Notes
Temp 43 Wind 2 mph.
Only eleven entries. Are you kidding me? Ass-hats have killed the local running scene. RD pulled me aside after the race and asked what the problem was. Told him the truth.
Only planned on going hard enough to win anyways. Cruise out and start chatting up JG on the lead-bike about high school football. Gets distracted and turns us around on the roundabout in City Park rather than going all the way to Brookside. I'm thinking maybe they changed the course again? Ask him where we're going as we start to head back. Someone at water station stops us and gives him directions. We get back between the lines and carry on.
Get to the "real" turnaround and decide to focus on running with strict form on the way back. Between this morning's neighborhood strides, pre-race warm up strides, and faster pace running in general, had noticed my coordination is crap. Turnover was hitting 6:10 - 5:50, but would feel choppy and like I was stomping at times. Fit, but not sharp and in very good race shape. Know the recent stress is weighing on my training / recovery also.
Much smoother coming back than going out. Cardio fitness never fully tested. Full mile spits: 6:50 / 7:00 with the course mishap / 6:42 / and average 6:06 for the kick which included the short steep incline up to the stadium gate.
1st OA by probably close to a full mile? CBEGM adds two OA wins to the books in as many weeks. Got my 58-year old OA win out of the way quick again. Rest of year is gravy.