Notes
Eastern State Breakout 5k. Decided to run first mile with Stacy to prevent starting too fast. First mile was 10:18; a little too slow, but felt very easy and not winded at all after a couple minutes. At one mile mark decided to speed up because I wasn't on pace. Two-mile split was 19:58, so second split was 9:40 pace. Final time was 30:12, which would mean the last 1.1 miles were 9:18 pace. Not sure if I believe that, though. Didn't feel like I was moving that fast. I think the two-mile station might have been further out than 2 miles. Anyway, lost some time at the start because of a lot of people crowded into a narrow space, and might have sprinted more if I knew the finish line was coming. But even if I had managed under 30, it wouldn't have been by very much so the time is still representative.
Feel good. Don't feel as spent as after some of the races, though that could mean I should have ran harder. Still figuring out this pacing thing.
Course notes: Run around the Eastern State Penitentiary, around Girard College campus. Pretty. One hill, a few other inclines. First mile marked well. Second mile indicated by staffer although unsure if it was correct. No other markers until finish line, so need to be aware of for pacing. Attractive T-shirt. Breakfast served afterward. Registration via Active.com.
Am probably going to need to increase my miles to see any significant improvement. But that's fine.
Weather notes: My first "cold" race since, well, probably high school? Wasn't sure how to dress. Thought I might want to run in short sleeves and had a short sleeved shirt on with a regular terry jacket, capri pants. However, it was cold and I ended up running with the jacket on. Would have been better to run in the performance shirt. Should have worn gloves too. Capris were fine during the race, though chilly afterward.
Preparation notes: A light running week this week. Not sure what impact may have had. Legs felt a little shaky at start but were quickly fine. Had phlegmy cough in the car and worried about it but was fine during race. Should have stayed on allergy meds, though. Got up a little later than I had hoped and ate some oatmeal and tea about one hour before race time. Was okay. Got a little bit of a cramp but was able to keep going and it went away.