Notes
Framingham Thanksgiving Day 5K
This is an important race for me. I've had unusual experiences at this race. One year I got there tto late to register and had to run unofficial. Another year I was one of the runners who got off course and we ran further than a 5K and last year I blew out my hamstring in the last 200m. So I really wanted to have a great race for my last run here with Mike.
I arrived very early. Last year I got jammed up and only did one stride. I didn't want any hold-ups this time around. I wanted to do a 3 mile warm-up and then some strides and I would be ready. I did 2.5 and had toilet business. I changed into my racing flats and was about to go out for strides when I had to make another pit stop. I heard the guy on the mic say, "two minutes to race." I still thought I would be fine as there was still 200 people in the gym. I was quick, got out and went to the start. I ws shocked as the race had already gone off! So I missed my strides again.
I jumped in and had to fight my way thought the slower runners, wasting energy. I hit the half mile in 3:12 (6:24 pace). I wanted to 2:50-2:55. So I thought, well there goes any change to run a decent time, plus officially I had lost 30 seconds? There was no chip, (or so I thought.)
At this point I almost gave up mentally, but then I thought - "do I want to go out like this?" Running great times is wonderful, but as the coach would say - "don't chase times." It's all about effort anyhow. So i became determined and ran very hard the next half mile (2:52) which got me at 6:04 for one mile. I was able to hang on the rest of the way and even have a decent kick until a 20 year kid smoked me in the last 50m. I used to pride myself that I would never get out kicked and I never did until I hit my late 40's. I've come to terms with the fact that I don't have the 20-30 year old quick blast anymore. :o)
the course was still short (3.07), but closer than last year - 3:02.) I estimated that the 18:17 I ran equates to about a 18:27, which is what I ran at Wakefield which is an easier course, so I feel I am getter fitter.
After I finished I waited to Mike come in. I turned my head a way for a second and I heard... "Frankie!" just as he crossed. It was a tough one for Hovey as he is not in shape yet.