Notes
Age Graded -- 85%
Not sure what to say about this. Splits shown are auto-splits from the Garmin, although I did not look at it at all during the race. I was just out competing.
Warm-up, etc. was good.
Got to the line and JVD made space for me in probably the third or fourth row. We know PB was right on the line, but not much we could do. Really crowded and I was up against the barrier on the left side. On a side comment, then need to re-think having men and women in the same race. Having to have a male and female side just causes way too much crowding into a small area.
The race:
At the horn, I took a step or two and then almost stumbled on a leg of the barrier. Kept on it and just looked for open space. When I found it, had guys just flying by me, but I knew that I was on it! Just let them do what they were doing. 200 meters or so in I saw Brian and he was only about 10 yards in front of me. Am I too fast? Just relax and run. Hit the quarter and the clock says 1:12 -- probably a little fast since this is GUN TIME. It seemed like a tailwind during the warm-up. At this point PB comes into view. Trying to relax and chase. Hoping to close the gap a little bit. I know JVD is behind me, but I am not going to look back. I think he is right on my shoulder though.
Hit the half and the clock is right around 2:32. PB is still in front of me and I decide to try to get up on him. Push hard down the hill and probably get within about 5 meters as we make the left onto West River Road. I am pushing with what I have and am fairly happy to see the clock at 3:43ish at 3/4. Unfortunately, after that I must have gone to jello. PB started pulling away and JVD became very apparent right behind me. With about 200 to go, he went by me and I had no response whatsoever! FRUSTRATED!!! At least at O'Gara's I responded to the move once. Dejectedly finished and started getting pissed.
Takeaways:
-Happy to be faster than last year and happy that I made the effort to get up on PB.
-Dejected that I got dropped like a bad habit!
-Have to remember that I am not really in mile shape and that this is not my goal mile race.
-After Grandma's, need to do some focused mile training if I want to hit 4:55!!!