Notes
Well, I decided to go out in 5:20 and see where I was at. 4 laps in, I was feeling excellent and thought that I would start shooting down 1:19's and speed up to 5:16. However, my body quit on my. I think running strength is a serious issue for me right now, as I was actually sore before the race, and I imagine that it deflated my VDot somewhat. I'm excited to see what I can do when I'm strong. Breaking 16 seems to be a possible goal for this year if things go well.
In terms of the end, I was hurting, my form had collapsed. I was trailing Toby, Spigel, and Matt by 15 meters over the last mile or so, and I had been unable to reestablish contact. I was depleted, but I was continuing to run hard. Somehow, with 450m left, I found it in me to put on some speed, and I past Sam and Toby with enough velocity that they did not retaliate.
At about 300 to go, I caught Matt, and I led him until 50m to go. I knew he was coming. And then I could hear him, but I was dying I tried to turn over faster and couldn't. Suddenly, I remembered the end of some of my high school races, and I took a side step towards lane 2 to block. It bought me an extra moment, but I just couldn't hold Matt off. Then again, I was the one who was hoping this race would come down to me and Matt with 200 to go. Perhaps, I made my wishes come true.
In any case, I have nothing to be ashamed of about this race, and I think it should serve as a confidence boost that I am fit; I could PR on tired legs and atrophied fast-twitch muscle. I didn't realize it, until I was showering, but my right foot was cut, and had been bleeding into my spikes during the race. It happens.
Knee held up find during the race. I would say its like 98% now, but I still need to be careful with the mileage progression as I've been sore for days, but I don't think racing did anything directly to my knee. Wonderful return to racing.