to the long road ahead. Once we made it back into Ashbridge's Bay and hit the 9K marker I was really starting to tire so didn't want to kick just yet. I honestly had no idea at this point how close to 40:00 pace I was as my only thoughts were to maintain form and finish strong.
There were a couple of girls ahead that we were gaining on so I focused on them and then with about 300m to go I really started to push. Ended up covering the last 480m at 3:39 pace and last 220m at 3:25 pace. Noticed the finish clock first at 39:43 and realized with a strong kick I could get in under 40. My newfound kick didn't fail and ended up outkicking a couple of guys at the finish.
Was really surprised with the performance as it was only 3 seconds slower than last year and suggests a low 19 5k time. Conditions were a little on the cold side plus there was the headwind in the second half but I couldn't have asked for a better group to run with. Was basically following them from 1K right to the finish. Tucking in behind them negated a lot of the wind plus it kept me very focused on just taking one step at a time and not worrying about my current pace and what awaits ahead. There was quite a bit of yo-yoing in the group which expended some energy but also kept things interesting. Luckily their pace was very consistent because there was no way I would have come in under 40 if I had to set the pace and face the wind on my own.
I plan to continue taking my workouts easier as this strategy has suited me well. After the race there was quite a bit of Achilles and soleus pain in both legs but I didn't really feel any pain during the race. The only thing that slowed me down was a feeling of heavy legs and of course my overall fitness. I feel like this was my strongest race ever even though it may have been possible to push some more from further out. I just didn't want to risk blowing up and honestly would have been happy with anything under 40:30.