Notes
Temp 78 (81) Wind 8-10 mph.
By far, hottest day since last fall and wind will be significant factor for extended periods. All that considered, picture is clear going in. I cannot win this race and best I can do is 2nd in AG. Course is certified. Need a 19:30 to run an age-group qualifying time for state running records list. Think I am in 19:30-19:15 shape, and absent the chance to win, willing to roll the dice and shoot for 19:01 which is 80% age-graded time.
Splits and finish time tell the story: 6:08 / 6:32 / 6:47 / 0:39 (6:21). Chip Time 20:06. 6th Overall and 2nd in 50-54 Age Group.
Much the same as 10K a couple of weeks ago. Things going great, then with a flip of the switch, everything just seemed to lock up physically. Hips, upper quads, groin...turnover just shut off. Got past second mile split and tried to surge three different times and no response. Worst part was trying to kick and only mustering top speed of 9.9 mph (6:04 pace) in last 0.1. Heat and wind aside, on a certified course, you are what you are. Right now, I'm a 20+ guy.
Random Thoughts / Comments:
Waited several hours to let some things sink in. I am actually in my seventh month of this training cycle. Looking back, pretty obvious that I'd peeked back in late February / early March. Was doing well, so went ahead and tried to squeeze a couple more races out of myself. Won one, so not a total loss. However, in running, periodization is a law...not a rule, not a guideline, not a suggestion...its a law. Broke the law and paid for it on the clock. Twice.
Close to record turnout. 6th time to run this race. Have five top ten finishes in a row with last four top six.
Overall, a very memorial and fun day. kehamm comes back, and on barely 20 miles a week drops an 18:02 for third overall and an 82+% age-graded road 5K time. One of his most impressive performances.
Both male and female OA winners former ASU college runners. Met Brian Agee three years ago at this race. And I actually beat him that year :-). Talked a lot before and after race with him, OA Female Chelsea S., Big Frank, and another of their R2R teammates Ryan S. I've said before, most "runners" are really great folks, most "people who run" are d-bags. These guys are "runners" They were having an absolute blast before, after, and during the race.
Sometimes sandbaggers get taken to school. That is all.
Looked at the overall results post-race. All but two top 10 finishers in their 30s. Two (kehamm - 51 and mobramexam - 54) were in their 50s. Made for a cool visual.
Toni got some interesting "kick" photos. Very clear. Not leaning forward, stride looked tight, and feet flopping all over the place. Time to take a step back and get some things fixed. Age will slow me down, but not this much without a big fight. Already have a black eye, so nothing to lose by starting a brawl.
I've re-learned how to keep my shoes tied.
Post-race long run and weight lifting tomorrow, take a few days of butt time, probably put on a couple of pounds, and then get back to business. May take a 4-5 month sabbatical from racing through the hot summer months and come back firing on all cylinders when the temps drop in early fall.