Notes
Race - 5K - New PR, 18:36 chip time
Although the first race of the year, I had very high hopes for this race. My nerves ran high. First races of the year are always the worst for my nerves, especially in cases where I have put in much work, high expectations. Bere and I took down a few beers the night before just to calm ourselves. For Bere, this was the first race planned since 2007, and also the first race since she has began her running streak. I understood she was feeling in the same state of mind as I myself.
Race morning provided near perfect conditions for April. Race time temperature was estimated at 40 degress with a slight wind of 10 MPH coming out of the north (which I had figured would hit me worst during the mile 1 based on the race course). I took about a mile warmup with strides. My legs felt fairly fresh with only the usual morning sluggishness (not a morning runner).
The entire race course was to cover the bike path in the Deere Grove Forest Preserve located in Palatine IL. This is an ideal place for running and an ideal place for fast times. I was familiar with the course from my Wednesday afternoon run. No hills to speak of, but some gentle rolling terrain but overall flat and fast. The start was tightly packed and I lined up about 6 rows back. I was focusing on easing off the line into a steady pace and avoiding the mad sprint off the line.
I had a general plan for the race: 6:10 for the first mile, slightly faster on mile two down to 6:05, and then hold on mile 3 and see what I had left. I reviewed my notes from last my last race of 2008 prior to the race, and I knew that mile 2 was were I went wrong last year. My goal today was to keep mile 2 fast and hold onto a pace even or slightly faster than mile 1.
At the gun, there was the normal mad off the line sprint but I managed to control myself. I checked my Garmin frequently and slowed up a couple times. I did all of my passing during mile 1 while the field spaced out. I spent mile 2 following about 15 yards behind Jim Hansen, and I tried hard to keep up with him and I came through mile 2 at 12:02. After this, he began to pull away and left me running against time. I was maintaining sub 6:00 pace so I just wanted to hold on. Last half mile was tough, but I had a decent kick up a final incline to the finish. I am very happy with this race effort and looking forward to getting back to training.